HALCYON SENEGALOIDES. 
third, fourth, and fifth quill feathers longest, and nearly of the same length, 
the second and sixth slightly shorter, the first about half an inch shorter than 
the longest. Tail square or in the slightest degree rounded. Legs and toes 
slender, the inner and hinder toes about half as long as the middle toe, the 
latter rather longer than the outer toe, to which it is closely united as far as the 
second joint. 
DIMENSIONS. 
Inches. 
Lines. 
Inches. 
Lines. 
Length from the point of the bill to 
Length of the tarsus 
0 
7 
the tip of the tail 
9 
4 
of the outer toe 
0 
8 
of the bill from the angle of 
of the middle toe 
0 
9 
the mouth 
2 
6 
of the inner toe 
0 
5 
of the wings when folded 
4 
3 
of the hinder toe 
0 
4J 
of the tail 
2 
10 
If ever it shall be satisfactorily established that locality is capable of modifying the colours or 
size of animal beings, and of perpetuating those in all the individuals of the species within 
a certain limit, then we shall find no difficulty in incorporating Halcycon Senegalensis ( Alcedo 
Senegalensis, — Lin.) with the bird here described. Until it be shown, however, that climate has 
that power, and until we are made acquainted with the groupes over which it possesses the in- 
fluence, we are not disposed to admit the propriety of classing together any two beings which 
are, as far as general appearances are concerned, very similar, yet which are constantly and 
palpably different, in regard to certain points. We have, for instance, in Southern Africa, many 
birds which are identically the same with others found in Sierra Leone, but in these we perceive 
no marked differences, either in their colouring or proportions, that is, none greater than are found 
to exist among the individuals of either locality viewed by themselves. In other cases, again, we 
have birds in South Africa bearing a strong general resemblance to species which are inhabitants 
of Western Africa, yet, at the same time presenting certain permanent peculiarities not essential 
apparently either to the interests or well-being of the birds, and though trifling, they are never- 
theless so manifest as to permit of their being made available characters for distinguishing the 
birds of the one locality from those of the other. 
The general resemblance between our bird and H. Senegalensis is striking ; the bill, how- 
ever, of the former, is entirely red ; while, on the other hand, the lower mandible of the latter 
is always black or brownish red ; the general colours of our bird are also much brighter; the 
size of the South African bird is greater, that of the bill much greater. 
Like the other known species of the groupe, II. Senegaloides, resorts to thickets, and feeds 
upon insects, especially Crustacea and gryllce. 
