29 
for the purpose of nidification, and the other building a clay nest 
similar to those constructed by the martins of Europe and America. 
53. Chelidon arborea. 
Collocalia arborea, Gould Vol. II. PL 14. 
54. Chelidon Ariel. 
Collocalia Ariel, Gould . . Vol. II. PI. 15. 
Family MEROPID^l. 
Genus Merops. 
India and Africa may be said to be the great nursery of this 
lovely group of birds ; one species of which, common in the southern 
parts of Europe, is beautifully represented in Australia by the 
Merops ornatus, the only species inhabiting that country. 
55. Merops ornatus, Lath Vol. II. PI. 16. 
Family ? 
Genus Eurystomus. 
One species of this genus is found in Australia, and others inhabit 
India and Africa. They are closely allied to the Rollers, and not 
very distantly related to the Halcyons. 
56. Eurystomus Australis, Swains Vol. II. PI. 17. 
Family H ALC Y ONID^E. 
Genus Dacelo. 
The members of the genus Dacelo comprise the largest species 
of the great family of the Halcyonidce , and form a conspicuous 
portion of the ornithology of Australia ; but remarkably enough are 
confined to the south-eastern and northern portions of the country, 
the south-western parts being uninhabited by any species of this 
group. I believe that water is not essential to their existence, and 
that they seldom or never drink. They feed almost exclusively upon 
animal substances, small quadrupeds, birds, snakes, lizards, and 
insects of every kind being equally acceptable. 
Three species inhabit Australia. 
57. Dacelo gigantea Vol. II. PI. 18. 
Inhabits the south-eastern portion of Australia, from South 
Australia to Moreton Bay. 
58. Dacelo Leachii, Vig. and Horsf. .... Vol. II. PI. 19. 
Inhabits the north-eastern portion of Australia, and is common 
at Port Essington. 
59. Dacelo cervina, Gould Vol. II. PI. 20. 
Inhabits the north-western parts of Australia, particularly the 
Cobourg Peninsula. 
In his ‘Journal of an Overland Expedition from Moreton Bay to 
Port Essington,’ Dr. Leichardt states that when near the Gulf of 
