The two extreme points of difference in the Linnaean kingfishers, are seen in the _Alcedo Ispida_, and _A. gigantea_; the last of which has been made into the genus _Dacelo_. It will, nevertheless, be found, that from among the birds left in the old genus, there are a great number, (of which, indeed, this bird is a striking example,) which are much nearer allied to _Dacelo_ than to _Alcedo_, where they now stand. It will appear, therefore, more natural to consider _Halcyon_ and _Dacelo_ as one genus--which may be called by either name, but which must be distinguished by the characters herein given to _Halcyon_, inasmuch as the generic definition of _Dacelo_ (founded on one bird) will be found too restricted to comprehend all. Total length ten inches; bill two and a half from the gape, and one and a half from the nostrils; the tip of the upper mandible with a slight inclination downwards, and with an appearance of a notch; the whole head, neck, and under plumage, of a delicate fawn colour; under wing covers the same; the remaining upper plumage, with the wings and tail, changeable blue green; ears sea green and dusky, united to a narrow black nuchal collar; wings four inches long, and the tail, which is even, three and a quarter; the hind head is slightly crested, and the feet pale brown. * * * * * Pl. 68 [Illustration] POGONIAS rubrifrons, _Red-fronted Toothbill._ * * * * * GENERIC CHARACTER. _Rostrum mediocre, crassum, validum, basi latiore quam altiore, vibrissis longis incumbentibus tecta, lateribus ultra basin compressis, culmine arcuato, subcarinato; mandibulae superioris margine dentibus 1 vel 2 armato, mandibulae inferioris marginem obtegente. Nares approximantes, parvae, rotundae, per rostri basin perforatae. Pedes scansorii, digitis posticis versatilibus._ Typus Genericus _Bucco Dubius_ Lath. Bill moderate, thick, strong, the base broader than high, with long incumbent bristles, the sides beyond compressed, the top arched, and slightly carinated; upper mandible with one or two strong teeth on each side, the margin folding over that of the lower mandible; nostrils approximating, small, round, perforated through the base of the bill. Feet scansorial. Hind toe versatile. Generic Type _Doubtful Barbut_ Lath. * * * * * SPECIFIC CHARACTER. _P. niger; sincipite juguloque rubris; alis et cauda fuscis; tegminum margine externo albo, remigum fulvo._ Glossy black; forepart of the head and throat red; wings and tail brown; external margin of the covers white, and of the quills yellow. * * * * *