GREEN TODY. 
Todies viridis, Linnaeus. 
VIGNETTE. 
Above parrot-green ; beneath yellowish- white ; under tail- 
covers yellow ; chin and throat with a lengthened patch of 
bright scarlet ; sides of the breast rosy. 
Todus viridis, Linn., And.; Edwards , PI. 121; PI. Enl. 585 
(fig. pess.); Desmarest , N. H. Tanag. et Tod. PI. 67 (fig. 
op.) ; Zool. 111. ii. PI. 66. 
Tnis is the most beautiful of all the Todies, and, 
among the whole of this family, only yields in 
richness of colouring to the Monacha chrysomela. The 
natural history of this bird, differing so remarkably 
in colour from all its congeners, must possess great 
peculiarities ; hut, unfortunately, the meagre notices 
that we yet possess on its habits and economy are 
very slight, and in some respects contradictory. It 
is said to build its nest on the ground, either on a 
tuft of grass or in the open fissures ; a statement we 
do not credit, seeing that such situations are never 
chosen by birds which have not their feet con- 
structed for walking. The remark, that, when at 
rest, it always sits with the head and hill pointing 
