Zoological Illustrations Series II/Plate 47



To Dr. Horsfield, one of the most successful and scientific investigators of Oriental Zoology, we are indebted for the first discovery, in Java, of this charming bird. Of its economy nothing is as yet known; but the uncommon length of its wings, indicate its possessing the utmost rapidity of flight. Another, and a much larger species, is among the Ornithological treasures discovered in the Eastern Archipelago by my estimable friend M. Lesson, and which he has already communicated to the public. A third is the Cypselus Comatus, of M. M. Temminck and Laugier.

The peculiar structure of these birds oblige us to consider them as forming a natural group, intermediate between the typical Swifts, and the Swallows. To the first they are allied by their strong scansorial feet; to the latter by the length and fixed position of the hind toe, and the depression of the bill.

We suppose that the figure of the Hirondille longipennes, in the Planches Coloriées, (pl. 83), is intended to represent this species; if so, it is incorrect, both in drawing, proportion, colouring, and detail.