538 
PERCHING BIRDS. 
ranging from the lower spurs of the Himalaya, through Burma and Siam, to 
Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. 
The type of the genus Eurylcemus has the bill broader than the head, the under 
mandible being very thin, particularly at the base; while the nostrils are basal, the 
primaries are slightly graduated, the tail short and rounded, and the feet moder¬ 
ately strong. These broadbills are found in the forests of tropical India, as well as 
those of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Among the species the figured Javan 
broadbill (Eurylcemus javanicus ) was discovered upwards of ninety years ago 
by Dr. Horsfield in the eastern extremity of the island from which it takes its name. 
Sir Stamford Raffles found it frequenting the banks of rivers and lakes, feeding 
upon worms and insects ; and it seems partial to the neighbourhood of water, building 
its nest in its aquatic haunts, often overhanging a pool. It is generally found in 
situations difficult of access, such as are covered with extensive forests, and are in¬ 
tersected with marshes and rivers. The plumage of the head, sides of the neck, 
and under-parts is violet, varying in intensity. The forehead is nearly black ; the 
upper neck brown; the wings deep blackish brown, varied with yellow; the tail- 
coverts yellow, the feathers being black at the base ; while the central tail-feathers 
are black, and the outer ones are black, with a white transverse band near the 
extremity. 
The Pittas. 
Family PiTTIDJE. 
The pittas, or Old World ant-thrushes, are distinguished by the structure of 
the syrinx and the form of the wing, the first primary of the latter being of large 
size instead of being nearly suppressed, as in the other Passerines with ten primaries. 
They are birds of lovely plumage, blue and crimson adorning many of the species. 
The pittas are most abundant in the forests of the Malay Archipelago, especially 
in the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. The blue-naped pitta inhabits the Himalaya 
from Nipal to Assam; while the fulvous pitta is found in the ever-green forests 
of the hills of Pegu; and Sumatra is the home of the giant pitta. The rainbow 
pitta of Australia is a beautiful bird, golden green above with bright metallic blue 
shoulders, velvety black head and throat, and crimson abdomen ; but the Malayan 
pittas are the most gorgeous of the family. Strange to say, a single species of 
pitta is found in West Africa. 
The typical pittas (Pitta) possess no crests of elongated feathers, 
• Pitt js, _ _ # _ ill • •*! • 
but are plain-headed, having a strong, thrush-like bill, gradually 
curved; while the wings are of moderate size, the first and second quills being 
but slightly graduated. The tail is very short, almost hid by the coverts, and 
may be broad and rounded or narrow and pointed. The feet are very long, and 
adapted to a terrestrial life; for the pittas pass most of their existence on the 
ground in the midst of dense jungle. They rarely fly long distances, except on 
migration, but their flight is strong and well sustained. These pittas may be 
regarded as the most characteristic birds of Borneo, where six species are found, 
three of the number being peculiar to the island. Of Ussher’s pitta, Mr. Whitehead 
says : “ The bright scarlet breast when turned towards one is not easily distinguished 
