BEAUTIFUL BIRDS. 
®tE-cnters imlj StoiiUotos. 
nssmosTRES. 
The birds now under consideration are distinguished 
from the Dentirostres by a very wide gape, together 
with a weak conformation of legs and feet ; and further 
by their extraordinary powers of flight, and by feeding 
exclusively (the typical flnnilies at least) upon insects, 
which they capture during their flight. So little 
occasion have they to use their feet, that these 
members appear modified and diminished to the 
utmost extent, and only capable of serving as ^ 
support to the body when at rest. A great diversity 
of structure is, however, observed among the difierent 
groups of perching birds which constitute the division 
J^issirostres. The whole tribe is divided into the 
following families, namely, Meropidce, or Bee-eaters ; 
Ilirundiiiidce, or Swallows ; Caprimulgidce^ or Groat- 
suckers; Trogonidce, or Trogons; and Ilalcyonidcd, 
or Kingfishers. 
The connecting links between the Meropidcd and 
the IlmcicapidcB (Flycatchers) appear to be the 
genera Giibernetes on the side of the last-named 
family, and Eitrgstoniics on that of the Bee-eaters. 
The latter genus contains the Swallow-rollers of 
India, Africa, and Australia, splendilyd clothed in 
sea-green and vivid blue plumage. To these succeed 
the tKie Boilers {Coracias), natives of the Eastern con- 
tinent, with splendid plumage and, generally speaking 
yOL. II. E 
