Subfamily B R A C H Y P T E R A C 11 N .E. 
Genus BRACHYPTERACIAS. 
Colaris, Less, (nec Cuv.), Illustr. Zool. pi. 20 (1832). Type Colaris hptosomus. 
Brachypteracias, Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 183L clii. pi. 31. Type C. leptosomus, Less. 
Chloropyga, Swainson, Classif. of B, ii. p. 333 (1837). Type C, leptosomus, Less. 
Atelornis, Pucheran^ Rev. Zool. 1846, p. 193, partim. 
Geobiastes, Sharpe, Ibis, 1871, p. 281. Type B. squamigera, Lafresnaye. 
Hab. Madagasear. 
Rostro longo, validiuseulo, decurvato, hamato : alis brevibus, remigibus quarta et quinta longissimis, prima 1" quam 
secunda et fere 2" quam quarta breviore : cauda long^, rotundat4: pedibus longis, robustis. 
Bill long and stout, corvine in shape; culmen rounded and slightly hooked at the tip; nostrils 
near the base of the upper mandible and covered by bristly feathers; a bare space behind the eye. 
Wings short and broad, the fourth and fifth quills longest, the first quill 1 inch shorter than the 
second and nearly 2 inches shorter than the fourth. Tail long, rounded. Tarsus stout, elongated, 
scutellated in front; feet anisodactyle, the outer toe united to the middle toe at the extreme base; 
claws moderately stout, curved, compressed, acute. Sexes similar in coloration.—Type Brachypteracias 
leptosomus. 
The present genus contains only two species, and is confined to Madagascar. In their habits they 
are terrestrial, only occasionally perching on low trees, and inhabit the dense forest: by some explorers 
they are said to be seldom seen during the daytime, but only early in the morning and late in the 
evening. Their flight is heavy and spasmodic, and they are not often seen on the wing. Nothing 
definite is yet known respecting their nidification. They feed on insects and small reptiles. 
