FALCO LIMN.EETUS. 
is acute and lengthened. The cutting edges of the upper mandible are deeply emar- 
ginate ; the lower mandible is entire, and the point obliquely truncated. The cere 
is rather narrow. The nostrils are large, oval, and transversely disposed. The 
wings are shorter than the tail. The quill feathers, from the first to the sixth, are 
notched internally, and from the second to the seventh externally ; the first is short; 
the second and third increase successively ; the fourth and fifth are nearly equal, and 
longer than the others ; from the fifth they gradually decrease in length. The legs 
are somewhat elevated, and the tarsi are closely covered with plumes to the extre- 
mity. The anterior claws are small, and nearly of equal size on all the toes ; the 
claw of the hind toe is slightly enlarged. 
The general colour of the Falco Limnseetus is dark brown : this covers every 
part except the base of the tail underneath, the eyes, the bill, and the feet and claws. 
It is deeper on the summit of the head, and on the extremity of the quill and tail 
feathers. In a certain position towards the light, the colour has a fulvous lustre. 
The tail consists of twelve feathers, which underneath are white at the base, and 
throughout nearly two-thirds of their length* The irides are yellow. The eye is sur- 
rounded by a space of a brown colour, on which the plumes are scattered very 
sparingly. The cere is blueish. 
The Falco Limnseetus is described by M. Temminck, in the 23d Livraison of 
the new Series of coloured Plates of Birds, with the appropriate denomination of 
Autour Unicolore, and Mr. T. has preserved, for the systematic name, that which 
was given to our bird in the Catalogue of Javanese Birds, contained in the XHIth 
Volume of the Transactions of the Linnean Society. It was not till after the drawing 
which illustrates this article had been completed, that I had an opportunity of con- 
suiting M. Temminck's description. This distinguished Ornithologist, whose remarks 
are always in the highest degree instructive, has entered into some discussion regard- 
ing the identity of the Falco Limnseetus and the Falco niveus, a new species like- 
wise from Java ; and he has suspended his final decision until he should receive 
further information by remarks made on the spot. The facts which fell under my 
own notice, support the opinion that they are really distinct. Although the Falco 
niveus is not contained in the Catalogue above mentioned, I had an opportunity of 
observing its manners, and attending to the changes of its plumage, during many 
months that I had an individual in confinement A careful drawing was also pre- 
pared ; but as, by an accidental oversight, no specimen was prepared, the bird was 
not included in the Catalogue, which embraces those subjects only which are arranged 
in the Museum at the India House. The history of this bird I propose to give in 
