Listing of Royal Octavo Birds by Family - Audubon House Gallery of Natural History

Listing of Plates by Family

Click on the Family or Genus name to read J.J. Audubon's notes. Click on the Plate Number to see a thumbnail of that print, or click on the Image Name to see the details about that bird, including Audubon's notes.

Family I - Vulturinae (Vulturine Birds, or Vultures)

Genus I - Cathartes, Illiger. (Turkey-Vulture)

Family II - Falconinae (Falconine Birds)

Genus I - Polyborus, Vieill. (Caracara)

Plate No. 4 - Caracara Eagle

Genus II - Buteo, Bechst. (Buzzard)

Genus III - Aquila, Briss. (Eagle)

Plate No. 12 - Golden Eagle

Genus IV - Haliaetus, Sav. (Sea-Eagle)

Genus V - Pandion, Sav. (Osprey)

Plate No. 15 - Common Osprey Fish Hawk

Genus VI - Elanus, Sav. (Elanus)

Plate No. 16 - Black-shouldered Elanus

Genus VII - Ictinia, Viellot. (Kite)

Plate No. 17 - Mississippi Kite

Genus VIII - Nauclerus, Vig. (Swallow-tailed Hawk)

Plate No. 18 - Swallow-tailed Hawk

Genus IX - Falco, Linn. (Falcon)

Genus X - Astur, Cuv. (Hawk)

Genus XI - Circus, Bechst. (Harrier)

Plate No. 26 - Common Harrier

Family III - Striginae (Owls)

Genus I - Surnia, Dumeril. (Day-Owl)

Genus II - Ulula. (Night-Owl)

Genus III - Strix, Linn. (Screech-Owl)

Plate No. 34 - Barn Owl

Genus IV - Syrnium, Cuv. (Hooting-Owl)

Genus V - Otus, Cuv. (Eared-Owl)

Genus VI - Bubo, Cuvier. (Horned-Owl)

Family IV - Caprimulginae (Goatsuckers)

Genus I - Caprimulgus, Linn. (Goatsucker)

Genus II - Chordeiles, Swains. (Night-hawk)

Plate No. 43 - Night Hawk

Family V - Cypselinae (Swifts)

Genus I - Choetura, Stephens. (Spine-tail)

Plate No. 44 - American Swift

Family VI - Hirundinae (Swallows)

Genus I - Hirundo, Linn. (Swallow)

Family VII - Muscicapinae (Flycatchers)

Genus I - Milvulus, Swains. (Swallow-tail)

Genus II - Muscicapa, Swains. (Flycatcher)

Genus III - Ptilogonys, Swains. (Ptilogonys)

Plate No. 69 - Townsend's Ptilogonys

Genus IV - Culicivora, Swains. (Gnat-catcher)

Plate No. 70 - Blue-grey Flycatcher

Family VIII - Sylvicolinae (Wood-Warblers)

Genus I - Myiodoctes, Aud. (Flycatching-Warbler)

Genus II - Sylvicola, Swains. (Wood-Warbler)

Genus III - Trichas, Swains. (Ground-Warbler)

Genus IV - Helinaia, Aud. (Swamp-Warblers)

Genus V - Mniotilta, Vieill. (Creeping-Warbler)

Plate No. 114 - Black-and-white Creeping Warbler

Family IX - Certhianae (Creepers)

Genus I - Certhia, Linn. (Tree-Creeper)

Plate No. 115 - Brown Tree-creeper

Genus II - Troglodytes, Cuv. (Wren)

Family X - Parinae (Tits)

Genus I - Parus, Linn. (Tit)

Family XI - Sylvianae (Warblers)

Genus I - Regulus, Cuv. (Kinglet)

Genus II - Sialia, Swains. (Blue-Bird)

Family XII - Turdinae (Thrushes)

Genus I - Cinclus, Bechst. (Dipper)

Plate No. 137 - American Dipper

Genus II - Orpheus, Swains. (Mocking-Bird)

Genus III - Turdus, Linn. (Thrush)

Family XIII - Motacillinae (Wagtails)

Genus I - Seiurus, Swains. (Wood-Wagtails)

Genus II - Anthus, Bechst. (Pipit)

Plate No. 150 - American Pipit or Titlark

Family XIV - Alaudinae (Larks)

Genus I - Alauda, Linn. (Lark)

Plate No. 151 - Shore Lark

Family XV - Fringillinae (Finches)

Genus I - Plectrophanes, Meyer. (Lark-Bunting)

Genus II - Emberiza, Linn. (Bunting)

Genus III - Niphaea, Aud. (Snow-Bird)

Genus IV - Spiza, Bonap. (Painted-Bunting)

Genus V - Ammodramus, Swains. (Shore-Finch)

Genus VI - Peucaea, Aud. (Pinewood-Finch)

Genus VII - Linaria, Ray. (Linnet)

Genus VIII - Carduelis, Cuv. (Goldfinch)

Genus IX - Fringilla, Linn. (Finch)

Genus X - Pipilo, Vieill. (Ground-Finch)

Genus XI - Erythrospiza, Bonap. (Purple-Finch)

Genus XII - Corythus, Cuv. (Pine-Finch)

Plate No. 199 - Common Pine-finch

Genus XIII - Loxia, Linn. (Crossbill)

Genus XIV - Corydalina, Aud. (Lark-Finch)

Plate No. 202 - Prairie Lark-Finch

Genus XV - Pitylus, Cuvier. (Cardinal Grosbeak)

Plate No. 203 - Common Cardinal Grosbeak

Genus XVI - Coccoburus, Swains. (Song-Grosbeak)

Genus XVII - Coccothraustes, Briss. (Grosbeak)

Plate No. 207 - Evening Grosbeak

Genus XVIII - Pyranga, Vieill. (Summer Red-Bird)

Family XVI - Agelainae (Marsh Black-Birds)

Genus I - Dolichonix, Swains. (Rice-Bird)

Plate No. 211 - Wandering Rice-bird

Genus II - Molothrus, Swains. (Cow-bird)

Plate No. 212 - Common Cow-bird

Genus III - Agelaius, Swains. (Marsh-blackbird)

Genus IV - Icterus, Briss. (Hang-nest)

Genus V - Quiscalus, Vieill. (Crow-blackbird)

Family XVII - Sturninae (Starlings)

Genus I - Sturnella, Vieill. (Meadow Starling)

Plate No. 223 - Meadow Starling or Meadow Lark

Family XVIII - Corvinae (Crows)

Genus I - Corvus, Linn. (Crow)

Genus II - Pica, Briss. (Magpie)

Genus III - Garrulus, Briss. (Jay)

Genus IV - Nucifraga, Briss. (Nutcracker)

Plate No. 235 - Clarke's Nutcracker

Family XIX - Laniinae (Shrikes)

Genus I - Lanius, Linn. (Shrike, or Butcher-bird)

Family XX - Vireoninae (Greenlets)

Genus I - Vireo, Vieill. (Greenlet)

Family XXI - Piprinae (Manakins)

Genus I - Icteria, Vieill. (Chat)

Plate No. 244 - Yellow-breasted Chat

Family XXII - Ampelinae (Chatterers)

Genus I - Bombycilla, Briss. (Waxwing)

Family XXIII - Sittinae (Nuthatches)

Genus I - Sitta, Linn. (Nuthatch)

Family XXIV - Trochilinae (Humming-birds)

Genus I - Trochilus, Linn. (Humming-bird)

Genus II - Selasphorus, Swains. (Ruffed-humming-bird)

Plate No. 254 - Ruff-necked Humming bird

Family XXV - Alcedinae (Kingfishers)

Genus I - Alcedo, Linn. (Kingfisher)

Plate No. 255 - Belted Kingfisher

Family XXVI - Picinae (Woodpeckers)

Genus I - Picus, Linn. (Woodpecker)

Family XXVII - Cuculinae (Cuckoos)

Genus I - Coccyzus, Vieill. (American Cuckoo)

Family XXVIII - Psittacinae (Parrots)

Genus I - Centurus, Kuhl. (Parakeet)

Plate No. 278 - Carolina Parrot or Parrakeet

Family XXIX - Columbinae (Pigeons)

Genus I - Columba, Linn. (Dove)

Genus II - Ectopistes, Swains. (Long-tailed Dove)

Family XXX - Pavoninae (Pavonine Birds)

Genus I - Meleagris, Linn. (Turkey)

Family XXXI - Perdicinae (Partridges)

Genus I - Orthyx, Steph. (American Partridge)

Family XXXII - Tetraoninae (Grouse)

Genus I - Tetrao, Linn. (Grouse)

Genus II - Lagopus. (Ptarmigan)

Family XXXIII - Rallinae (Rails)

Genus I - Galinula, Briss. (Gallinule)

Genus II - Fulica, Linn. (Coot)

Plate No. 305 - American Coot

Genus III - Ortygometra, Leach. (Crake-Gallinule)

Genus IV - Rallus, Linn. (Rail)

Genus V - Aramus, Vieill. (Courlan)

Plate No. 312 - Scolopaceous Courlan

Family XXXIV - Gruinae (Cranes)

Genus I - Grus, Briss. (Crane)

Family XXXV - Charadriinae (Plovers)

Genus I - Charadrius, Linn. (Plover)

Genus II - Aphriza, Aud. (Surf-bird)

Plate No. 322 - Townsend's Surf Bird

Genus III - Stretsilas, Illiger. (Turnstone)

Plate No. 323 - Turnstone

Genus IV - Haemotopus. (Oyster-catcher)

Family XXXVI - Scolopacinae (Snipes)

Genus I - Tringa, Linn. (Sandpiper)

Genus II - Phalaropus, Briss. (Phalarope)

Plate No. 339 - Red Phalarope

Genus III - Lobipes, Cuv. (Lobefoot)

Genus IV - Totanus, Bechst. (Tatler)

Genus V - Limosa, Briss. (Godwit)

Genus VI - Scolopax, Linn. (Snipe)

Genus VII - Microptera, Nutt. (Woodcock or Bogsucker)

Plate No. 352 - American Woodcock

Genus VIII - Recurvirostra, Linn. (Avocet)

Plate No. 353 - American Avocet

Genus IX - Himantopus, Briss. (Stilt)

Plate No. 354 - Black Necked Stilt

Genus X - Numenius, Briss. (Curlew)

Family XXXVII - Tantaline (Ibises)

Genus I - Ibis, Cuv. (Ibis)

Genus II - Tantalus, Linn. (Tantalus)

Plate No. 361 - Wood Ibis

Genus III - Platalea, Linn. (Spoonbill)

Plate No. 362 - Roseate Spoonbill

Family XXXVIII - Ardeinae (Herons)

Genus I - Ardea, Linn. (Heron)

Family XXXIX - Anatinae (Ducks)

Genus I - Phoenicopterus, Linn. (Flamingo)

Plate No. 375 - American Flamingo

Genus II - Anser, Briss. (Goose)

Genus III - Cygnus, Meyer. (Swan)

Genus IV - Anas, Linn. (Duck)

Genus V - Fuligula. (Sea-Duck)

Family XL - Merginie (Mergansers)

Genus I - Mergus, Linn. (Merganser)

Family XLI - Pelecaninae (Pelecans)

Genus I - Phalacrocorax, Briss. (Cormorant)

Genus II - Plotus, Linn. (Anhinga)

Plate No. 420 - American Anhinga Snake Bird

Genus III - Tachypetes, Vieill. (Frigate-Bird)

Plate No. 421 - Frigate Pelican Man of War Bird

Genus IV - Pelecanus, Linn. (Pelican)

Genus V - Sula, Briss. (Gannet)

Genus VI - Phaeton, Linn. (Tropic Bird)

Plate No. 427 - Tropic Bird

Family XLII - Larinae (Gulls)

Genus I - Rhynchops, Linn. (Skimmer)

Plate No. 428 - Black Skimmer or Shearwater

Genus II - Sterna, Linn. (Tern)

Plate No. 429 - Cayenne Tern
Plate No. 430 - Gull-billed Tern - Marsh Tern
Plate No. 431 - Sandwich Tern
Plate No. 432 - Sooty Tern
Plate No. 433 - Common Tern
Plate No. 434 - Havells Tern
Plate No. 435 - Trudeau's Tern
Plate No. 436 - Arctic Tern
Plate No. 437 - Roseate Tern
Plate No. 438 - Black Tern
Plate No. 439 - Least Tern
Plate No. 440 - Noddy Tern

Genus III - Larus, Linn. (Gull)

Family XLIII - Procellarinae (Fulmars)

Genus I - Lestris, Illiger. (Jager)

Genus II - Diomedea, Linn. (Albatross)

Genus III - Procellaria, Linn. (Fulmar)

Genus IV - Puffinus, Briss. (Shearwater)

Genus V - Thalassidroma, Vigors. (Petrel)

Family XLIV - Alcinae (Auks)

Genus I - Mormon, Illiger. (Puffin)

Genus II - Alca, Linn. (Auk)

Genus III - Phaleris, Temm. (Phaleris)

Genus IV - Mergulus, Ray. (Sea-dove)

Plate No. 469 - Little Auk - Sea-dove

Genus V - Uria, Lath. (Guillemot)

Family XLV - Colymbinae (Divers and Grebes)

Genus I - Colymbus, Linn. (Diver)

Genus II - Podiceps, Lath. (Grebe)

Family XLVI - New Species (Not in my Synopsis)

Genus I - Unclassified (Unclassified)

A brief biography of John James Audubon can be found here.

Information about the Royal Octavo Editions may be found here.

Audubon's Birds of America: The Royal Octavo Edition,
ISBN 1-57145-012-2,
Pub. by Thunder Bay Press with Introduction by Susanne M. Low, was used as a reference for capitalization, punctuation and spelling of the names of the birds.

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Family I - Vulturinae (Vulturine Birds, or Vultures)

Bill of moderate length, stout, cerate; upper mandible with the tip elongated and decurved; lower mandible rounded and thin-edged at the end. Head rather small, or of moderate size, ovato-oblong, and with part of the neck destitute of feathers. Eyes of moderate size, without projecting rides. External aperture of ears rather small and simple. Skin over the fore part of the neck bare, or merely downy. Tarsus rather stout, bare, and shorter than the middle toe; hind toe much smaller than the second; anterior toes connected at the base by a web; claws large, moderately curved, rather acute. Plumage full and rather compact. Wings very long, subacuminate. OEsophagus excessively wide, and dilated into a crop; stomach rather large, somewhat muscular, with a soft rugous epithelium; intestine of moderate length and width; coeca extremely small. The young when fledged have the head and upper part of the neck generally covered with down. Eggs commonly two.

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Family II - Falconinae (Falconine Birds)

Bill short, stout, cerate; upper mandible with the tip elongated and decurved; lower mandible rounded and thin-edged at the end. Head rather large, broadly ovate, feathered. Eyes large, with prominent superciliary ridges. External aperture of ears of moderate size, and simple. Tarsus longer than the middle toe; claws very large, much curved, extremely acute. Plumage full and generally compact. Wings very long and broad: OEsophagus excessively wide and dilated into a crop; stomach large, somewhat membranous, its muscular fasciculi being placed in a single series; intestine short and rather wide, or very long and slender; coeca extremely small. The young, when fledged, generally having the lower parts longitudinally streaked. Eggs from two to six, ovate, or roundish. Nest on trees, rocks, or the ground.

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Family III - Striginae (Owls)

Bill very short, strong, cerate; upper mandible with the tip elongated and decurved; lower mandible with the end rounded and thin-edged. Head extremely large, owing to the wide separation of the tables of the cranium, roundish, more or less vertically flattened behind, feathered. Eyes excessively large, with prominent superciliary ridges, and encircled by series of decomposed feathers. External aperture of ear always very large, frequently excessive, simple or operculate. Tarsus short, very short, or of moderate length, always feathered, as are the toes, of which the outer is versatile, the first shorter than the second, the anterior free; claws very long, slender, curved, extremely acute. Plumage very full and soft. Wings long, broad, rounded, the second, third, and fourth quills longest, the filaments of the outer more or less enlarged and recurved at the end. Tail broad, rather short or of moderate length, of twelve feathers. OEsophagus very wide, without crop or dilatation; stomach very large, round, somewhat membranous, its muscular fasciculi being placed in a single series; intestine short and wide; coeca large, oblong, obtuse, narrowed at the base. Young at first covered with light-coloured down, when fledged, with the face darker than that of adults. Eggs white, somewhat globular or broadly ovate, from four to six. Nests rudely constructed, in hollow trees, on branches, in buildings, or on the ground.

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Family IV - Caprimulginae (Goatsuckers)

Mouth opening to beneath the centre of the eyes; bill much depressed, generally feeble, the horny part being small; upper mandible with the tip somewhat decurved. Nostrils elliptical, prominent, marginate. Eyes extremely large. Aperture of ear elliptical, very large. Head of extreme breadth, depressed; body very slender. Feet very small; tarsus partially feathered, scaly; anterior toes webbed at the base; hind toe small, and versatile, all scutellate above; claw of third toe generally elongated, with the inner margin thin and pectinate. Plumage very soft and blended. Wins very long, the second and third quills longest. Tail long, of ten feathers. OEsophagus rather wide, without crop; stomach very large, roundish, its muscular coat very thin, and composed of a single series of strong fasciculi; epithelium very hard, with longitudinal rugae; intestine short and wide; coeca large, oblong, narrow at the base; cloaca globular. Trachea of nearly uniform width, without inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest on the ground, or in hollow trees. Eggs generally two. Young covered with down. Very nearly allied in some respects to the Owls.

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Family V - Cypselinae (Swifts)

Mouth opening to beneath the hind part of the eyes; bill extremely short, very broad at the base, compressed at the end; upper mandible decurved at the point, the edge inflected, with an indistinct sinus. Nostrils basal, approximate, oblong. Head large and depressed; neck short; body rather slender. Feet extremely short; tarsus rounded, destitute of scutella; toes extremely short, the three anterior nearly equal; hind toe very small, and versatile; claws strong, compressed, arched, very acute. Plumage compact; no bristles at the base of the upper mandible; wings extremely elongated, falciform, the first quill longest; tail of ten feathers. OEsophagus of moderate width, without crop; stomach oblong, moderately muscular, with a dense rugous epithelium; intestine short, and rather wide; no coeca. No inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest in crevices or holes, or attached to high places. Eggs elongated, white.

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Family VI - Hirundinae (Swallows)

Bill very short, much depressed and very broad at the base, compressed toward the tip; upper mandible with the dorsal line convex, the edges overlapping, with a small notch close to the slightly decurved tip. Head broad, depressed; neck very short, body moderate. Feet very short, tarsus very short, anteriorly scutellate; toes of moderate size; first large, all scutellate in their whole length; claws rather strong, compressed, well curved, acute. Plumage soft, blended, glossy. No bristles at the base of the bill. Wings extremely long, narrow, pointed, somewhat falciform; secondaries very short. Tail generally emarginate, of twelve feathers. Mouth extremely wide; oesophagus rather wide, without crop; stomach elliptical or roundish, muscular, with a dense rugous epithelium; coeca very small. Four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest in holes in banks, buildings, or trees, or attached to the surface of these objects. Eggs from four to six, white, plain, or spotted.

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Family VII - Muscicapinae (Flycatchers)

Bill depressed, triangular, compressed at the end, upper mandible notched, lower with the point slightly ascending. Head rather large, depressed; neck short; body rather slender. Feet generally short; tarsus short, slender, with very broad scutella; toes four, free; the hind toe not proportionally large; claws arched, compressed, acute. Plumage soft and blended. Wings long, with the first quill generally long, the outer three longest. Tail various. Tongue flattened, sagittate, bristly at the tip; oesophagus wide, without crop; stomach elliptical, moderately muscular, with the lateral muscles distinct; the epithelium thin, dense, longitudinally rugous; intestine short; coeca extremely small; cloaca globular. Trachea simple; inferior laryngeal muscles forming on each side a large pad, but not divisible into several portions as in the singing birds. Nests regularly formed, cup-shaped. Eggs from four to six.

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Family VIII - Sylvicolinae (Wood-Warblers)

Bill short, or of moderate length, rather slender, somewhat conical, considerably broader than high at the base, gradually compressed toward the end; upper mandible with its dorsal outline straight until near the end, the point very narrow, the notches very slight; lower mandible with the angle rather short and narrow, the dorsal line straight, the edges somewhat involute, the tip acute. Head moderate, ovate; neck short; body rather slender. Feet of moderate length; tarsus longer than the middle toe, slender, much compressed, with eight anterior scutella, of which the upper are blended; toes rather small, or of moderate size, hind toe proportionally stout, outer adherent for a short way at the base; claws moderate, much compressed, arched, acute. Plumage generally soft and blended. Wings of moderate length. Tail of moderate length, of twelve feathers. Tongue of moderate length, sagittate, tapering. OEsophagus of moderate width, without dilatation; proventriculus bulbiform; stomach of moderate size, roundish or elliptical, moderately muscular, with the muscles distinct; epithelium dense, longitudinally rugous; intestine short, rather wide; coeca very small; cloaca oblong. Trachea simple, with four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family IX - Certhianae (Creepers)

Bill of moderate length or rather long, slender, slightly arched, much compressed, acute; upper mandible with its dorsal outline convex or arched, the ridge narrow, the notches slight or obsolete, lower mandible with the angle rather long and narrow, the dorsal line straight or slightly decurved, the edges inclinate, the tip acute. Head moderate, ovate; neck short, body slender. Feet of moderate length, or rather short; tarsus about the same length as the middle toe, compressed, with eight anterior scutella; toes of moderate length, much compressed, hind toe proportionally long, outer adherent at the base; claws rather long, extremely compressed, arched, acute. Wings short or of moderate length. Tail of twelve feathers generally much rounded. Tongue slender, emarginate and papillate at the base, very narrow, tapering to a lacerated point. OEsophagus of moderate width, without crop; proventriculus bulbiform; stomach of moderate size, oblong, or elliptical, moderately muscular, with the muscles distinct; epithelium dense, longitudinally rugous; intestine short, rather wide; coeca very small; cloaca globular. Trachea simple, with four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family X - Parinae (Tits)

Bill very short or of moderate length, straight, strong, compressed, rather sharp; both mandibles with the dorsal line sloping and slightly convex, the sides convex, the edges sharp; notches obsolete. Nostrils basal, roundish, concealed by the feathers. Head rather large, roundish; neck short; body short, and rather full. Feet of moderate length, rather stout; tarsus rather short, compressed, with eight distinct scutella; toes large, the three anterior united as far as the second joint, the hind toe much stronger and flattened beneath; claws rather long, stout, arched, much compressed, acute. Plumage very soft, blended, and full. Feathers at the base of the bill directed forwards. Wings of moderate length, much rounded, with the first quill very small, the fourth and fifth longest. Tail rather long, slender, of twelve narrow rounded feathers. Tongue emarginate and papillate at the base, abrupt at the tip, with four bristles. OEsophagus narrow, without dilatation; proventriculus oblong; stomach a rather strong oblong gizzard, with the muscles distinct, the epithelium dense, thin, longitudinally rugous; intestine short, of moderate width; coeca very small; cloaca oblong. Trachea simple, with four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family XI - Sylvianae (Warblers)

Bill of moderate length, slender, straight, a little broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with its dorsal line straight and declinate, convex at the end, the tip small, acute, the notches small; lower mandible with the angle of moderate length and narrow, the dorsal line straight, the sides convex, the tip narrow. Nostrils basal, oval or oblong. Head rather large, ovate; neck short; body rather slender. Feet of ordinary length, slender; tarsus compressed, with seven anterior scutella; toes moderate, compressed; first stouter, second and fourth nearly equal, third much longer, and adherent at the base; claws moderate, arched, slender, compressed, acute. Plumage soft and blended. Bristles short or weak. Wings of moderate length or long; the first quill very small, the second, third, and fourth longest. Tail long or of moderate length, of twelve feathers. Tongue, sagittate, slender, tapering to a slit and lacerated point. OEsophagus rather narrow, without crop; proventriculus oblong; stomach a gizzard of moderate strength, with the muscles distinct, the epithelium dense and rugous; intestine of moderate length; coeca very small. Trachaea simple, with four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles.

Of this family, which in Europe is so numerous, there are in North America only two genera, Regulus and Sialia, the former composed of very small birds, allied in manners to the Tits, the latter approaching the Thrushes in form. The connecting links being wanting with us, these genera might seem at first sight very dissimilar.

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Family XII - Turdinae (Thrushes)

Bill short, or of moderate length, rather strong, straight, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with its dorsal outline a little convex and declinate, the tip small, rather acute, the notches small; lower mandible with the and rather short, of moderate width, the dorsal line straight, the sides convex, the tip acute. Head oblong, compressed, of moderate size; neck rather short; body moderate. Eyes of moderate size. External aperture of ear large and roundish. Feet of moderate strength; tarsus compressed, with seven anterior scutella; toes rather strong, compressed; first, second, and fourth, nearly equal, third much longer, and adherent to the fourth at the base; claws rather long, arched, compressed, laterally grooved, acute. Plumage rather blended. Bristles small. Wings of moderate length, broad, rounded; the first quill very small, third and fourth longest. Tail of twelve feathers, varying in length. Tongue sagittate, and papillate at the base, slender, tapering, its tip slit. OEsophagus rather narrow, without crop; proventriculus oblong; stomach a gizzard of moderate strength, its lateral and lower muscles distinct; the epithelium dense and rugous; intestine of moderate length; coeca very small, cylindrical. Trachea simple, with four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family XIII - Motacillinae (Wagtails)

Bill of moderate length, straight, slender, a little broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the dorsal line sloping, a little convex toward the end, the nostrils slight, the tip acute; lower mandible with the angle rather long and narrow, the dorsal line ascending and scarcely convex, the edges somewhat involute, the tip acute. General form slender; head ovato-oblong; neck short. Feet of ordinary length, slender; toes very slender, the lateral equal, the outer adherent at the base, the hind toe rather large; claws rather long, arched, compressed, acute, that of the hind toe generally very long. Plumage soft and blended. Bristles small. Wings long and pointed, one of the minor secondaries often much elongated and tapering. Tongue sagittate, slender, with the tip slit; oesophagus uniform; stomach a very muscular gizzard, roundish, with large tendons, and thin rugous epithelium, intestine of moderate length; coeca very small. Trachea simple, with four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles.

This family is connected with the Turdinae by Seiurus, and with the Alaudinae by Anthus, which are the only two American genera.

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Family XIV - Alaudinae (Larks)

Bill rather short, or of moderate length, somewhat conical, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with its dorsal line sloping and slightly convex, the edges sharp and overlapping, the notches generally obsolete; the tip narrow and a little deflected; lower mandible with the angle of moderate length and narrow, the dorsal line ascending and nearly straight, the edges slightly inflected, the tip acute; gape-line straight. Nostrils elliptical or oblong, basal. Head oblong, of moderate size; neck rather short; body ovate. Feet of moderate length, or rather long; tarsus compressed, with eight anterior scutella; toes slender, compressed; the hind toe elongated, second and fourth about equal, third much longer. Claws rather long, arched, slender, much compressed, laterally grooved, acute, that of the hind toe very long, straightish, tapering. Plumage generally soft and blended. Wings rather long, broad, the inner secondaries tapering, and one so elongated as nearly to equal the longest primary, when the wing is closed. Tail of twelve feathers, generally emarginate. Roof of the upper mandible concave, generally with three prominent lines; tongue slender, thin, flat, tapering to a slit and bristly tip; oesophagus of uniform width; stomach a very strong muscular gizzard of a roundish form and compressed, its lateral muscles very large, its epithelium dense and rugous; intestines short, of moderate width; coeca very small, cylindrical. Nest on the ground. Eggs five or six, oval, spotted.

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Family XV - Fringillinae (Finches)

Bill short, stout, conical, acute; upper mandible generally with its dorsal line more or less convex, the sides rounded, the edges inflected or direct, the tip acute; lower mandible with the dorsal line ascending and slightly convex, the edges involute. Gap-line ascending for more than a fourth of its length, then direct. Nostrils basal, roundish, partly concealed by the feathers. Head of moderate size, or rather large, ovate or roundish; neck short; body compact; tarsus generally shorter than the middle toe with its claw, compressed, with seven or eight anterior scutella; hind toe stout; outer toe adherent at the base, lateral about equal. Claws long or moderate, compressed, laterally grooved, acute. Plumage soft and blended, but firm. Wings various, acute, or rounded. Tail of twelve feathers. Roof of upper mandible concave, with three prominent lines, of which the middle is sometimes elevated into an oblong hard prominence. Tongue much compressed, pointed; oesophagus rather wide, with a dilatation or crop on the right side; stomach roundish or oblong, muscular, with the epithelium thin, dense, and longitudinally rugous; intestine short, rather wide; coeca very small, cylindrical. Trachea simple, with four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles. The Fringillinae pass into the Icterinae on the one hand, and the Alaudinae on the other. The Buntings scarcely differ from the Finches in any other character than the knob on the palate, which is common to them with the Icterinae.

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Family XVI - Agelainae (Marsh Black-Birds)

Bill of moderate length, sometimes short, seldom longer than the head, stout, straight, conical, compressed, tapering, pointed; upper mandible with the dorsal line nearly straight, the nasal sinus short and very wide, the ridge thus appearing to encroach on the forehead, the sides rounded, the edges without notch; lower mandible with the angle short and rounded, the dorsal line straight, the edges involute. Nostrils basal, roundish or oblong. Head rather large, ovate; neck short; body moderately full. Legs of moderate length, stout, rather slender; tarsus compressed, with eight anterior scutella; hind toe large, lateral toes equal, the outer adherent at the base. Claws generally long, arched, compressed, acute. Plumage soft, blended, in the males usually glossy. Wings of moderate length, with the outer three or four quills longest, the first being very little shorter than the second, or sometimes even exceeding it; tail of twelve feathers, of moderate length, or elongated. The roof of the upper mandible concave, with three longitudinal ridges, of which the middle is larger, and at the base forms a hard prominence; tongue sagittate and papillate at the base, narrow, deep, pointed. OEsophagus wide, dilated about the middle; proventriculus oblong; stomach roundish or elliptical, with the lateral muscles distinct and well developed; the epithelium dense and longitudinally rugous; intestine short and rather wide; coeca very small, cylindrical; cloaca oblong. Trachea simple, with four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles. Female much smaller. Nest various, on trees or bushes, or on the ground, generally elaborate. Eggs about five, ovate, spotted and streaked.

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Family XVII - Sturninae (Starlings)

Bill nearly as long as the head, moderately stout, or rather slender, nearly straight, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with its outline straight, slightly convex toward the tip, the ridge somewhat flattened, the sides sloping and convex, the edges sharp and overlapping, with a very slight or obsolete notch, close to the depressed tip; lower mandible with the angle long and rather acute, the crura rather broad and flat at the base, the dorsal line straight, the edges sharp, the tip slender; gap-line ascending gently at the base, then direct. Head ovate or oblong, flattened above; neck of moderate length; body rather, full. Feet moderately stout; tarsus rather short, compressed, with seven interior scutella; toes moderate, or rather long, the first stouter, the lateral toes equal, the outer adherent at the base. Claws rather long, moderately arched, compressed, acute. Plumage rather compact. Wings of moderate length, with the first quill very small, the third and fourth longest. Tail short or of moderate length, rounded, and generally emarginate. Roof of upper mandible with a median ridge; tongue slender, thin-edged, with the tip slit and lacerated; oesophagus without dilatation; stomach roundish, its muscular coat rather thin, the epithelium dense, and longitudinally rugous; intestine of moderate length and width; coeca very small, cylindrical; cloaca ovate or oblong. Trachea simple, with four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest on the ground, or in cavities; eggs about five.

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Family XVIII - Corvinae (Crows)

Bill about the length of the head, robust, nearly straight, compressed; upper mandible with the dorsal line more or less arched, its tip slightly deflected, the edges sharp, with a slight notch or sinus. Nostrils basal, roundish, concealed by reversed slender stiff feathers. Head rather large, ovate; neck of moderate length, body compact. Feet of ordinary length, rather stout; tarsus compressed, with about eight large scutella; toes four, first stronger, but about the same length as the second and fourth, which latter is adherent at the base. Claws rather large, arched, compressed, acute. Plumage various; wings long or of moderate length, much rounded, the first quill about half the length of the fourth or fifth, which are longest; tail of twelve broad feathers. Upper mandible concave, with several longitudinal ridges; tongue oblong, flat above, horny, thin edged, with the tip slit and lacerated; oesophagus of moderate width, without dilatation; proventriculus bulbiform; stomach, a gizzard of moderate power, with a rugous dense epithelium; intestine of moderate length and width; coeca small, cylindrical, adnate. Trachea with four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest in high places, or in cavities, rudely constructed; eggs from four to six, ovate or oblong.

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Family XIX - Laniinae (Shrikes)

Bill short, of moderate length, stout, broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end; the gap-line slightly arched, the ridge narrow, the notch and dentiform process large, the tip narrow and decurved. Head large, roundish, ovate; neck short; body compact. Legs of moderate length; tarsus compressed, with seven anterior scutella; toes moderate, compressed; hind toe rather stout, lateral about equal, the outer adherent at the base. Claws arched, compressed, acute. Plumage soft and blended. Bristles rather strong. Wings and tail various. Roof of upper mandible narrow, with a median ridge; tongue slender, concave above, horny toward the end, with the margins lacerated, and the tip slit; oesophagus wide, uniform; proventriculus elliptical; stomach broadly elliptical or roundish; its muscular coat thin, the epithelium dense and longitudinally rugous; intestine of moderate length; coeca very small; cloaca oblong or globular. Trachea simple; four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family XX - Vireoninae (Greenlets)

Bill of moderate length, straight, rather stout, compressed toward the end; gap-line slightly arched, notches distinct, tip very small, declinate. Head rather large, ovate; neck short; body rather slender. Feet of moderate length; tarsus compressed, slender, with seven anterior scutella; toes rather small, hind toe rather stout, lateral equal. Claws moderate, arched, compressed, acute. Plumage soft and blended. Wings of moderate length, rather pointed. Tail of moderate length, even or emarginate. Roof of upper mandible concave, with a median ridge; tongue narrow, flat above, with the point slit; oesophagus of moderate length, without dilatation; stomach roundish, muscular, with a dense rugous epithelium; intestine short, and rather wide; coeca very small. Trachea simple, with four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family XXI - Piprinae (Manakins)

Bill short, stout, straight, depressed, being much broader than high at the base, with the dorsal line arched, the ridge narrow, the sides sloping, the gap-line straightish or slightly arched, the notches rather large, the tip very small and declinate. Head rather large, broadly ovate; neck short; body compact. Tarsus of moderate length, compressed, with seven anterior scutella; toes small, the hind one not much stouter, the lateral equal. Claws moderate, arched, compressed, acute. Plumage soft, full, and blended. Wings of moderate length, broad, and rounded. Tail short or of moderate length, generally rounded. Roof of upper mandible concave, with a prominent median line; tongue triangular, horny, thin-edged, rather obtuse, bristly at the end; OEsophagus wide, without dilatation; stomach rather small, roundish, moderately muscular, with a dense rugous epithelium; intestine short, of moderate width; coeca very small.

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Family XXII - Ampelinae (Chatterers)

Bill short, depressed, rather weak, triangular when viewed from above, compressed at the end, its upper outline arched, the gap-line nearly straight, the notches very small, the tip very small and declinate. Nostrils elliptical, partially concealed by reversed bristly feathers. Head ovate; neck short; body moderate or full. Feet short; tarsus short, rather stout, compressed; toes rather small. Claws rather long, arched, much compressed, acute. Plumage generally blended and glossy. Wings of moderate length, broad. Tail short or of moderate length. Roof of upper mandible rather concave, with three longitudinal ridges; tongue horny, deeply slit; oesophagus very wide, dilated about the middle; stomach small, elliptical, moderately muscular; intestine of moderate length and very wide; coeca very small. Trachea simple, with four pairs of very small inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family XXIII - Sittinae (Nuthatches)

Bill of moderate length or rather long, straight, rather slender, conico-subulate, somewhat compressed, with the tips acute, or cuneate. Head ovate; neck short; body full. Tarsi rather short, or of moderate length, slender, compressed, with seven or eight scutella; toes long, very slender; hind toe extremely long; anterior little spreading; claws long, little arched, slender, much compressed, acute. Plumage soft and full. Wings of moderate length, broad, rounded. Tail short, broad, of twelve feathers. Roof of upper mandible very narrow, slightly concave, with three ridges; tongue very slender, with the tip abrupt and bristly; oesophagus without dilatation; stomach roundish, moderately muscular; intestine short and wide; coeca very small. Trachea simple; with a single pair of large inferior laryngeal muscles. Allied to the Titmice on the one hand, and the Woodpeckers on the other.

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Family XXIV - Trochilinae (Humming-birds)

Bill long, very slender, straight or arched, somewhat depressed at the base, subcylindrical, flexible, acute. Head rather large; neck of moderate length; body moderately robust. Feet very short, rather stout; tarsus extremely short; toes of moderate size; the anterior coherent at the base, and nearly of equal length, the hind toe articulated high on the tarsus; claws rather long, arched, much compressed, very acute. Plumage compact above, soft and blended beneath, often with metallic lustre; wings very long, extremely narrow, falciform, with the first quill longest, the other primaries rapidly diminishing; secondaries extremely short. Tail various, of ten feathers. Tongue very long, slender, with two flat, thin-edged terminal filaments, and extensile by means of the elongation of the hyoid bones, which curve over the head to the fore part of the forehead, and with their muscles slide in a groove, like those of the Woodpeckers. OEsophagus narrow, considerably enlarged about the middle; stomach extremely small, roundish, moderately muscular, its epithelium dense and longitudinally rugous; intestine very short and of moderate width; no coeca; cloaca globular. Trachea simple, but divided very high up on the neck, so that the bronchi are of excessive length, with a large pair of inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family XXV - Alcedinae (Kingfishers)

Bill long, straight, stout, broader than high at the base, much compressed, tapering to a rather acute point, and gap-line commencing beneath the middle of the eyes. Head large, ovate-oblong; neck short; body stout. Tarsus extremely short; anteriorly scaly; anterior toes united for more than half their length, outer longer than inner, hind toe small. Claws stout, compressed, arched, very acute. Plumage rather compact. Wings rather long, pointed. Tail various, of twelve feathers. Tongue very short, fleshy, with the sides parallel, the tip tapering to a bluntish point. Roof of upper mandible moderately concave, with a median ridge and oblique lateral grooves. OEsophagus very wide, without crop; stomach very large, round, with its muscular coat very thin; the epithelium dense, very thin, with tortuous rugae; intestine very long, extremely slender; no coeca; cloaca very large, globular. Trachea with three pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family XXVI - Picinae (Woodpeckers)

Bill long or of moderate length, straight, stout, angulate, tapering, compressed toward the tip, which is generally wedge-shaped and abrupt; mandibles nearly equal, outline of the upper slightly convex, the ridge narrow, sides sloping, with a lateral ridge, edges straight; lower with the angle short and narrow, the dorsal line nearly straight, the ridge narrow, the sides with a faint ridge. Nostrils basal, elliptical or oblong, concealed by reversed bristly feathers. Head of moderate size, oblong; neck of moderate length; body stout. Legs short; tarsus short, moderately stout, anteriorly scutellate, scaly behind; toes usually four, first short, rudimentary, or sometimes wanting, fourth very long and reversed, equalling or exceeding the third. Claws large, strong, much curved, much compressed, very acute. Plumage soft, blended, rather compact on the back; wings of moderate length or long, with the first quill very small, the third, fourth, and fifth longest. Tail of moderate length, much rounded or cuneate, of twelve feathers, of which the lateral are extremely small, and placed above the next, the rest, but especially the three middle pairs, with the shafts exceedingly large and strong, the webs narrowed toward the end, with their filaments deflected and stiff, the tip pointed or emarginate from being worn. Tongue slender, with the tip horny and furnished with reversed prickles or bristles, capable of being protruded to a great length by the elongation of the hyoid bones, which curve over the head to between the right eye and nostril, or even extend round a great part of that eye. OEsophagus of uniform width; proventriculus extremely large; stomach of moderate size, or rather small, broadly elliptical or roundish, moderately muscular; epithelium thin, dense, and longitudinally rugous; intestine of moderate length, rather wide; no coeca; cloaca very large, globular, or elliptical. Trachea simple, with a single pair of inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest, a cavity dug in a tree; eggs from four to six, elliptical, white.

The groups present characters which are so undecided, and exhibit such gradual approximations, that I think it better here to consider all our Woodpeckers as of one genus.

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Family XXVII - Cuculinae (Cuckoos)

Bill long or of moderate length, broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end, straight or somewhat arched; upper mandible with the dorsal line convex or arched, the ridge indistinct, the sides convex, the edges arched, sharp, without notch, the tip decurved; lower mandible with the angle rather short, the dorsal line straight or decurved, the ridge thin, the sides erect or convex, the tip slightly decurved, acute. Nostrils basal, oblong, generally marginate. Head of moderate size; neck of ordinary length; body rather slender. Feet of moderate length; tarsus with broad scutella; toes long, slender, flat beneath, outer directed outwards or backwards. Claws long or of moderate length, arched, compressed, acute. Plumage blended; wings generally long, with the first quill short, the third and fourth longest. Tail long, of ten feathers; upper mandible very narrow beneath, with three longitudinal ridges; tongue slender, emarginate, and papillate at the base, the tip horny, thin, lacerated, and slit; oesophagus rather wide, without dilatation; stomach large, round, with the muscular coat very thin, the epithelium soft, rugous; intestine of moderate length and width; coeca long, oblong, narrowed at the base. Trachea simple, with a single very slender pair of inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family XXVIII - Psittacinae (Parrots)

Bill short, bulging, very strong, deeper than broad, convex above and below; upper mandible cerate at the base, its outline decurved, the sides convex, the edges sharp, with an angular process, the tip trigonal, decurved, elongated, acute; lower mandible with the angle short and wide, the tip thin-edged, rounded, or abrupt. Nostrils basal, round, open, in the cere. Head very large; neck of moderate length; body compact. Feet short and robust; tarsus short, scaly; toes stout, the outer directed backwards, the third and fourth coherent at the base. Claws stout, curved, acute. Plumage generally blended, but firm. Wings and tail various. Tongue short, fleshy, rounded, or emarginate; oesophagus wide, with a large crop; stomach small, muscular; intestine of moderate length; coeca small; cloaca globular.

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Family XXIX - Columbinae (Pigeons)

Bill short, soft for half its length, horny toward the end; upper mandible with a tumid fleshy covering at the base, its dorsal line straight, toward the end convex and deflected, the tip narrow, but obtuse; lower mandible at its base wider than the upper, its sides elastic and slender, the angle long and obtuse, the dorsal line short and convex, the tip obtuse. Nostrils linear in the lower and fore part of the nasal membrane. Head small, oblong; neck of moderate length; body rather full. Feet short; tarsus partially feathered, scutellate, or scaly; toes four, on the same level, broad beneath, marginate; the first short, the lateral nearly equal, all scutellate above. Claws moderate, arched, compressed, rather blunt. Plumage generally compact, the feathers with thick spongy shaft, and destitute of plumule. Wings and tail various. Tongue rather broad at the base, toward the end narrow, horny, induplicate, pointed; oesophagus very wide, enlarged into an enormous crop; stomach a very large and strong gizzard, placed obliquely, its lateral muscles exceedingly thick, the lower prominent, the tendons very large, the epithelium dense, with longitudinal broad rugae, and two opposite grinding surfaces; intestine long, of moderate width; coeca very small; cloaca oblong. Trachea simple, flattened, with a single pair of inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest flat, rudely constructed. Eggs two, elliptical, white.

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Family XXX - Pavoninae (Pavonine Birds)

Bill rather short, moderately stout, broader than high at the base, somewhat compressed toward the end; upper mandible with its extremity arched, thin-edged, and obtuse; lower narrowed and blunt. Head partially denuded, rather small, oblong; neck long; body very large. Feet stout, rather long; tarsus anteriorly scutellate; hind toe elevated, anterior toes webbed at the base. Claws rather denuded, obtuse. Plumage full, the feathers with a very large plumule and short tube; those of the hind part of the back much developed. Wings of moderate length, convex, rounded. Tail very large, of more than twelve feathers. Tongue triangular, pointed; oesophagus dilated into an enormous crop; stomach a very powerful gizzard, roundish, or transversely elliptical, with very large muscles, and dense epithelium, having two concave grinding surfaces; intestines long, and rather wide; coeca very large, oblong, internally with elevated reticulated ridges. Trachea cylindrical, without inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest on the ground, rudely constructed. Eggs numerous. Young covered with stiffish down.

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Family XXXI - Perdicinae (Partridges)

Bill very short, stout, broader than high at the base, with the upper mandible convex, thin-edged, obtuse, the lower with the dorsal line convex, the tip rounded. Head small, oblong; neck of moderate length, or rather short; body very bulky. Feet rather of moderate length, stout; tarsus bare, anteriorly scutellate; hind toe rather small, third long, lateral nearly equal, all scutellate, anterior webbed at the base. Claws moderate, arched, compressed, obtuse. Plumage full and strong; feathers with the plumule much developed. Wings rather short, convex, rounded. Tail generally short and rounded, of more than twelve feathers. Tongue triangular, pointed; oesophagus with a very large crop; stomach a very strong muscular gizzard, with the lateral muscles highly developed, the epithelium dense, with two concave grinding surfaces; intestine long, and of moderate width; coeca very large, oblong, internally with reticulate ridges. Trachea without inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest on the ground, rudely constructed. Eggs numerous. Young covered with stiffish down.

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Family XXXII - Tetraoninae (Grouse)

Bill short, stout, with the upper mandible convex, thin edged, without notches, its tip thin edged, obtuse, the lower mandible with the dorsal line slightly convex, the edges thin, the tip rounded. Head small, oblong; neck of moderate length; body very bulky. Feet short, stout; tarsus partially or entirely feathered; hind toe small, third long, lateral nearly equal, all scutellate, anterior webbed at the base. Claws moderate or long, arched, rather depressed, blunt. Plumage full and soft; feathers with the plumule much developed. Wings rather short, convex, rounded. Tail various, of more than twelve feathers. A bare coloured space on each side of the neck, usually concealed by the feathers; but in some species capable of being distended so as to protrude. A bare red membrane over the eye, more developed in the males. Tongue triangular, pointed; oesophagus with an enormous crop; stomach a very powerful gizzard, having the lateral muscles extremely developed, the epithelium dense, with two concave grinding surfaces; the intenstine long and wide; coeca excessively elongated, cylindrical, with internal longitudinal ridges. Nest on the ground, rudely constructed. Eggs numerous, spotted. Young covered with stiffish down.

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Family XXXIII - Rallinae (Rails)

Bill moderately stout, or slender, short or elongated, compressed, with the point narrow, but obtuse. Head small, oblong, compressed; neck of moderate length; body large, much compressed. Feet large; tibia bare at the lower part; tarsus stout, compressed, with very broad anterior scutella; toes very long, scutellate, marinate; hind toe rather short. Claws long, little arched, compressed, acute. Plumage blended, but stiffish. Wings short, convex, rounded; tail very short, rounded. Tongue slender, channelled above, tapering to a bristly point; oesophagus long, rather narrow; proventriculus bulbiform; stomach roundish, compressed, very muscular, with the lateral and inferior muscles prominent, the epithelium dense, with two flattish grinding surfaces; intestine long, of moderate width; coeca long, narrowed toward the base; cloaca globular. Trachea simple, flattened, with a pair of slender inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest bulky, and rudely constructed, on the ground, or supported by grass, or on trees. Eggs numerous, oblong. Young covered with stiffish black down.

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Family XXXIV - Gruinae (Cranes)

Bill about the length of the head, straight, depressed at the base, compressed toward the end, rather obtuse. Nostrils sub-basal, lateral oblong. Head rather small, oblong; neck long; body large, compressed. Legs long and slender; tibia bare at the lower part; tarsus somewhat compressed, anteriorly scutellate; toes rather long, first short and somewhat elevated; claws obtuse. Plumage full and rather compact. Wings broad, convex, the inner secondaries elongated and decurved; tail short, rounded.

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Family XXXV - Charadriinae (Plovers)

Bill short, straight, subcylindrical, obtusely pointed; upper mandible with its dorsal line straight for half its length, afterwards convex; nasal groove bare, extended along two-thirds of the length of the bill. Head of moderate size, rather compressed, rounded in front. Eyes large. Neck rather short; body ovate, rather full. Plumage soft, blended, somewhat compact above; wings long, pointed, with the first quill longest. Tail of moderate length, somewhat rounded, or with the middle feathers projecting, of twelve feathers. OEsophagus of moderate width; stomach roundish, compressed, very muscular, with the epithelium dense and rugous; intestine rather long, and of moderate width, with rather long coeca. A single pair of inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest on the ground, shallow; eggs generally four, large, pyriform, spotted. Young densely covered with down, and able to walk immediately after birth.

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Family XXXVI - Scolopacinae (Snipes)

Bill longer than the head, subulate, slender, straight, or recurved, or decurved; upper mandible with the nasal groove very long, the edges flattened or rounded, the tip generally rather obtuse; lower mandible with the angle extremely long and narrow, the sides longitudinally grooved. Nostrils basal, linear, small. Head rather small, oblong, anteriorly rounded; neck of moderate length or long; body ovate, deep. Legs generally long, slender; tarsus long, compressed, scutellate; toes generally four, first small, sometimes wanting; anterior toes of moderate length, slender. Claws small, arched, compressed, rather acute. Wings long, pointed, with the first quill longest, and the inner secondaries tapering and much elongated; tail rather short, of twelve feathers. Tongue long, slender, trigonal, pointed; oesophagus of moderate width, stomach oblong or roundish, moderately muscular, with dense rugous epithelium; intestine long, of moderate width; coeca rather long, cylindrical, contracted at the base. Trachea flattened, with a single pair of inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family XXXVII - Tantaline (Ibises)

Bill very long, arcuate, rather stout at the base, obtuse. Nostrils basal, linear or oblong. Head bare in front, rather large or of moderate size; neck long and slender; body ovate. Legs long and rather stout; tibia bare to a large extent; tarsus reticulate, sometimes scaly in front; toes four, articulated on the same level, the anterior webbed at the base, the first more slender. Claws arched, compressed, rather obtuse. Wings long and very broad, with the second quill longest. Tail short, of twelve feathers. Tongue triangular, extremely short, flat, and thin. OEsophagus wide; stomach large, muscular, broadly elliptical, with the epithelium dense, longitudinally rugous; intestines generally of moderate length and width, coeca very small; cloaca globular. Trachea without inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family XXXVIII - Ardeinae (Herons)

Bill longer than the head, stout, tapering, compressed, pointed, its edges often irregularly serrate. Head oblong, compressed; neck very long; body much compressed. Eyes large or moderate. Nostrils basal, linear, longitudinal. Legs long, rather slender; tibia bare to a great extent; tarsus compressed, anteriorly scutellate; toes rather long, the first on the same place, of moderate size, the outer toe a little longer than the inner, and with a slight web at the base; all compressed and scutellate. Claws rather long, arched, compressed, acute, that of the hind toe larger and more curved. Plumage blended. Wings long, very broad, with the outer four quills longest, secondaries very long. Tail very short, nearly even, of twelve rather weak feathers. OEsophagus very wide, without dilatation; stomach small, very thin, with the inner coat soft and smooth; intestine very long and extremely narrow; no coecal appendages, but the large intestine forming a small sac at its commencement; cloaca very large, globular. Trachea simple, generally cylindrical, with the bronchi wide, and a single pair of slender inferior laryngeal muscles. Nests large, flat, widely constructed, placed on trees, bushes, sometimes on the ground; eggs from three to four, oval, light blue. Young remain in the nest until fledged.

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Family XXXIX - Anatinae (Ducks)

Bill of moderate length, stout, straight, depressed toward the end, obtuse, covered with soft skin; upper mandible transversely convex, with the margins internally lamellate, the tip furnished with a decurved horny broad unguis; lower mandible with the angle long and narrow, the crura slender, flattened, the edges internally lamellate, the tip a flattened unguis. Nostrils elliptical, open, sub-basal. Head of moderate size; neck long or of moderate length, slender; body full; legs generally short, stout, with little of the tibia bare; tarsus scutellate; toes four, first small; anterior three palmate. Claws moderate, arched, compressed, obtuse. Plumage very full, dense, soft. Wings of moderate length, curved, acute, outer two quills longest. Tail short, of twelve or more feathers. Tongue fleshy, with a median groove, lateral reversed papillae, laminae, or bristles, and a semicircular thin horny tip; oesophagus narrow, slightly enlarged at the lower part of the neck; stomach a transversely elliptical gizzard, of which the lateral muscles are excessively developed, the epithelium dense, with two concave finding surfaces; intestine long and wide; coeca long, cylindrical, contracted at the base. Trachea various generally much enlarged at the bifurcation, without inferior laryngeal muscles, or only with the slips of the lateral muscles prolonged. Nest generally on the ground; eggs numerous. Young clothed with stiffish down, and able to walk and swim from birth.

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Family XL - Merginie (Mergansers)

Bill rather long, straight, rather slender but strong, tapering, higher than broad at the base, nearly cylindrical toward the end; upper mandible with the dorsal outline sloping gently to the middle, then straight, along the unguis suddenly decurved; the ridge broad and flattened at the base, then convex, the sides sloping, toward the end convex, the edges serrate internally with oblique dentiform lamellae, the unguis oblong, much curved, abruptly rounded at the end; nasal groove elongated, covered by the soft skin of the bill; lower mandible with the angle very narrow and extended to the unguis, which is obovate, the sides nearly erect, with a long narrow groove, the edges internally serrate, the unguis convex, thick-edged. Head rather large, compressed, oblong; neck of moderate length; body full, depressed, rather elongated. Feet placed far behind, stout; tibia bare for a short space; tarsus very short, compressed, anteriorly covered with small scutella, and another series on the lower half externally. Hind toe very small, with an inferior free membrane; anterior toes half as long again as the tarsus, second shorter than the fourth, which is almost as long as the third, all scutellate, and connected by anteriorly concave webs. Claws rather small, moderately arched, compressed, acute. Plumage moderately full, dense, soft, glossy, blended beneath. Wings of moderate breadth, convex, acute;, inner secondaries elongated and tapering. Tail short, much rounded, of more than twelve feathers. Upper mandible with an internal series of small papillae or laminae on each side, besides those on the margin. Tongue long, fleshy, emarginate and papillate at the base, tapering, with a double row of slender reversed papillae, along the upper surface, and two lateral series of filaments on each side, the tip lacerated; oesophagus very wide, of nearly uniform diameter; stomach a strong gizzard of moderate or small size, with the lateral muscles thick; the epithelium dense and longitudinally rugous; intestine long, rather narrow; coeca rather long; cloaca globular. Trachea with one or two extensive dilatations, besides the enormously developed tympanum at the bifurcation; no inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest on the ground, or in hollow trees. Eggs numerous.

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Family XLI - Pelecaninae (Pelecans)

Bill longer than the head, rather slender, straight, upper mandible with the ridge separated from the side by a groove, and terminated by a narrow, generally decurved, pointed unguis; lower mandible with the crura elastic and extensile, the angle very long and narrow. Nostrils basal, lateral, linear, small, or obsolete. Space around and before the eye generally bare, as is a portion of the gular sac. Head generally of moderate size, but various; neck long; body elongated, rather slender. Feet short and stout; tibia bare at its lower part; tarsus short, very stout, compressed, scaly or scutellate in front; toes four, all connected by webs, and scutellate; first small, fourth longest. Claws short, strong, curved, rather blunt, that of the third toe generally pectinate. Plumage soft, blended, on the back compact and imbricated. Wings long; tail of moderate length, narrow, rounded or tapering. Tongue extremely small, triangular, fleshy; oesophagus excessively wide; a gular sac, sometimes of enormous capacity; proventricular belt generally discontinuous; stomach very small, slightly muscular, epithelium smooth; a lobular pyloric lobe; intestine very long and slender; coeca small, cylindrical; cloaca globular. Trachea simple, flattened; no inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family XLII - Larinae (Gulls)

Bill of moderate length, straight, compressed, acute; upper mandible with the dorsal line generally straight until toward the end, when it is decurved, the ridge convex, the nasal groove rather long, the edges sharp, direct, overlapping, the tip rather acute and declinate; lower mandible with the angle long and very narrow, the dorsal line ascending and nearly straight, with an angular prominence at its commencement. Nostrils sub-medial or basal, oblong. Head of moderate size, ovate; neck of moderate length; body rather stout. Legs short or of moderate length; tibia bare at its lower part; tarsus anteriorly scutellate; toes four, the first very small, free, the third longest; anterior toes connected by webs. Claws small, arched, compressed, rather acute. Plumage full, soft, blended, somewhat compact on the back and wings, the latter long and pointed; tail of twelve feathers, even, rounded, or emarginate. Tongue long, slender, pointed; oesophagus very wide; stomach rather small, moderately muscular, with a dense, longitudinally rugous epithelium; intestine of moderate length and width; coeca small; cloaca globular. Trachea simple, with a single pair of inferior laryngeal muscles. Nest on the ground, rudely constructed. Eggs few, not exceeding four, spotted. Young covered with down.

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Family XLIII - Procellarinae (Fulmars)

Bill generally shorter than the head, moderately stout, compressed; upper mandible with the ridge formed of two generally united plates, at the anterior part of which, usually about half the length of the bill, are the nostrils; the sides separated by a groove, the tip a decurved, compressed, pointed unguis; lower mandible with the angle very long and narrow, the tip more or less decurved. Head of moderate size, ovate; neck of moderate length; body compact. Feet of ordinary length, rather slender; tibia bare below for a short space; tarsus a little compressed, anteriorly scutellate; toes four, the first extremely small and elevated, with a conical deflected claw; anterior toes webbed; the third and fourth nearly equal. Claws arched, compressed, acute. Plumage full, soft, rather compact above. Wings long, rather broad, pointed, the first quill generally longest. Tail short, of from twelve to sixteen feathers. OEsophagus very wide, often enormously dilated, especially at its lower part, stomach small, moderately muscular; intestine of moderate length; coeca rather long; cloaca oblong or globular. Trachea simple, with a single pair of inferior laryngeal muscles.

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Family XLIV - Alcinae (Auks)

Bill not longer than the head, much compressed, generally very high, in the species approaching the next family rather slender. Nostrils small, linear, basal, and sub-marginal. Head large, broadly ovate, anteriorly narrowed; neck short and thick; body full, compact, ovate, or somewhat elongated. Feet short, rather stout, placed far behind; tibia bare for a short space; tarsus very short, compressed, anteriorly scutellate; toes three, of moderate length, scutellate, webbed. Claws strong, arched, acute. Plumage dense, blended, soft. Wings small, narrow, pointed. Tail very short. Tongue slender, trigonal; oesophagus very wide, within the thorax extremely dilated; stomach rather large, muscular, with the epithelium dense and longitudinally rugous; intestine long and wide; coeca of moderate size. Trachea simple, with a single pair of inferior laryngeal muscles. Egg generally single.

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Family XLV - Colymbinae (Divers and Grebes)

Bill of the length of the head, straight, rather stout, much compressed, pointed; upper mandible with the dorsal line declinate, almost straight, or towards the end convex; nasal groove rather long, feathered at the base. Nostrils basal, linear, direct, pervious. Feet stout, short, placed extremely far behind; tarsus extremely compressed; toes four, the first very small, and lobed; the anterior united by webs, which in some are lobed. Plumage dense, short, glossy, generally silky beneath. Wings small, very narrow, acute. Tail very short, sometimes extremely small, and forming a slight tuft. Tongue slender, trigonal, tapering; oesophagus very wide in its whole length, or narrowed in the anterior part with the proventriculus wide; stomach generally large, muscular, with a dense rugous epithelium; intestine rather long and wide; as are the coeca; cloaca globular.

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Family XLVI - New Species (Not in my Synopsis)

During my journey to the country around and about the waters of the Upper Missouri and Yellow Stone rivers, in the summer and autumn of 1843, my companions and myself had the good fortune of procuring several new species of birds; and I feel much satisfaction in presenting them to my subscribers, who, I trust, will be gratified to see that my anxiety to please them is not in the least diminished.

In publishing these new species, I have the gratification of naming some of them after those gentlemen who accompanied me on my late tour; and others, after friends connected with the science of ornithology, publicly or otherwise.

With the exception of a few of these birds, procured in the bottom lands along the Missouri river, they all were found on the sterile prairies, which form the greater portion of the country visited by us; and generally during our excursions after the buffalo, the elk, or the antelope.

I shall also give figures of two or three species discovered by others, within the range proposed to be included in my synopsis as appertaining to our Fauna. In the accounts given of these new species, the student will be surprised as much as I have myself been, to see how closely allied most of them are to species long since described, not only by me, but even by ALEXANDER WILSON, NUTTALL, and CHARLES LUCIEN BONAPARTE. I have a series of each species now in my possession, which can be seen by any student of ornithology who may desire to examine them.

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Family I - Vulturinae

Genus I - Cathartes, Illiger. (Turkey-Vulture)

Bill of moderate length, rather slender, somewhat compressed; upper mandible with its dorsal outline nearly straight and declinate to the end of the large cere, then decurved, the edges a little festooned, rather thick, the tip descending and rather obtuse; lower mandible with the angle long and rather narrow, the dorsal line ascending and slightly convex, the back broad, the edges sharp, towards the end decurved. Nostrils oblong, large, pervious. Head oblong. Tongue deeply concave or induplicate, its edges serrate with reversed papillae. OEsophagus dilated into an enormous crop; stomach moderately muscular; duodenum convoluted. Head and upper part of neck denuded, being only sparingly covered with very short down. Wings very long, and extremely broad; third, fourth, and fifth primaries longest, first much shorter. Tail of moderate length, nearly even. Tarsus short, rather stout, roundish, reticulate. Hind toe very small, second a little shorter than fourth, third very long all scutellate for more than half their length. Claws strong, arched, compressed, obtuse.

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Family II - Falconinae

Genus I - Polyborus, Vieill. (Caracara)

Bill large, high, rather long, much compressed; cere large, covered with hair-like feathers; upper outline convex and declinate to the edge of the cere, then decurved; edge of upper mandible slightly arched and nearly even, tip of lower compressed and rounded. Nostrils elliptical, oblique, in the anterior part of the cere near the ridge. Eyelids and space anterior to the eye denuded, as is the skin over the crop. Feet rather long; tarsi anteriorly scutellate, sharp-edged and scaly behind; toes rather long broadly scutellate the first much shorter than the second; claws long, little curved, that of the middle toe being only slightly arched. Wings long rounded, the third and fourth quills longest, the first five having the inner web cut out. Tail rather long rounded.

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Family II - Falconinae

Genus II - Buteo, Bechst. (Buzzard)

Bill short, with the upper outline nearly straight and declinate to the edge of the cere, then decurved, the sides rapidly sloping, the edges with a slight festoon, the tip trigonal, acute; lower mandible with the dorsal line convex and ascending, the edges arched, at the end deflected, the tip rounded. Head large, roundish, flattened above. Nostrils obovate, nearer the ridge than the margin. Neck rather short. Body full. Feet short, robust; tarsi roundish, anteriorly feathered half way down, and scutellate, posteriorly also scutellate; toes of moderate length, scaly for half their length; claws long, arched, compressed, acuminate. Plumage full and rather blended. Space between the bill and eye covered with bristly feathers. Wings long, broad, the fourth quill longest, the first and seventh or eighth about equal; the first four abruptly cut out on the inner web. Tail rather long, broad, slightly rounded. Cere and feet yellow; bill light blue at the base, black at the tip, in all the American species.

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Family II - Falconinae

Genus III - Aquila, Briss. (Eagle)

Bill rather short, deep, compressed; upper mandible with the dorsal outline nearly straight and sloping at the base, beyond the cere decurved, the sides sloping and slightly convex, the edges nearly straight, with a slight convexity and a shallow sinus close to the strong subtrigonal tip; lower mandible with the dorsal outline convex, the tip obliquely truncate. Head large, roundish, flattened above. Nostrils oval, oblique, nearer the ridge than the margin. Neck rather short. Body very large. Feet rather short, very robust; tarsi roundish, feathered to the toes, which are rather short, united at the base by short webs, covered above with a series of angular scales, and towards the end with a few large scutella; claws long, curved, rounded, flat beneath, acuminate. Plumage compact, imbricated, glossy; feathers of the head and neck narrow and pointed; space between the bill and eye covered with small bristle-pointed feathers, disposed in a radiating manner. Wings long, the fourth quill longest; the first short; the outer six abruptly cut out on the inner web. Tail rather long, ample, rounded.

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Family II - Falconinae

Genus IV - Haliaetus, Sav. (Sea-Eagle)

Bill rather short, very deep, compressed; upper mandible with the dorsal outline nearly straight at the base, beyond the cere decurved, the sides sloping, the edges nearly straight, with a slight obtuse process, and a shallow sinus close to the strong trigonal tip; lower mandible with the dorsal outline slightly convex, the tip obliquely truncate. Head large, oblong, flattened above. Nostrils oblong, oblique near the ridge. Neck of moderate length. Body very large. Feet rather short, very robust; tarsi roundish, covered anteriorly with transverse scutella, posteriorly with large, laterally with small scales; toes robust, free, scutellate above; claws large, curved, rounded, flat beneath, acuminate. Plumage compact, imbricated; feathers of the head and neck narrow and pointed; space between the bill and eye barish, being sparsely covered with bristle-like feathers, disposed in a radiating manner. Wings long, the second and third quills longest, the outer five cut out abruptly on the inner web. Tail rather long, rounded. Duodenum convoluted.

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Family II - Falconinae

Genus V - Pandion, Sav. (Osprey)

Bill short, as broad as deep at the base, the sides convex, the dorsal outline straight at the base, decurved towards the end; upper mandible with a festoon on the edges at the curvature, the tip trigonal, very acute; lower mandible with the edges slightly arched, the tip obtusely truncate. Nostrils oval, oblique, large, half way between the ridge and the cere. Legs rather long; tarsus very short, remarkably thick, covered all round with hexagonal scales; toes also remarkably thick, the outer versatile larger than the inner, all scutellate only towards the end, and covered beneath with prominent, conical, acuminate scales; claws long, curved, convex beneath, tapering to a fine point. Plumage compact, imbricated; feathers of the head and neck narrow, acuminate; of the tarsus short and very narrow, without the elongated external tufts seen in all the other genera. Tail rather long, a little rounded. Intestine extremely long and slender, its greatest width 2 1/4 twelfths, the smallest 1/2 twelfth.

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Family II - Falconinae

Genus VI - Elanus, Sav. (Elanus)

Bill short, small, very wide at the base, much compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the dorsal line convex and declinate to the end of the cere, then decurved, the sides slightly convex, the tip narrow and acute, the edges with a distinct festoon, lower mandible with the angle very wide and long, the dorsal line very short, and slightly convex, the tip obliquely truncate, and narrow. Nostrils elliptical, rather large, about half-way between the cere and ridge. Head rather large, broad, flattened above; neck short; body compact. Legs rather short; tarsus very short, stout, roundish, feathered anteriorly for half its length, the rest covered with small roundish scales; toes short, thick, scaly, with a few terminal scutella; claws long, curved, conical, rounded beneath, acute. Plumage very soft, and rather blended. Wings very long and pointed, the second quill longest. Tail of moderate breadth, long, emarginate, and rounded.

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Family II - Falconinae

Genus VII - Ictinia, Viellot. (Kite)

Bill very short, wide at the base, much compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the dorsal line decurved in its whole length, the sides slightly convex, the tip narrow and acute, the edges with an obtuse lobe; lower mandible with the angle very wide, the dorsal line ascending and convex, the tip rather broad and obliquely truncate. Nostrils round, lateral, with a central papilla. Head rather large, roundish, broad, flattened; neck short, body compact. Legs rather short; tarsus stout, covered anteriorly with scutella; toes scutellate above, scabrous beneath, with pointed papillae; claws rather long, curved, acuminate, flattened beneath. Plumage rather compact. Wings very long, the third quill longest. Tail long, emarginate.

This genus is easily distinguished from Elanus; the tarsi and toes being scutellate in this, and scaly in that; and the festoon on the upper mandible is much more prominent in the Ictinia, while the nostrils, instead of being, elliptical, are round, as in the Falcons.

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Family II - Falconinae

Genus VIII - Nauclerus, Vig. (Swallow-tailed Hawk)

Bill short, wide at the base, much compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the dorsal line decurved from the base, the sides slightly convex, the edges with a slight festoon, the tip narrow and acute; lower mandible with the angle very wide, the dorsal line straightish, the tip rounded and declinate. Nostrils round, with a central papilla. Head rather large, roundish, flattened; neck short; body compact. Feet short; tarsus very short, thick, scaly all round; toes scutellate above, scabrous beneath, with pointed papillae; claws rather long, curved, acuminate. Plumage blended, glossy. Wings extremely long, pointed, the third quill longest; secondaries short. Tail extremely long, very deeply forked.

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Family II - Falconinae

Genus IX - Falco, Linn. (Falcon)

Bill short, robust; its upper outline decurved from the base; cere short, bare; edge of upper mandible with a festoon and a prominent angular process. Nostrils round, with an internal ridge, ending in a central tubercle. Feet strong; tarsi moderate, reticulate; toes long, broadly scutellate, the anterior webbed at the base; claws long, well curved, very acute. Wings long, pointed; second quill longest, first and third nearly equal; outer toe abruptly cut out on the inner web. Tail rather long, nearly even.

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Family II - Falconinae

Genus X - Astur, Cuv. (Hawk)

Bill short, robust; its upper outline sloping, and nearly straight at the base, then decurved; cere short, bare above; edge of upper mandible with a festoon, succeeded by a broad sinus. Nostrils elliptical. Feet of moderate length; tarsi moderate or slender, feathered at least one-third of their length, broadly scutellate before and behind; first and second toes strongest and equal, third much longer, and connected at the base by a web with the fourth, which is shortest; claws long, well curved, acuminate. Wings very broad, of moderate length, much rounded, fourth and fifth quills longest, first much shorter, outer four abruptly cut out on the inner web. Tail long, much exceeding the wings, rounded.

Those of more slender form, with proportionally longer tails and tarsi, are separated by many authors to form a group, to which the names of Accipiter and Nisus are given.

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Family II - Falconinae

Genus XI - Circus, Bechst. (Harrier)

Bill short, compressed; upper mandible with the dorsal line sloping to beyond the cere, then decurved, the sides sloping, the edge with a festoon a little anterior to the nostril, the tip acute; lower mandible with the dorsal line ascending and convex, the tip rounded. Nostrils large, ovato-oblong, with an oblique ridge from their upper edge. Head of moderate size, oblong, neck rather short; body slender. Legs long and slender; tarsi long, compressed, anteriorly and posteriorly scutellate; toes slender, scutellate unless at the base; claws long, compressed, moderately curved, flat beneath, acuminate. Plumage very soft; a distinct ruff of narrow feathers from behind the eye on each side to the chin, the aperture of the ear being very large. Wings long, much rounded, the fourth quill lonest; outer four quills with their inner webs sinuate. Tail straight, long, slightly rounded. Quills and tail feathers covered with velvety down.

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Family III - Striginae

Genus I - Surnia, Dumeril. (Day-Owl)

Bill very short, strong, its upper outline decurved from the base; lower mandible abruptly rounded, with a sinus on each side. Nostrils elliptical, rather large. Aperture of ear elliptical, simple, not more than half the height of the head. Feet strong; tarsi very short or of moderate length. Plumage rather dense; facial disks incomplete above. Wings very large, the third quill longest, the first with the filaments thickened and a little free, but scarcely recurved at the end. Tail varying in length.

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Family III - Striginae

Genus II - Ulula. (Night-Owl)

Bill short, strong, very deep, its upper outline decurved from the base; lower mandible abruptly rounded, with a notch on each side. Nostrils broadly elliptical, rather large. Conch of ear very large, elliptical, extending from the base of the lower jaw to near the top of the head, with an anterior semicircular operculum in its whole length. Feet rather short, strong; tarsi and toes covered with very soft downy feathers. Plumage full, and very soft; facial disks complete. Wings rather long, very broad, much rounded, the third quill longest; the filaments of the first, half of the second, and the terminal part of the third, free and recurved. Tail of moderate length, arched, slightly rounded.

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Family III - Striginae

Genus III - Strix, Linn. (Screech-Owl)

Bill short, compressed, deep, strong; upper mandible with is dorsal outline straight to the end of the cere, then curved, the sides nearly flat and erect, the tip deflected, with a rounded but sharp-edged point; lower mandible with the dorsal line convex, the sides convex, the edges arched, the tip obliquely truncate. Conch of the ear semicircular, extending from over the anterior angle of the eye to the middle of the lower jaw; aperture large, somewhat square, with an anterior operculum fringed with feathers. Legs rather long, tarsus long, feathered, scaly at the lower part; toes large, the first short, the inner nearly as long as the middle, all with series of small tuberculiform oblong scales, intermixed with a few bristles, and three broad scutella at the end. Claws arched, long, extremely sharp, the edge of the third thin and transversely cracked in old birds. Plumage very soft and downy; facial disks complete. Wings long, ample, rounded; the first quill with the filaments recurved. Tail rather short, even.

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Family III - Striginae

Genus IV - Syrnium, Cuv. (Hooting-Owl)

Bill short, stout, broad at the base; upper mandible with its dorsal outline convex to the end of the cere, then curved, the Rides sloping and nearly flat, the tip compressed, decurved, acute; lower mandible small, with the dorsal line convex, the tip narrow, the edges decurved toward the end. Nostrils large, elliptical. Conch of the ear of medium size, and furnished with an anterior semicircular operculum, beset with slender feathers. Legs rather short; tarsi very short, and with the toes feathered. Claws slightly curved, long, slender, compressed, acuminate. Plumage very soft and downy; facial disks complete. Wins very large, much rounded, the outer quill with the tips of the filaments separated and recurved, as are those of the terminal portion of the next; the outer six with the inner webs sinuate. Tail broad, rounded.

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Family III - Striginae

Genus V - Otus, Cuv. (Eared-Owl)

Bill short, stout, broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with its dorsal line slightly curved from the base, toward the end decurved, the ridge broad at the base, narrowed anteriorly, the sides convex toward the tip, which is acute, and descends obliquely; lower mandible straight, with the dorsal line very short and slightly convex, the back and sides convex, the edges toward the end decurved, and with a slight sinus on each side, the tip obliquely truncate. Nostrils large, oblique, oblong. Conch of extreme size, extending from the level of the forehead over the eye to the chin in a semilunar form, with an anterior semicircular flap in its whole length; the aperture large, of a rhomboidal form. Feet of moderate length, and stout; tarsi short, feathered, as are the toes; the first shortest, the second and fourth nearly equal; claws long, curved in the fourth of a circle, extremely acute, the first and second rounded beneath. Plumage extremely soft and downy, facial disks complete, ruff distinct. Two small tufts of elongated feathers on the head. Wings long and broad; the second quill longest; the outer in its whole length, the second toward the end, and the first alular feather with the filaments disunited and recurved at the ends. Tail rather short, a little rounded.

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Family III - Striginae

Genus VI - Bubo, Cuvier. (Horned-Owl)

Bill short, stout, broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with its dorsal line curved from the base, the edges with a slight festoon, the tip trigonal, very acute; lower mandible with the dorsal line convex, the tip obliquely truncate. Nostrils broadly elliptical, aperture of ear elliptical, less than half the height of the head, without operculum. Feet of ordinary length; tarsi and toes feathered. Plumage full and very soft; facial disks complete; a tuft of elongated feathers on each side of the crown of the head. Wings ample, the first quill short, the fourth longest. Tail of ordinary length, rounded.

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Family IV - Caprimulginae

Genus I - Caprimulgus, Linn. (Goatsucker)

Bill feeble, gape extending to beneath the posterior angle of the eye. Nostrils elliptical, prominent. Wings long, pointed, the second quill longest; tail long. Claw of middle toe pectinate. Along the base of the bill on each side a series of feathers having very strong shafts, terminating in an elastic filamentous point, and with the barbs or lateral filaments extremely slender, distant, and not extended beyond the middle of the shaft. Plumage very soft and blended. Wings long and pointed, the second quill longest; tail long, rounded.

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Family IV - Caprimulginae

Genus II - Chordeiles, Swains. (Night-hawk)

Mouth opening to beneath the centre of the, eyes; bill extremely small; upper mandible with the tip decurved, and a deep lateral groove. Nostrils oblong, prominent, marginate. Eyes very large. Aperture of ear elliptical, very large. Head very large, depressed, but less so than in Caprimulgus. Claw of middle toe pectinate. No bristles at the base of the upper mandible. Wings very long, pointed, with the first quill longest, and the secondaries very short. Tail emarginate.

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Family V - Cypselinae

Genus I - Choetura, Stephens. (Spine-tail)

All the characters as above. Tarsus bare, loner than the middle toe, which scarcely exceeds the outer. Tail short, even, the shafts very strong, and prolonged into acuminate points.

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Family VI - Hirundinae

Genus I - Hirundo, Linn. (Swallow)

Characters as above; tail emarginate or forked.

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Family VII - Muscicapinae

Genus I - Milvulus, Swains. (Swallow-tail)

Bill moderate, rather stout, straight, broad at the base, gradually compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the dorsal outline a little convex, the edges sharp and nearly perpendicular, with a very small notch close to the small deflected tip; lower mandible with the ridge very broad at the base, the sides rounded, the tip minute and ascending. Nostrils basal, broadly elliptical. Head rather large, depressed; neck short; body rather slender. Feet rather short; tarsus short, slender, compressed, with very broad scutella, some of which almost meet behind; toes free, the hind toe not proportionally larger, all scutellate above; claws of moderate size, arched, compressed, acute. Plumage soft and blended. Wings long, second quill longest, first almost as long as third, the three outer abruptly notched near the attenuated tip. Tail extremely elongated and forked, the middle feathers being of ordinary length, the lateral longest.

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Family VII - Muscicapinae

Genus II - Muscicapa, Swains. (Flycatcher)

Bill moderate, or rather long, stout, straight, broad at the base, gradually compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the dorsal outline sloping, the edges sharp and overlapping, with a very small notch close to the small deflected tip; lower mandible with the ridge very broad at the base, the sides rounded, the tip minute and ascending. Nostrils basal, roundish. Head rather large, depressed; neck short; body rather slender. Feet short; tarsus very short, slender, with six very broad scutella, three of which almost meet behind; toes free, the hind toe large, all scutellate above; claws rather long, very slender, arched, finely pointed. Plumage soft and blended. Wings long, second and third quills longest; outer primaries generally attenuated at the end. Tail long, even, or emarginate.

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Family VII - Muscicapinae

Genus III - Ptilogonys, Swains. (Ptilogonys)

Bill short, rather strong, somewhat triangular, depressed at the base a little compressed at the end; upper mandible with the dorsal line convex at the end, the nasal groove wide, the sides convex toward the end, with a distinct notch, the tip short, rather obtuse; lower mandible with the angle rather long and wide, the dorsal line ascending and convex, the sides convex toward the end, the tip small, with a slight notch behind. Nostrils linear, oblong, partially concealed by the feathers. Head ovato-oblong; neck rather short; body slender. Feet short, and rather slender; tarsus shorter than the middle toe with its claw, compressed, covered anteriorly with a long plate and three inferior scutella; toes free, the outer only adherent at the base; hind toe rather large, stouter, outer a little longer than inner; claws moderate, arched, much compressed, laterally grooved, acute. Plumage soft and blended; slight bristles at the base of the upper mandible, and the feathers in the angle of the lower jaw bristle-tipped and curved forward. Wings long, rounded; first quill very small, fourth longest. Tail very long, straight, emarginate, and rounded, of twelve feathers.

This genus seems to connect the Thrushes with the Flycatchers.

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Family VII - Muscicapinae

Genus IV - Culicivora, Swains. (Gnat-catcher)

Bill of moderate length, depressed at the base, rapidly attenuated, becoming very slender toward the end; upper mandible with the ridge distinct, the tip extremely narrow and deflected, the edges overlapping, the notch distinct, but very small; lower mandible with the angle of moderate length, the ride narrowed toward the end, the edges inclinate, the tip acute. Nostrils oblong, exposed. Head ovate; neck short; body slender. Feet of moderate length, tarsus longer than the middle toe, extremely slender, with the upper scutella indistinct; toes very small, extremely compressed; hind toe proportionally very large; outer adherent at the base. Claws well arched, extremely compressed, laterally grooved, acute. Plumage very soft and blended. Wings of moderate length, concave; the first quill about a third of the length of the second, fourth longest, third and fifth little shorter. Tail long, slender, much rounded.

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Family VIII - Sylvicolinae

Genus I - Myiodoctes, Aud. (Flycatching-Warbler)

Bill of moderate length, stoutish, straight, considerably broader than high, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the ridge distinct, the dorsal line convex toward the end, the edges sharp and overlapping, with a very faint notch close to the slightly deflected tip; lower mandible with the ridge indistinct, the sides rounded, the edges somewhat involute, the tip narrow, not ascending. Nostrils basal, oblong. Head ovate, of moderate size; neck short; body rather slender. Feet of moderate length; tarsus pretty stout, much compressed; scutella blended, excepting the lower three; toes of moderate length, very slender, the hind toe proportionally large, the third and fourth united at the base, all scutellate. Claws moderate, extremely compressed, well arched, very acute. Bristles at the base of the bill elongated but slender. Wings of moderate length, the second and third quills longest, the first scarcely shorter than the fourth. Tail moderate, slightly rounded. Name from the Greek: [Myia], an insect, [Dioktes], a pursuer.

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Family VIII - Sylvicolinae

Genus II - Sylvicola, Swains. (Wood-Warbler)

Bill short, straight, rather strong, tapering, scarcely broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with its dorsal outline declinate and nearly straight, the tip slightly declinate, the edges overlapping, with a slight notch; lower mandible with the angle short and rounded, the dorsal line straight, the sides convex, the edges a little inclinate, the tip narrow. Nostrils basal, oval or oblong, partially concealed by the feathers. Head of ordinary size; neck short; body rather slender. Feet of ordinary length, rather slender; tarsus longer than the middle toe, much compressed, covered anteriorly with seven scutella, very sharp behind; toes of moderate length, slender, free, the outer united as far as the second joint, the hind toe proportionally large; claws moderate, well arched, much compressed, laterally grooved, very acute. Plumage soft and blended. Bristles at the base of the upper mandible feeble. Wings rather long, little curved, pointed; the second quill longest, the first and third slightly shorter. Tail rather long, emarginate.

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Family VIII - Sylvicolinae

Genus III - Trichas, Swains. (Ground-Warbler)

Bill of moderate length, similar in form to that of Sylvicola, differing only in being a little decurved. The general form does not differ materially from that of Sylvicola, the head being ovate and of moderate size, the neck short, the body rather slender; the feet of moderate length, slender; tarsus slender, much compressed, longer than the middle toe with its claw, anteriorly covered with eight scutella, of which the upper are blended; toes of moderate size, hind toe proportionally large, lateral toes equal, fourth adherent at the base; claws rather long, arched, much compressed, laterally grooved, very acute. Plumage soft and blended. Wings rather short, convex, considerably rounded, the third and fourth quills longest, the fifth little shorter. Tail of moderate length, rounded, always plain, or without white spots.

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Family VIII - Sylvicolinae

Genus IV - Helinaia, Aud. (Swamp-Warblers)

Bill rather long, being nearly of the same length as the head, straight, or slightly decurved, tapering to a very acute point, much compressed; the upper mandible with the ridge distinct, the sides declinate and flat at the base, the edges somewhat inflected beyond the middle, the notch obsolete; lower mandible with the dorsal line straight, the edges involute, the tip extremely acute. Nostrils oblong; exposed. Feet of moderate length; tarsus about equal to the middle toe and claw, slender, much compressed, with the upper scutella blended; toes slender; claws rather long, moderately arched, slender, much compressed, laterally grooved, extremely acute; plumage soft and blended. Bristles obsolete. Wings rather long, somewhat pointed, the outer three nearly equal, the second longest. Tail of moderate length, nearly even.--Name from [`Elos], a swamp, and [Naio], to inhabit.

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Family VIII - Sylvicolinae

Genus V - Mniotilta, Vieill. (Creeping-Warbler)

Bill rather long, straight, very slender, nearly as broad as high at the base, much compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the dorsal line very slightly convex, the edges a little inflected toward the end, the notches obsolete, the tip acute; lower mandible with the dorsal line straight, the sides convex, the edges involute, the tip attenuated. General form slender. Feet of moderate length, very slender; tarsus shorter than the middle toe and claw, much compressed, the upper scutella blended; toes rather long, extremely compressed, the first very long, the second shorter than the third, which is adherent at the base, claws rather long, well arched, extremely compressed, and acute. Plumage very soft and blended. Bristles obsolete. Wings long, with the second and third quills longest and about equal, the first slightly shorter, and exceeding the fourth. Tail of moderate length, nearly even. This genus connects the Sylvicolinae with the Certhianae.

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Family IX - Certhianae

Genus I - Certhia, Linn. (Tree-Creeper)

Bill about the same length as the head, very slender, arched, much compressed, acute; upper mandible with the dorsal line arched, the ridge narrow, the sides sloping at the base, nearly erect in the rest of their extent, the edges sharp, arched, without notch, the tip acute; lower mandible with the angle rather long, narrow, and pointed, the outline decurved, the sides erect and convex, the edges inclinate, the tip acute. Nostrils linear-oblong, operculate. Head ovate; neck short; body slender. Feet rather short, very slender, tarsus rather shorter than the middle toe, very slender, much compressed; toes extremely compressed; the first comparatively large, longer than the middle toe, including the claw; the inner toe shorter than the outer; claws long, moderately arched, slender, extremely compressed, laterally grooved, acute, that of the hind toe very long. Plumage long, loose, very soft. Bristles obsolete. Wings of moderate length, very broad; the first quill very short, the fourth and fifth longest. Tail long, graduated, of twelve moderately stiff pointed feathers.

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Family IX - Certhianae

Genus II - Troglodytes, Cuv. (Wren)

Bill of moderate length, or nearly as long as the head, slender, slightly arched, much compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the dorsal line slightly convex, the edges a little inflected toward the end, the notches slight, the tip rather acute; lower mandible with the angle rather long and narrow, the outline slightly decurved, the sides erect and convex, the edges inclinate, the tip acute. Nostrils oblong, operculate, exposed. Head oblong; neck short; body slender. Feet of ordinary length, rather strong; tarsus longer than the middle toe, compressed, with eight anterior distinct scutella; toes of moderate size, the third and fourth united at the base, the first very large, the lateral nearly equal; claws rather long, moderately arched, much compressed, very acute. Plumage soft and blended. Bristles obsolete. Wings of moderate length, or short, convex, much rounded; the first quill very small, the fourth and fifth longest. Tail rather short, rounded, of twelve slightly arched, weak, rounded feathers.

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Family X - Parinae

Genus I - Parus, Linn. (Tit)

Bill short, stout; upper mandible with the dorsal line slightly decurved toward the end, the edges overlapping, with a slight lobe or festoon near the base, destitute of notch, rather acute; lower mandible with the dorsal outline slightly convex, the edges direct, the tip rather acute. Nostrils roundish covered by bristly feathers. Head rather large, roundish; neck short. Feet proportionally large; tarsus of moderate length; hind toe very large and strong, the two lateral nearly equal, the outer adherent at the base; claws large, much compressed, very acute. Wings of moderate length, convex. Tail long, or of moderate length, rounded or graduated, of twelve rather narrow feathers.

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Family XI - Sylvianae

Genus I - Regulus, Cuv. (Kinglet)

Bill short, straight, very slender, a little broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end; upper mandible nearly straight in its dorsal outline, the edges slightly notched, the tip a little declinate, acute; lower mandible with its outline ascending, nearly straight, the tip acute. Nostrils basal, elliptical, concealed by the reversed feathers. Head large, broadly ovate; neck short; body short. Legs rather long; tarsus slender, longer than the middle toe, much compressed, scutella blended, excepting the lower four toes, rather small, much compressed, hind toe large; lateral equal; claws rather long, arched, much compressed, acute. Plumage very loose and full. Short bristles at the base of the bill. Feathers of the head elongated and silky in the adults. Wings of ordinary length, with the first quill very small, the fourth and fifth longest. Tail of ordinary length, emarginate.

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Family XI - Sylvianae

Genus II - Sialia, Swains. (Blue-Bird)

Bill of ordinary length, nearly straight, broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the dorsal line straight and slightly declinate, until near the end, when it becomes convex, the ridge narrow, the sides convex toward the end, the edges overlapping, with a distinct notch close to the narrow deflected tip; lower mandible with the angle of moderate length, and narrow, the dorsal line straight, the sides convex, the edges direct, the tip narrow. Nostrils basal, oval. Head rather large, ovate, neck short; body moderately full. Feet of ordinary length, rather slender; tarsus shorter than the middle toe and claw, its lower scutella only distinct; toes of moderate length, the first stouter, the lateral equal, the third much longer; the fourth adherent at the base; claws moderate, well curved, compressed, laterally grooved, acute. Plumage soft and blended; short bristles at the base of the upper mandible. Wings very long, pointed; the first quill very small, second, third, and fourth longest. Tail rather long, emarginate, of twelve rather strong feathers.

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Family XII - Turdinae

Genus I - Cinclus, Bechst. (Dipper)

Bill rather short, slender, slightly ascending, much compressed toward the end; upper mandible with its dorsal line straight until toward the end, the ridge rounded, the sides convex, the edges somewhat inflected, with an obscure notch close to the narrow deflected tip; lower mandible slightly bent upwards, the angle medial and very narrow, the dorsal line ascending and slightly convex, the tip narrow and rather acute. Nostrils linear, direct, exposed. General form short, full, and compact. Head oblong, compressed. Legs strong; tarsus of moderate length, compressed, covered anteriorly with a long undivided plate and four inferior scutella; toes rather large and strong; claws arched, much compressed, laterally grooved, that of the hind toe considerably larger. Plumage ordinary, rather blended. Bristles obsolete. Wings rather short, convex, rounded. Tail short, even.

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Family XII - Turdinae

Genus II - Orpheus, Swains. (Mocking-Bird)

Bill of moderate length or longish, rather slender, straight or slightly arched, broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end, acute; upper mandible with the ridge rather narrow, the sides convex toward the end, the notches very slight, the tip narrow; lower mandible with the angle of moderate length, the dorsal line straight or slightly decurved toward the end, the sides nearly erect, the tip narrow. Nostrils oblong, partially concealed by the feathers. Head of ordinary size, ovato-oblong; neck of moderate length; body rather slender. Feet of ordinary length, slender; tarsus scarcely so long as the middle toe and claw; hind toe of moderate length, stout, lateral toes equal; claws moderate, arched, compressed, acute. Plumage soft and blended. Bristles rather long. Wings of ordinary length, broad, rounded, the first quill very small, the fourth and fifth longest. Tail very long, straight, much rounded, or graduated.

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Family XII - Turdinae

Genus III - Turdus, Linn. (Thrush)

Bill of moderate length or shortish, rather stout, straight, broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end, acute; upper mandible with the ridge rather narrow, the sides convex toward the end, the notches small, the tip narrow; lower mandible with the angle of moderate length, the dorsal line ascending, slightly convex, the sides rounded, the tip narrow. Nostrils oblong, partially concealed by the feathers. Head of ordinary size, ovate; neck rather short; body rather full. Feet longish, rather strong; tarsus as long as the middle toe and claw; hind toe rather stout; lateral toes equal; claws arched, compressed, acute. Plumage soft and rather blended. Wings of moderate length, rounded, the first quill very small, the third and fourth longest. Tail rather long, nearly even.

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Family XIII - Motacillinae

Genus I - Seiurus, Swains. (Wood-Wagtails)

Bill rather short, straight, slightly broader than deep at the base, compressed toward the end, the edges a little inflected, the dorsal lines of both mandibles slightly convex, the notches very slight, the tip acute. Nostrils basal elliptical. General form slender; head ovato-oblong. Feet of ordinary length; tarsus slender, compressed, covered anteriorly with a long undivided piece and three inferior scutella; toes of moderate length, slender; the first a little stouter than the third, the inner slightly shorter than the outer, which is adherent at the base; claws of moderate length, very slender, much compressed, moderately arched, acute. Plumage soft, blended. Bristles very small. Wings of moderate length; the first or outer quill little shorter than the third, which is longest. Tail of moderate length, even.

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Family XIII - Motacillinae

Genus II - Anthus, Bechst. (Pipit)

Bill of moderate length, straight, very slender, as broad as high at the base, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the ridge narrow at the base, the notches slight, the tip a little deflected; lower mandible with the dorsal line straight, the edges involute, the tip acute. General form very slender. Tarsus of moderate length, much compressed; toes slender; claws arched, extremely compressed, acute, that of the hind toe much elongated. Plumage soft and blended. Wings long; the outer three quills about equal and longest; inner secondaries tapering, one of them nearly as long as the outer primaries when the wing is closed. Tail rather long, emarginate.

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Family XIV - Alaudinae

Genus I - Alauda, Linn. (Lark)

Bill rather short, stout, somewhat conical, compressed, straightish, acute; upper mandible with the dorsal line slightly arched, the edges without notch, the tip acute; lower mandible with the dorsal line ascending, slightly convex, the edges a little inflected, the tip acute. Head rather large; neck short; body ovate. Legs of ordinary length, anteriorly scutellate; lateral toes nearly equal, hind toe of moderate size, with a very long, tapering, acute, and nearly straight claw. Plumage rather dense and compact. Wings of moderate length, the second and third quills longest; inner secondaries much elongated. Tail of moderate length, emarginate.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus I - Plectrophanes, Meyer. (Lark-Bunting)

Bill very short, robust, tapering, somewhat compressed; upper mandible considerably narrower than the lower, its dorsal outline very slightly convex, the sides rounded, the edges inflected, the marginal outline slightly angulate; lower mandible with the dorsal line ascending and slightly convex, the edges involute. Nostrils basal, roundish, partly concealed by the feathers. Head of moderate size, ovate; neck short; body compact, tarsus shorter than the middle toe with its claw, compressed, with seven anterior scutella; hind toe stout; claws long, rather stout, little arched, acute, that of the hind toe much elongated. Plumage soft and blended. Wings long, pointed; the first quill longest. Tail rather long, emarginate.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus II - Emberiza, Linn. (Bunting)

Bill short, robust, tapering, somewhat compressed; upper mandible with its dorsal line declinate and slightly convex, the ridge indistinct, the sides convex, the edges a little inflected, ascending to beneath the nostrils, then descending or direct, with a slight notch close to the narrow tip; lower mandible with the angle short and wide, the dorsal line ascending, and very slightly convex, the ridge broad at the base, the sides convex, the edges inclinate, their outline ascending for a third or more of its length, then direct, the tip narrow. Nostrils basal, roundish. Head large, ovate; neck very short; body rather stout. Feet of moderate length, rather strong; tarsus of ordinary length, compressed, with seven anterior scutella; toes rather large; the hind toe strong, and longer than the lateral, which are equal, the third much longer, and united to the fourth at the base. Claws long, arched, much compressed, acute. Plumage soft and blended, but firm. Bristles feeble. Wings rather long, with the second and third quills longest. Tail of moderate length, emarginate.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus III - Niphaea, Aud. (Snow-Bird)

Bill short, rather small, conical, acute; upper mandible a little broader than the lower, its dorsal line straight, slightly declinate at the tip, the sides convex, the edges nearly straight, slightly inflected, but overlapping; lower mandible with the angle short and rounded, the dorsal line straight, the sides convex, the edges a little inflected, the tip acute. Nostrils basal, roundish, concealed by the feathers. Head broadly ovate; neck short; body full. Feet of moderate length; tarsus rather short, stout, with seven scutella; toes rather strong, the first stout, the lateral equal. Claws rather long, arched, compressed, laterally grooved, tapering to a fine point. Plumage very soft and blended. Wings rather short, curved, rounded; second, third, and fourth quills longest, first longer than fifth. Tail rather long, slightly emarginate. Roof of upper mandible concave, with thin ridges, and a small knob at the base; tongue narrow, deep, grooved above, tapering to a horny point; oesophagus dilated about the middle; stomach rather small, roundish, muscular; intestine rather short; coeca very small. Name from [Niphos], snow.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus IV - Spiza, Bonap. (Painted-Bunting)

Bill short, moderately stout, conical, acute; upper mandible rather narrower, with the dorsal line somewhat convex, the ridge narrow, the sides sloping and a little convex, the edges inclining upwards for a third of their length, then direct, with a slight notch close to the narrow declinate tip; lower mandible with the angle short and rounded, the dorsal line very slightly convex, the sides rounded, the edges involute, the tip acute. Nostrils basal, roundish, partly concealed by the feathers. Head broadly ovate; neck short; body rather full. Feet of moderate length; tarsus much compressed, with seven scutella; toes of moderate size, hind toe large, lateral equal. Claws slender, compressed, well arched, acute. Plumage full, soft, and blended. Wings of moderate length, the second and third quills longest, the first about equal to the fourth. Tail of moderate length, emarginate. Palate anteriorly with their narrow ridges, forming a large oblong hard knob at their base; tongue higher than broad, deeply grooved above, pointed; oesophagus dilated into a crop; stomach elliptical, muscular; intestine of moderate length; coeca very small.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus V - Ammodramus, Swains. (Shore-Finch)

Bill rather long, being little shorter than the head, rather slender, straight, considerably compressed, acute; upper mandible with the dorsal line considerably convex, the ridge narrow, the sides convex, the edges inflected, with a slight festoon about the middle, and a faint notch, close to the tip, which is deflected and acute; lower mandible with the angle short and rounded, the dorsal line ascending and straight, the ridge rounded, the sides convex, the edges involute, the tip acute. Nostrils small, elliptical, basal, partially concealed by the plumage. Head ovate; neck short; body slender. Tarsus rather short, stoutish, compressed, with seven scutella; toes rather long, hind toe large, outer shorter than inner, and adherent at the base. Claws long, slender, little arched, much compressed, laterally grooved, tapering to a fine point. Plumage soft and blended, with the filaments stiffish and disunited. No bristles. Wings short, convex, rounded, the second, third, and fourth quills longest, the first considerably shorter. Tail of moderate length, graduated, slender, of twelve narrow, acuminate feathers. No difference in the colours of the sexes.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus VI - Peucaea, Aud. (Pinewood-Finch)

Bill of moderate length, rather stout, straight, considerably compressed, acute; upper mandible with the dorsal line somewhat convex, the ridge rather narrow, the sides convex, the edges inflected, with the notches obsolete, the tip acute; lower mandible with the angle short and rounded, the dorsal line ascending and slightly convex, the ridge rounded, the sides convex, the edges involute, the tip acute. Nostrils small, roundish, partially concealed by the plumage. Head ovate; neck short; body moderately stout. Tarsus rather short, compressed, with seven scutella; toes moderate, very slender, hind toe rather large, lateral toes about equal, outer adherent at the base. Claws of moderate length, very slender, extremely compressed, arched, tapering to a fine point. Plumage very soft, blended. Wings very short, convex, rounded, the third and fourth quills longest, the first and seventh about equal. Tail rather long, graduated, of twelve narrow rounded feathers. No difference in the colours of the sexes. Name from [Peuche] a pine.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus VII - Linaria, Ray. (Linnet)

Bill short, conical, moderately stout, higher than broad at the base, compressed toward the end, acuminate; upper mandible with the dorsal line straight, the nasal sinus very short and broad, the ridge distinct and narrow, the sides convex, the edges ascending at first, afterwards direct, the tip very narrow, without notches; lower mandible with the angle short and semicircular, the dorsal line straight or very slightly concave, the sides convex, the tip acuminate. Nostrils basal, roundish, concealed by the feathers. Head of moderate size, roundish; neck short; body moderate. Feet of moderate length; tarsus short, compressed, with seven scutella; toes rather stout, the first large. Claws long, moderately arched, much compressed, very acute. Plumage soft and blended. Wings rather long, the first three quills nearly equal, the second generally longest, the first longer than the third. Tail rather long, deeply emarginate or forked, with the feathers pointed. Roof of upper mandible concave, with two ridges; tongue deeper than broad, concave above toward the point, which is acute; oesophagus enlarged about the middle; stomach roundish, muscular; intestine of moderate length, slender; coeca very small.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus VIII - Carduelis, Cuv. (Goldfinch)

Bill short, or of moderate length, conical, very stout at the base, compressed toward the end, and tapering to a fine point; upper mandible a little broader, with the nasal sinus very broad, the dorsal outline very slightly convex, the ridge narrowed toward the end, the sides convex, the edges a little inflected and overlapping, the edges slightly ascending at the base, the notches obsolete, the tip very acute; lower mandible with the angle short and rounded, the dorsal line straight, the sides convex, the tip very acute. Nostrils basal, roundish, concealed by the feathers. Head roundish-ovate; neck short; body rather full. Legs rather short; tarsus short, compressed, slender, with seven scutella; toes moderate, the first large, the lateral nearly equal. Claws long, compressed, moderately curved, very acute. Plumage very soft and blended. Wings rather long, pointed, the first, second, and third quills about equal and longest. Tail rather short, deeply emarginate. Roof of upper mandible deeply concave; tongue grooved above, pointed; oesophagus dilated about the middle; stomach small, broadly elliptical, moderately muscular; intestine short; coeca very small.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus IX - Fringilla, Linn. (Finch)

Bill short, stout, conical, somewhat compressed, pointed; upper mandible of the same breadth as the lower, with its dorsal line straight, the ridge indistinct, the sides rounded, the edges ascending at the base, the notches obsolete, the tip scarcely deflected; lower mandible with the angle very short and rounded, the dorsal line straight, the sides convex, the edges inflected, the tip acute. Nostrils basal, roundish, concealed by the feathers. Head rather large, ovate; neck short; body compact. Legs of moderate length; tarsus rather short, compressed, with seven scutella; toes moderate; hind toe stout, lateral equal. Claws rather long, arched, compressed, acute. Plumage rather compact, but blended. Wings of moderate length, with the second, third, and fourth quills longest. Tail of moderate length, slightly emarginate. Roof of upper mandible moderately concave, with three longitudinal ridges; tongue compressed, channelled above, dilated about the middle; stomach roundish, muscular; intestine rather short; coeca small.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus X - Pipilo, Vieill. (Ground-Finch)

Bill short, stout, narrower than the head, conical, somewhat compressed, acute; upper mandible with the dorsal line slightly convex, the ridge narrow and distinct, the sides convex, the edges somewhat inflected, ascending for more than a third, then direct, with a slight festoon; notches very slight, tip declinate, narrow; lower mandible with the angle very short and broad, the dorsal line slightly convex, the sides rounded, the edges involute, the point acute. Nostrils basal, roundish, partially concealed by the feathers. Tarsus of moderate length, compressed, with seven scutella; toes rather large, scutellate above, the first stronger, the lateral nearly equal. Claws rather long, moderately arched, slender, compressed, laterally grooved, acute. Small bristles at the base of the upper mandible. Plumage full, soft, and blended. Wings of ordinary length, much rounded, the fourth quill longest; tail long, rounded. Roof of upper mandible rather flat, with a narrow median and two broad lateral flattened ridges; tongue compressed, convex above, with a median groove, horny at the end, and pointed; oesophagus slightly dilated about the middle; stomach a strong muscular gizzard; intestine short; coeca small.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus XI - Erythrospiza, Bonap. (Purple-Finch)

Bill rather short, robust, bulging, conical, pointed; upper mandible a little broader, with the nasal sinus very short and broad, the dorsal line a little convex, the ridge indistinct, the sides rounded, the edges a little inflected, ascending at the base, afterwards direct, the notches faint, the tip slightly deflected, rather acute; lower mandible with the angle short and rounded, the dorsal line ascending, straight, the back and sides rounded, the edges involute, the tip acute. Nostrils roundish, partially concealed by the short reflexed bristly feathers. Head large, roundish-ovate; neck short, body moderate. Tarsus short, slender, compressed, with seven scutella; toes rather small, first stout, lateral nearly equal. Claws slender, much compressed, well arched, acute. Plumage soft and rather blended; feathers of the hind head somewhat elongated and pointed. Wings of moderate length, rather pointed, the outer four quills longest. Tail of moderate length, deeply emarginate. Upper mandible concave beneath, with two prominent lines, of which the lateral are much larger; tongue higher than broad, channelled above, the tip somewhat rounded and concave; oesophagus dilated about the middle; stomach roundish, muscular; intestine short; coeca very small.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus XII - Corythus, Cuv. (Pine-Finch)

Bill short, robust, bulging at the base, conical, acute; upper mandible of the same breadth as the lower, with its dorsal line very convex, the nasal sinus semicircular, the sides convex, the edges sharp, overlapping, gently ascending at the base, then arched, with a slight festoon, the notches obsolete, the tip declinate, acute; lower mandible with the angle semicircular, the dorsal line slightly convex, the back rounded at the base, the sides convex, the edges somewhat inflected, the tip obtuse. Nostrils basal, round, concealed by bristly feathers. Head large, roundish-ovate; neck short; body moderately stout; feet short; tarsus short, compressed, with seven scutella; toes stout, the first proportionally large, the lateral nearly equal, the outer adherent at the base. Claws long, moderately arched, compressed, acute, that of the third toe longer than that of the first. Plumage soft, full, rather blended; two tufts of bristly feathers at the base of the upper mandible directed forwards. Wings of moderate length, pointed, the first, second, and third, nearly equal. Tail rather long, deeply emarginate. Roof of the mouth concave, with five prominent ridges; tongue deeper than broad, in its distal half oblong, concave, obtuse, and horny; oesophagus dilated about the middle; stomach large, muscular, with the lateral muscles distinct, and the epithelium rugous, intestine long, and rather slender; coeca very small; cloaca oblong.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus XIII - Loxia, Linn. (Crossbill)

Bill rather long, stout at the base, where it is much higher than broad, extremely compressed toward the end, the mandibles towards their extremity deflected to opposite sides, so as to cross each other; upper mandible with the dorsal line convex and deflected, the sides slightly convex, the edges sharp, and towards the end united, the tip excessively compressed and decurved; lower mandible with its angle semicircular, the dorsal line ascending and convex, the edges sharp, inflected, and approximated at the tip, which is extremely acute. Nostrils small, basal, round, covered by the short bristly feathers. Head large, broadly ovate; neck short; body compact. Feet rather short and strong; tarsus short, compressed, with seven scutella; toes of moderate size, the first strong, the lateral nearly equal. Claws long, arched, very slender, much compressed, tapering to a fine point; that of the middle toe nearly as long as that of the first. Plumage soft, full, and blended. Two tufts of bristly feathers at the base of the upper mandible directed forwards. Wings of moderate length, pointed, the outer three primaries longest, the first generally exceeding the rest. Tail short, distinctly emarginate. Roof of the mouth concave, with three ridges, of which the median is much smaller; tongue deeper than broad, at the end oblong, obtuse, concave above, and horny; oesophagus dilated into a very large crop; stomach roundish, muscular, with the epithelium rugous; intestine of moderate length; coeca very small.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus XIV - Corydalina, Aud. (Lark-Finch)

Bill of the same form as in the Guiraca, but smaller, and approaching to that of Dolichonyx, being short, robust, conical, a little compressed; upper mandible a little narrower, with the dorsal line very slightly convex, the ridge indistinct, the nasal sinus very broad and short, the sides convex, the edges ascending for a third of their length, then direct, the notches almost obsolete, the tip narrow; lower mandible with the angle short and very broad, the dorsal line ascending and slightly convex, the back broad, the sides rounded, the edges inflected, the tip pointed. Nostrils basal, roundish. Head large, ovate; neck short; body full. Feet of moderate length, stout; tarsus of ordinary length, compressed, with seven scutella; toes rather large, the first stouter, the lateral equal, the third very long. Claws rather long, arched, much compressed, laterally grooved, tapering to a very acute point. Plumage soft and blended. Bristles at the base of upper mandible feeble. Wings of moderate length, the outer three quills nearly equal, the second longest, the fourth slightly shorter than the third; outer secondaries broadly rounded and emarginate; inner tapering to a rounded point, one of them, when the wing is closed, little shorter than the outer primaries. Tail of moderate length, a little rounded. Name from [Koxydalos], a lark.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus XV - Pitylus, Cuvier. (Cardinal Grosbeak)

Bill rather short, very robust, much higher than broad, tapering to a point; upper mandible considerably smaller than the lower, with the dorsal line convex, the ridge indistinct, the nasal sinus very wide, the sides convex, the edges ascending rapidly for a third of their length, then direct, with a slight festoon slightly inflected, the notches faint, the tip a little deflected and narrow; lower mandible with the angle semicircular, the dorsal line straight, the sides at the base inflected, toward the end convex, the edges involute, the tip acute. Nostrils basal, round, concealed by the feathers. Plumage soft and blended, feathers of the head elongated and erectile; distinct bristles at the base of the upper mandible. Wings of moderate length, much rounded, the fourth and fifth quills longest, the first and eighth about equal. Tail long, rounded. Tarsus short, compressed, with seven scutella; toes moderate, hind toe stout, broad beneath, outer toe slightly longer than inner, and adherent at the base. Claws moderate, arched, compressed, acute. Upper mandible concave beneath, with three longitudinal ridges; tongue as high as broad, convex above, tapering to a point. OEsophagus nearly uniform, stomach pretty large, roundish, its lateral muscles strong.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus XVI - Coccoburus, Swains. (Song-Grosbeak)

Bill rather short, extremely robust, almost as broad as the head, and somewhat compressed, tapering to a point; upper mandible considerably smaller than the lower, with the dorsal line convex, the ridge indistinct, the nasal sinus very wide, the sides convex, the edges ascending for a third of their length, then direct, with a slight festoon, and inflected, the notches faint, the tip a little, deflected, and narrow; lower mandible with the angle short and semicircular, the dorsal line straight, the sides at the base inflected, toward the end convex, the edges involute, the tip acute. Nostrils basal, round. Plumage somewhat compact, blended; distinct bristles at the base of the upper mandible. Wings of moderate length, pointed, the outer three quills nearly equal, the second longest. Tail of moderate length, slightly emarginate. Tarsus short, compressed, with seven scutella; toes moderate, hind toe stout, broad beneath, outer toe slightly longer than inner, and adherent at the base. Claws moderate, arched, compressed, acute. Upper mandible concave beneath, with three longitudinal ridges; tongue as high as broad, convex above, tapering to a point; oesophagus rather wide, dilated about the middle; stomach rather small, roundish, compressed, with its muscles distinct and of moderate thickness, the epithelium longitudinally rugous; intestine short, and of moderate width; coeca very small.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus XVII - Coccothraustes, Briss. (Grosbeak)

Bill of moderate length, extremely robust, almost as broad as the head, not compressed, conical, pointed; upper mandible rather broader than the lower, with the dorsal line slightly convex, the ridge indistinct, the nasal sinus extremely wide and short, the sides rounded, the edges simply arched and a little inflected, the notches almost obsolete, the tip a little deflected; lower mandible with the angle extremely short and wide, forming the fourth of a circle, the dorsal line straight, the sides at the base and in their whole length convex, the edges involute, the tip acute; nostrils basal, round. Plumage blended. Wings of moderate length, pointed, the outer three quills nearly equal, the second longest. Tail of moderate length, emarginate. Tarsus short, compressed, with seven scutella; toes moderate, hind toe stout, broad beneath; outer toe a little longer than the inner, and adherent at the base. Claws moderate, or rather stout, arched, compressed, acute. Upper mandible concave beneath, with three prominent lines.

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Family XV - Fringillinae

Genus XVIII - Pyranga, Vieill. (Summer Red-Bird)

Bill of moderate length, robust, tapering, compressed toward the end, acute; upper mandible with its dorsal line declinate and considerably convex, the ridge rather narrow, nasal sinus very short and wide, the sides convex, the edges sharp, slightly arched, with a festoon about the middle, the notches distinct, the tip very slender, declinate; lower mandible strong, with the angle short and rounded, the dorsal line straight, the sides convex, the edges direct, the tip acute. Nostrils basal, round. Head ovate; neck short; body compact. Tarsus short, with seven scutella; toes rather small, the first moderate, the outer slightly longer than the inner, and adherent at the base. Claws moderate, well arched, much compressed, laterally grooved, acute, those of the first and third toes equal. Plumage soft and blended; distinct bristles at the base of upper mandible. Wings rather long, with the second and third quills longest, the first little shorter. Tail of moderate length, emarginate. Upper mandible concave, with three longitudinal ridges; tongue somewhat triangular, convex above, with the point thin-edged and lacerated; oesophagus dilated about the middle; stomach broadly elliptical, small, its lateral muscles rather small; epithelium thin, longitudinally rugous; intestine short; coeca extremely small. Inferior laryngeal muscles four on each side, but very small.

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Family XVI - Agelainae

Genus I - Dolichonix, Swains. (Rice-Bird)

Bill rather short, very stout, moderately compressed, conical; upper mandible with the dorsal line straight, a little convex at the base, and very slightly deflected at the end, its ridge rather broad, indistinct, sides rounded, edges direct, overlapping, tip rather acute; lower mandible with the angle of moderate length, very broad, dorsal outline ascending, slightly convex at the base, sides erect and convex, tip acute; gap-line ascending for a fourth of its length, then direct. Nostrils small, elliptical, operculate. Plumage blended, but firm, with little gloss. Wings rather long, pointed, the first quill longest. Tail of moderate length, the feathers narrow and acuminate. Toes large; claws very long, little arched, slender, tapering to a fine point.

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Family XVI - Agelainae

Genus II - Molothrus, Swains. (Cow-bird)

Bill rather short, very stout, moderately compressed, conical; upper mandible with the dorsal line slightly convex, its ridge flattened for half its length, afterwards narrow, sides convex, edges direct, tip rather acute; lower mandible with the angle short and wide, the dorsal outline ascending, straight, sides erect and convex, edges involute, tip acute; gap-line gently ascending for a third of its length, afterwards direct. Nostrils small, elliptical. Plumage blended, glossy. Wings rather long, pointed, the second quill longest, the first almost equal. Tail of moderate length, the feathers broad and rounded.

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Family XVI - Agelainae

Genus III - Agelaius, Swains. (Marsh-blackbird)

Bill shorter than the head, stout, straight, conical, tapering to an acute point; upper mandible with the dorsal line straight, slightly convex at the base, the ridge flattened toward the base, where it forms a short tapering process on the forehead, the sides rounded, the edges inflected, the tip a little depressed; lower mandible with the angle short and wide, the sides convex at the base, toward the end rounded, the edges involute, the tip acute; the gap-line ascending at the base, afterwards direct. Nostrils basal, oval, with a small operculum. Head ovate, of moderate size; neck short; body moderately stout. Feet of ordinary length, rather stout; tarsus compressed, with seven anterior scutella; toes rather large, the first much stronger, the outer a little shorter than the inner, and adherent at the base. Claws long, little arched, compressed, laterally grooved, very acute. Plumage soft and blended, glossy in the males. Wings of moderate length, with the outer four quills nearly equal. Tail rather long, rounded. Roof of the upper mandible with three longitudinal ridges; tongue tapering to a horny, flattened, slightly emarginate tip; oesophagus wide, considerably dilated about the middle; stomach roundish, muscular; intestine short and of moderate width; coeca very small, cloaca oblong.

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Family XVI - Agelainae

Genus IV - Icterus, Briss. (Hang-nest)

Bill a little shorter than the head, conical, very slightly decurved, compressed, tapering to a very attenuated point; upper mandible with the dorsal line almost straight, being very slightly convex, the ridge indistinct, narrowed at the base; the sides convex, the edges overlapping, the tip extremely sharp; gap-line ascending at the base, afterwards direct; lower mandible with the angle long and of moderate width, the dorsal line and that of the crura slightly concave, the sides erect at the base, convex towards the end, the edges slightly inflected, the tip extremely slender. Nostrils basal, elliptical, with a small operculum. Head ovate, of moderate size; neck short; body rather slender. Feet of moderate length, rather stout; tarsus much compressed, with seven anterior scutella; toes of moderate size, the hind toe much stronger, the lateral about equal, the third and fourth united at the base. Claws rather long, moderately arched, much compressed, laterally grooved, very acute. Plumage soft and blended. Wings of moderate length, with the outer four quills nearly equal. Tail of moderate length, rounded and slightly emarginate. Roof of the upper mandible with a broad median ridge, somewhat prominent at the base; tongue tapering to a deeply slit point; oesophagus wide, considerably dilated about the middle; stomach elliptical; intestine short, and of moderate width; coeca very small; cloaca globular.

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Family XVI - Agelainae

Genus V - Quiscalus, Vieill. (Crow-blackbird)

Bill as long as the head, or somewhat longer, nearly straight, strong, tapering, compressed from the base; upper mandible with its outline slightly declinate, a little convex, the ridge narrow at the base and encroaching a little on the forehead, afterwards broad, rounded, and indistinct, the sides convex, the edges sharp and direct, or slightly inflected, with a faint festoon anterior to the nostrils, the tip deflected, acute; lower mandible with the angle short and rounded, the dorsal line straight, slightly deflected at the end, the ridge convex, the sides rounded, the edges inflected, the tip very acute. Nostrils basal, oval, half-closed by a membrane. Head of moderate size, ovate, flattened above; neck of moderate length; body rather slender. Feet of moderate length; tarsus as long as the middle toe and claw, compressed, with eight anterior scutella; toes rather long, with large scutella, the hind toe stronger, the lateral toes nearly equal, the middle toe much longer. Claws rather long, slightly arched, compressed, not laterally grooved, acute. Plumage blended, highly glossed. Wings of moderate length, the second and third quills longest, the first and fourth little shorter. Tail long, graduated or rounded, the feathers flat or slightly concave, slightly emarginate, with the inner webs longer than the outer. Roof of the upper mandible concave, with three longitudinal ridges, of which the middle is enlarged at the base and prominent; tongue slender, sagittate, concave above, tapering to a thin lacerated point; oesophagus rather wide, considerably dilated about the middle; stomach of moderate size, elliptical or roundish, moderately muscular, the lateral muscles distinct, the epithelium dense, horny, slightly rugous, with two roundish grinding surfaces; intestine of moderate length, rather wide; coeca very small; cloaca oblong.

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Family XVII - Sturninae

Genus I - Sturnella, Vieill. (Meadow Starling)

Bill rather long, almost straight, conico-subulate, depressed toward the end; upper mandible with the ridge somewhat flattened, the edges sharp and overlapping; the tip narrow, but rounded; lower mandible with the outline straight, the ridge convex, the sides ascending; the tip slightly rounded. Nostrils oval, with an arched membrane above. Head of ordinary size, depressed; neck of moderate length; body rather full. Feet of moderate length, strong; tarsus distinctly scutellate; lateral toes nearly equal, hind toe stout. Claws arched, compressed, acute, that of the hind toe large. Plumage rather compact. Upper eyelid margined with strong bristles. Wings of moderate length, broad; the second, third, and fourth quills longest; one of the inner secondaries nearly as long when the wing is closed. Tail short, much rounded, of twelve acute feathers.

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Family XVIII - Corvinae

Genus I - Corvus, Linn. (Crow)

Bill rather long, stout, considerably compressed; upper mandible with the dorsal line declinate and arched, the sides somewhat convex, the edges nearly straight, and overlapping, the notches faint, the tip declinate, rather sharp; lower mandible with the angle rather long, and of moderate width, the dorsal line ascending, and slightly convex, the edges direct, the tip narrow. Nostrils basal, lateral, round, covered by narrow stiff feathers directed forwards. Head large, ovate; neck rather short; body robust. Legs of moderate length, strong; tarsus stout, compressed, with eight scutella; toes of moderate length, stout, first and second nearly equal, fourth longer, and slightly adherent at the base. Claws strong, arched, compressed, acute. Plumage compact, glossed. Wings long, with the first quill short, the fourth longest. Tail of moderate length, rounded. Roof of upper mandible concave, with five ridges; tongue emargined and papillate at the base, horny toward the end, thin-edged, with the point slit.

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Family XVIII - Corvinae

Genus II - Pica, Briss. (Magpie)

Bill of moderate length, stout, considerably compressed; upper mandible with the dorsal line declinate and arched, the sides convex, the ridge narrow, the edges nearly straight and overlapping, the notches faint, the tip declinate, and rather sharp; lower mandible with the angle rather long and wide, the dorsal line ascending and slightly convex, the edges inclinate, the tip narrow. Nostrils basal, lateral, roundish, covered by narrow stiff feathers directed forwards. Head large, ovate; neck rather short; body compact. Legs of moderate length, strong; tarsus stout, compressed, with eight scutella; toes of moderate length, stout, first large, stronger; lateral nearly equal, third considerably longer. Claws strong, arched, compressed, acute. Plumage full, soft, blended. Wings of moderate length, much rounded, the first quill very short, extremely narrow and falciform, fourth and fifth longest. Tail very long, graduated. Digestive organs as in Corvus.

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Family XVIII - Corvinae

Genus III - Garrulus, Briss. (Jay)

Bill of moderate length, strong, straight, compressed, rather pointed; upper mandible with the dorsal line slightly arched, the ridge scarcely distinct, the sides sloping, the edges nearly straight, sharp, and overlapping, the notches slight, the tip slightly depressed; lower mandible with the angle of moderate length, rather wide, the dorsal line ascending, slightly convex, the sides sloping outwards, the edges direct, the tip acute. Nostrils basal, elliptical, covered by reversed stiffish feathers. Head rather large; neck short; body stout. Feet of moderate length, rather stout; tarsus of ordinary length, compressed, with eight scutella; toes moderate, the first large, the outer considerably longer than the inner; claws well-arched, rather long, compressed, acute. Plumage blended; small bristles at the base of the upper mandible; feathers of the head generally elongated; wings rather short, first quill very short, fourth and fifth longest; tail rather long, much rounded. Roof of upper mandible concave, with three ridges; digestive organs as in Corvus.

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Family XVIII - Corvinae

Genus IV - Nucifraga, Briss. (Nutcracker)

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Family XIX - Laniinae

Genus I - Lanius, Linn. (Shrike, or Butcher-bird)

Bill of moderate length, strong, compressed; upper mandible with the dorsal line a little arched, towards the end decurved, the sides convex, the edges direct, with a large prominence succeeded by a deep notch, the tip decurved and acute; lower mandible with the angle short and wide, the dorsal line convex, the sides convex, the edges inflected, the tip ascending, acute. Nostrils basal, lateral, oval, concealed by the bristly feathers. Head large, broadly ovate; neck short; body robust. Tarsus rather short, compressed, slender, with eight scutella; toes small, the first stout, the lateral nearly equal. Claws rather large, arched, compressed, extremely acute. Plumage soft and blended. Bristles stiff. Wings of ordinary length, first quill very short, fourth longest. Tail long, graduated, or rounded.

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Family XX - Vireoninae

Genus I - Vireo, Vieill. (Greenlet)

Bill rather short or of moderate length, rather strong, straight, broader than high at the base, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the dorsal line slightly convex, the ridge narrow, the sides sloping and towards the end somewhat convex, the edges straight, the notches distinct, the tip small, decurved, acute; lower mandible with the angle of moderate length and rather narrow, the dorsal line ascending and rather convex, the sides convex, the edges inclinate, the tip acute and ascending. Nostrils basal, oblong. Head rather large, ovate; neck short; body rather stout. Tarsus rather short, slender, compressed, with seven scutella; toes small, first large, inner considerably shorter than outer, which is adnate at the base. Plumage soft and blended; bristles small. Wings rather long, with the second and third quills longest, the first not much shorter. Tail of moderate length, nearly even.

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Family XXI - Piprinae

Genus I - Icteria, Vieill. (Chat)

Bill of moderate length, stout, slightly arched, broad at the base, compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the sides convex, the edges sharp, destitute of notch, the tip acute and a little declinate; lower mandible with the dorsal line nearly straight, the edge-line slightly arched and inflected. Nostrils roundish, half covered by a vaulted membrane. General form rather robust; head ovate, neck short, body moderate. Legs of moderate length, slender; tarsus compressed, anteriorly covered with eight scutella, of which the upper are blended; two lateral toes nearly equal, the hind one not much stouter. Claws moderate, arch much compressed, laterally grooved, very acute. Plumage soft and blended. Bristles very small. Wings of moderate length, rounded, third and fourth primaries longest, second little shorter, first longer than sixth. Tail rather long, rounded.

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Family XXII - Ampelinae

Genus I - Bombycilla, Briss. (Waxwing)

Bill short, rather stout, straightish, broader than high at the base, compressed towards the end; upper mandible with its dorsal line convex and declinate towards the tip, which is deflected, narrow, and rather acute, its sides convex, the edges sharp and overlapping, the notches distinct; lower mandible with the angle short and wide, the dorsal line convex and ascending, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip very small, acute, ascending, with a small sinus behind; gap-line nearly straight. Nostrils oval, partially concealed by the reversed stiffish feathers. Head of ordinary size, ovate; neck short; body full. Feet rather short; tarsus short, rather stout, compressed, with six scutella; toes of moderate size, first stout, broad beneath, outer slightly adherent at the base; inner a little shorter. Claws rather long, arched, much compressed, very acute. Plumage blended, very soft, somewhat silky, but with little gloss; head tufted; no bristles. Wings rather long, broad, and pointed, the first quill longest. Tail of moderate length, even. This genus is remarkable for the oblong bright red horny appendages to the tips of the wings and tall-feathers, which, however, are not seen in all the species. Roof of upper mandible slightly concave, with three ridges; tongue triangular, concave, horny, deep slit, with two slender points; oesophagus very wide, much dilated about the middle; stomach rather small, elliptical, muscular; intestine short and extremely wide; coeca very small.

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Family XXIII - Sittinae

Genus I - Sitta, Linn. (Nuthatch)

Bill rather long, or of moderate length, straight, conico-subulate, a little compressed, rather obtuse; upper mandible with the dorsal outline very slightly arched, the ridge rather narrow, the sides sloping, the edges sharp, without notches, the tip rather blunt; lower mandible with the angle of moderate length and narrow, the dorsal line ascending and very slightly convex, the sides slightly convex, the tip narrow. Nostrils basal, round operculate, partially concealed by the reversed bristly feathers. Head ovate; neck short; body short Tarsi rather short, stout, compressed, with eight scutella; toes long, much compressed; first very long, second much shorter than fourth; anterior toes adherent at the base. Claws long, arched, much compressed, laterally grooved, acute. Plumage very soft and blended. Small bristles at the base of the upper mandible. Wings rather long, first quill extremely small, third and fourth longest. Tail short, of twelve feathers broad, nearly even. Upper mandible slightly concave, with three ridges; tongue slender, very thin, with the point abrupt and terminated by strong bristles; oesophagus without dilatation; stomach rather large, roundish, moderately muscular; intestine rather short and wide; coeca very small.

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Family XXIV - Trochilinae

Genus I - Trochilus, Linn. (Humming-bird)

Bill long, subulate, depressed at the base, cylindrical, straight, or slightly arched, flexible; upper mandible with the ridge narrow at the base, convex in the rest of its extent, the sides sloping, the edges soft; lower mandible with the angle extremely acute and elongated, the sides erect, the tip acute. Nostrils linear, with a membranous flap above. Head small; neck short; body moderately stout. Feet very short; middle toe scarcely longer than the rest. Plumage rather blended and glossy above. Wings very long, extremely narrow; tail rather long, broad, nearly even. The other characters as above.

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Family XXIV - Trochilinae

Genus II - Selasphorus, Swains. (Ruffed-humming-bird)

Bill long, straight, subulate, extremely slender, somewhat depressed at the base, acute; upper mandible with the dorsal line straight, the ridge narrow at the base, broad and convex toward the end, the sides convex, the edges overlapping, the tip accuminate; lower mandible with the angle very long and extremely narrow, the dorsal line straightish, the edges erect, the tip acuminate. Nostrils basal, linear. Head of ordinary size, oblong; neck short; body short and ovate. Feet very small; tarsus very short, feathered more than half-way; toes small, the lateral equal, the third not much longer, the first a little shorter than the