HALCYONES.
Plumage glossy and close lying ; primaries is, 1st small ; tail feathers usually 12; tarsus short ; feet anisodactyl, 3 toes in front and I behind, 3rd and 4th united for greater part of their length, znd and 3rd at basal joint only ; head large, bill long and straight ; nest in tunnels ; eggs white, rounded.