Order XVI
Macrochires. - GOATSUCKERS, SWIFTS, and HUMMINGBIRDS. Feet very small and weak; bill short and small and mouth large, or bill long and exceedingly slender and mouth small; wings generally long and pointed.
A. Size comparatively large; plumage variegated, black and brown; middle toe-nail with a comblike edge. Family Caprimulgidæ : NIGHTHAWKS, WHIP-POOR-WILLS, etc. (Fig. 38), p. 236. B. Size medium; plumage sooty black; no comb on the middle toenail; tips of the tail-feathers with spines. Family Micropodidœ: SWIFTS (Fig. 39), p. 239.
C. Size very small; upper parts shining green; bill long and slender. Family Trochilidæ: HUMMINGBIRDS (Fig. 40), p. 240.
KEY TO FAMILIES.