OO PO ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES 4 OF | PHILADELPHIA. a Presented by SF-- oe Stxhland - _ Not to be loaned on any condition, | om Bonner ahh. 3 ee CONTRIBUTIONS TO rN IT H OL OG Y FOR 1850. - BY Str WILLIAM JARDINE, Bart. F.R,S.E., I.L.S., ETC., ETC, EDINBURGH: W. H. LIZARS, 3, ST. JAMES’ SQUARE. LONDON : REEVE, BENHAM & REEVE, KING WILLIAM STREET, STRAND. 1850, % Me pas: * eh pt: ere See CONTENTS. Page ORNITHOLOGY OF QUITO. wae Meh eee ae dee 1 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS «00 ese eee 5, 35, 67 OBSERVATIONS ON THE PostTION OF ARTAMUS SANGUINOLENTUS, TEMMINCE ... ; BW CAROLE ACU RRS 15 Sconorax BREHMI, Kaup : i 17 InnusTRAtions or Foreign OoLogy — Grus antigone ... ny ae dad ix is a «-- 19, 153 Sypheotides bengalensis exe am “19 ve at ba oe 40 Corvus culminatus ... Sie Be enh Vegans a) why 69 Corvus splendens ... ... wif abhi UE im eece Nan es ise ib. Endynamys orientalis oe sd Es eee aw 5 ae 43 ib. Lophophorus impeyanus =; bys ee SH ao orishas Purcrasia macrolopha, Rog te Seg bd ese ara eae REMARKS ON THE STRRNA INCA, LESSON... fae VaR 2 ats 32 Monoarapu oF THE Fanconipar, SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY Dr, T. 1. Kaup— Continued from p. 121 of Contributions for 1849... 51 Nores on rae Osrzotocy or ScansorEs, By T. ©, Exron, Esq., F.LS., F.Z.S., &e. we ea 0 sie ae 73 Mererine oF rae Britis Fadionaeion AT mpeuaas. yr uLY 30, 1850. Ornithology of Section D ... el eee I ae 85 On a Peculiar Structure in the Rectrices of Vidua ee (Linn), by H. E. Stricknanp... “a oa .. 88, 149 A Brief Account of the Riebennotnk in Natasa History of nie M‘Gilliyray, Esq,, the Naturalist attached to H. M. Surveying Ship the Rattlesnake, on the North-Eastern Coasts of Australia, New Guinea, &c., by Jonn Gounp, PRS. 2... oe 92 Some Observations on the Birds of the Faroe Islands, by J. Woutry, M.A. . oe i, EDR. 5. she i. a Oe Tur Dopo AND THE PRESUMED ikseenoe Baspe OF whinaexadan AND THE Mauritius, &. Pee ere ties." en As OrnirHoLoGy oF THE Coasts AND ISLANDS OF Wiserni AFRICA, BY Dr, HARTLAUB... ... ie He. & - % F. aK 129 CONTENTS. ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY — Oreotrochilus jamesonii, Jardine ... Tanthia rufilata, Hodgson ... byt Megalaima capistratus, Eyton .... Pycnosphys grammiceps, Strickland Monasa flavirostris, Strickland Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum, Strickland Enuphonia bicolor, Strickland A Tachyphonus rufiventer, Spiz ... Calliste chrysonota, Sclater... Trochilus allardi, Bourcier Fe Synalaxis lammulatus, Jardine Aleyone cyano-pectus, de la Fresnaye Tarsiger chryseus, Hodgson wm Xanthornus prosthemelas, Strickland Elznia linteata, Strickland... Casarea lencoptera, Blyth ... Menura alberti, Gould Careba nitida, Hartlaub Psaroides flammiceps, Burton NOTICE. Some of our Subscribers have expressed a wish to have the Plates numbered, to give facilities for quoting. We have no objections to comply with this wish, though we thought that the quotation of the description was sufficient, and our intention was, that the Plates of the * Tilustrations” might be bound separately, as they accumulated suffi- ciently to form a moderately thick volume. A List of the Plates for 1848, 1849, and 1850 is now given, with the numbers which should accompany each. The Vignettes which have been occasionally intro- duced in the Letterpress are also included, but are placed in a separate Column. In Part I. for 1851, the Plates will be numbered, following those already published, which Subscribers are requested to number for themselves, in accordance with the following List :— NUMBERS OF PLATES, &e. Plates. Vignettes and Woodcuts, Turdus xanthoschelus, Jardine, 1847 ... cay (ea kay Meet be Chrysoptilus kirkii, Malherbe, 1847... i vs.. tae? Ortalida ruficanda, Jardine, 1848... 00 eee BB Cartilaginons end of sternum... aol ERD eral 4 Pericrocotus erythropygius, Jerdon .. 5 Mauscicapa hemileucura, Hodgson, 1848 aE MARIA IRE ee Heterura sylvana, Hodgson, 1848 he Ferre be ee ty 7! Penelope cristata, 1848 (Structure) waa #1 WAUES Sternum (Strucinmre) Fat age’ dep demesate ) cays 9 Scops cristata, Daudin, var., 1848 av aie a ER abe 10) Tityra surinama, Linneus, 1848 Fiber Ee. ob Timalia leucotis, Strickland, 1848 ota te eat | tye? cl Drymoica mentalis, Fraser, 1849 1. Le en a BR Drymoica erythroptera, Jardine, 1849... .. .. .. JA Hirundo albigularis, Strickland, 1849... 9... 0. ae 5 Tanagra cana, 1849(Oology) ... ... eae ss, sd Momotus gularis, De la Fresnaye, 1849 Le Sony arab Dg Holocnemis neevius, Gmelin, 1849 seg QUES: Diy j pecimens agree with B ; description of the bird we ha me ial : : ve named, except that he states, croupion roux-clair.” (See our figure in next part.) Bour- cier’s Specimens were from Santa Fé de Bogota. Professor Jame- son states, that the birds sent are from “the western declivity of Pichincha. It feeds generally on the flowers of a blue lupine, and its habits certainly resemble i more those itunes ao of an insect than one of “e ip) ~pennis, Bo URC, A ees enerall with Bou . : 4 5 4 _ ORNITHOLOGY OF QUITO. the lower part of the back and rump show the bright changing colours, as well as the upper tail-coyers which Bourcier mentions as alone possessing them. Of this form Mr. Gould makes his genus Agleactis. Professor Jameson observes —“ Inhabits the middle regions of Pichincha, extracting its food from the flowers of Siphocampy lus giganteus and Loranthus. The species seems to be peculiar to the province of Patto and to the equator.” » Since writing the above, we have received four specimens by post from the same regions, one a $, of a species common about the suburbs of Quito. The 7. nuna, Less. We may notice this again when other specimens haye been received. “aN ES Hs Fo Fag ent i kee Le Rhye Sm | Pee Sere SS ce earns oot oe ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. WHEN printing the Ornithology of the Bermudas in our contri- butions for last year, we sent a proof sheet to Lieutenant Wedder- burn, who was then on the eve of departure. The proof missed him, and only reached him after his arrival at the islands. It has just been again returned to us, accompanied with remarks by Mr. Hurdis who has attended to this branch of the natural history ; and as these follow the order of our previous list, we at once print them as a supplement, with our thanks to the writer for his atten- tion. Were similar lists and observations made out by residents in our various possessions, they would be of great use to ornithology. Sialia wilsoniid.—Common at all seasons of the year ; breeding in April, May, and June. Is sometimes exceedingly abundant in the months of January and February: this large and temporary increase of numbers is doubtless to be ascribed to migration from the American coast. During the past summer, these beautiful birds were less numerous than during the preceding nine years. Mimus carolinensis.—Common. Has established itself as a permanent resident. Guiraca cardinalis.—Very abundant ; rearing its young, and remaining throughout the year. It is not improbable that a few of this species occasionally arrive, like their progenitors, from the coast of America, Vireo noveboracencis.—This little bird is very common, and appears to haye thoroughly established its residence in these islands. Corvus améericanus.—A small flock of these. crows frequents that portion of the islands between the Iron Light House and the town of Hamilton. They are supposed to have been introduced 5 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. from Nova Scotia, in the year 1838, and are known to breed here, Chamepelia passerina.— Abundant throughout the ‘year. Gallinula galeata.—Supposed to be an autumnal migrant from the shores of America; is more or less common in some years than others, and breeds annually in these islands. A Ortyx virginianus.— Fifteen or twenty years ago this bird was known to breed in the Bermudas. None have been observed of late years, and it is now supposed to be extinct. SUMMER RESIDENTS. Pheton flavirostris.— The young of the Bermuda Pheton re- mains in the hole or cavity in which it has been nestled until capable of flight. Its plumage is then white, marked on the back and wings with transverse bracket-shaped bars of black or dark brown, the tail being without the elongated feathers of the adult bird. From this period the young disappear, and it is supposed they proceed with the parent birds to sea. Sterna dougalii.— A summer visitant, breeding on the rocks near the entrance of Castle Harbour ; arrives about the first of May, and departs in the month of September. S. hirundo.—This is also a summer visitant, frequenting the same localities, and departing at the same season of the year; only two specimens shot by me, 17th June, 1848. AUTUMNAL AND WINTER VISITANTS, Pandion halicetus.— Occasionally met with from October to June. Falco peregrinus.—F. anatum of Buonaparte. One specimen shot by Dr. Cole, 20th Regiment, in October, 1846. Another was killed in the town of Hamilton on the 1st February last. Falco columbarius.— Mr. Tristram’s observations are correct. Circus cyaneus.—Occasionally seen during the autumn migra- ion, Surnia nyctea.—Two specimens were shot at Boss’ Cove, in the autumn of 1843, by Lieut. Fayrer, of H.M. hulk “'Tenedos.” Otus americanus.—Three ex : amples were shot at Gibb’s Hill, Se oe ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. during the winter of 1846 and 1847, and another in the beginning of November, 1849. Otus brachyotus.—I have examined but one specimen of this species, which was shot by Dr. Cole, 20th Regiment, in December, 1846. Scotophilus acadica.—The specimen here mentioned is the only one that has been observed, and was captured alive at Ireland Island, on the 12th January, 1849. (Tengmalm’s Owl was not S. acadica, but a genuine Tengmalm. It flew on board the schooner ** Robert” on the 14th November, 1847, This vessel was then on her yoyage from Halifax to these islands: her latitude 41° 10’, lon- gitude 63° 40’; the wind blowing very fresh at the time from the south west. I examined this Owl soon after it arrived here. It was then alive, but having been fed at sea with pieces of salt pork soon died.) Chordeiles virginianus.—Many of these birds visit us for a few days in the months of April and October, going to and returning from the north, In 1849 they were unusually common during the spring migration. Hirundo rufa.—Occasionally a transient visitor in the months of April and May, though more commonly met with in September. This species was very numerous in the great flight of Swallows which visited these shores in September, 1849. H. riparia.—Two or three specimens were shot in September, 1846. Two others were observed near Hamilton, on the 8th August, 1847, Ceryle aleyon.—Visits the Bermudas regularly during the au- tumnal migration, arriving in the latter half of September. A few remain with us during the winter months; these take their depar- ture about April, and never leave a straggler behind them. Of course they do not breed here, Sylvicola coronata,— An autumnal yisitant, of which three or four specimens have been obtained. My earliest date is October 30, 1846, and latest, the 24th January, 1850. S. petechia. — Two specimens only have been obtained, one on the 17th December, 1847, the other about the 3d November, 1848, and both by Lieut. Wedderburn. S. discolor.—The only specimen I have seen, was shot by Lieut. Wedderburn, at Ireland Island, 3d October, 1848. 7 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Séiurus noveboracensis.—A regular autumnal visitor, a few of . which remain with us during the winter months. They are seldom seen, though often heard in the thick mangrove swamps. Linaria minor. — Has been occasionally met with from October to February. Rare. Dolichony# orizivorus.— An autumn visitor which appears about the middle of October, and invariably in winter plumage. In some years this bird is uncommon, in others the reverse. Is generally found in small flocks. , Plectrophanes nivalis. — First obtained in February, 1848, sub- sequent to which several examples haye been procured during the winter months. On the 17th November last I examined a speci- men in summer plumage, shot by Mr. Darrell. Lanius ludovieus. — Occasionally found during the autumn and winter months. Was first observed by Dr. Cole, 20th Regiment, in October, 1846. Bombycilla americana.—A flock of about thirty, seen by Lieut. Wedderburn.in October, 1847, from which three specimens were obtained.” In December following he killed four others. In De- cember, 1849, I shot two specimens from a flock of about twelve. In no other instance am I aware of the occurrence of this bird in the Bermudas. ‘ Picus yarius. — Accidental and rare. May occasionally remain during the winter months, Has not been observed since March, 1849. _ Coccyzus americanus.— First observed by Dr. Cole, 20th Re- emens, in 1844. In 1847 a Specimen was captured at Ireland bare eye ta the ae date, in 1848, a similar capture On the 9th October “eas. i esa ec ne Wir nee extraordinary flight ‘of m “aA ie fees oritael: Sitio ietaeee eae oe ousands of these birds, then on on the following day, the S disesion 96 it) LE ae lb Ectopistes capolinensa —lI pe proins i. apie prepared by myself, this bird flea _ Me Squad, for reasons biliina given. ine aici hi Ns Squatarola helvetica. — Rarely met with, though the young are ‘pposed often to mingle with O. yir iniacus,. i YOURE! migration in the month of September : A fi eae Sorehirs shot by Lieut. Wedderburn, on th RAP Py neni 8 > on the 5th September, 1848. ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Charadricus virginiaus.—In the month of September and the- early portion of October, this species passes over the Bermudas in flocks, some of which are very large. They fly in a south or south- easterly direction, and seldom alight unless from stress of weather. They are not observed here on their return north in the spring. Aigialites vociferus.— Occasionally met with during the winter months. Shot a specimen of this bird on the 12th November, 1849, which may be considered early for this species. Zi. semipalmatus.— Visits these islands in August and Sep- tember. Not uncommon. 4. melodus.— A. single example of this species, shot by Lieut. Wedderburn on the 5th September, 1848. Calidris arenaria.—A winter visitant, frequenting the sandy bays of the coast; has been shot early in September. Uncommon. Strepsilas interpres— Arrives from the north as early as the commencement of August, though more commonly in September. Is one of the most regular and common of our autumnal and winter visitants. Is generally seen in small flocks. Tringa pectoralis. —Not uncommon in August, September, and October. On the 9th October last, this species made its appearance in numerous flocks during tempestuous weather. T. schintzii. —Visits these islands during the autumnal migra- tion. A few specimens only have been met with. T. pusilla. —Frequently found associating with 7. semipalmata. T. maritima.—In the absence of positive proof, this Tringa has been transferred to the list of doubtful birds. T. semipalmata. —Visits Bermuda as early as the beginning of August, and is occasionally seen in small flocks from that period to the month of November. Phalaropus lobatus.—A pair of these birds were obtained in the spring of 1848. The male was found dead, floating in Riddle’s Bay, on the 18th March, and had probably struck the lantern of the Iron Light House (which is immediately above) during its noc- turnal flight from the southward. The female, in ruddy plumage, was found swinuning at the head of Hamilton Water, where it was killed on the 22d March, by a blow from a stick. Totanus macularius.— The earliest of our autumnal migrants from the north, appearing in the middle of July, and remaining to 9 ’ ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. the end of September and occasionally later. A few were observed in April, 1849. Does not breed in Bermuda. T. solitarius. —More or less common every year, from August to November. ; T. flavipes —One of our earliest visitors from the north; appearing with wonderful regularity on or about the Ist August, z.¢., in the heat of our summer. Ts last seen about the end of September. Common. T. vociferus. — This species makes its appearance soon after the preceding, and is occasionally met with to the 10th November. Is more or less common in some seasons. Catatrophorus semipalmatus:— The only specimen I haye seen was shot by Lieut. Wedderburn on the 4th July, 1848. Himantopus nigricollis.—1I am not aware that this bird has been observed in these islands. Of Tringa himantopus of Audu- bon, one specimen was obtained by you on the 2d August, 1848, which appears in Sir William Jardine’s list to be mistaken for H. nigricollis.* Scolopax wilsonit.—More or less common during the autumnal migration, appearing at the commencement or middle of October. A few stragglers are occasionally found so late as the month of January. In May, 1847, several couple were killed on their re- turn or northern flight. On the 13th October last, unusual numbers of these birds suddenly appeared in Pembroke Marsh, and afforded capital shooting for three or four days, when they took their departure. On the 6th November, 1848, I examined a Scolopax, shot by Lieut. Wedderburn, which had every appearance of belonging to this species, though strange to say, it had eighteen feathers in its tail. Another, also shot by him four days pre- viously, had an imperfect tail of seventeen feathers. Macrorhamphus griseus.— An autumnal visitor, of which two Specimens only have been obtained. One of these on the Ist October, 1847, the other on the 2ist August, 1848. Pane sinaatinahaicrepeaieaiee A single specimen having arsh near Hamilton, in October, 1842. Numenius borealis.—This bird is occasionally shot on the shores of Bermuda during the autumn migration. - Mr: Hurdis is most probably right—W, J. ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Numenius hudsonicus.— This wary bird appears early in the middle of August. Uncommon. Fulica americana.— A few specimens have been shot in No- vember and December, also one on the 28th May, 1847. Ortygometra carolinus.— This bird is a regular visitant, and sometimes makes its appearance from the American coast in the beginning of September, though in general somewhat later. In October, 1849, hundreds of this species appeared in the marshes simultaneously, with a considerable flight of Scolopax wilsonii. It is occasionally met with during the winter. On the 26th April, 1849, I shot a specimen near Warwick Pond. Ortygometra noveboracencis.—The two specimens were shot by Lieut. Wedderburn in Pembroke Marsh, in October, 1847, and are the only ones I have seen. O. jamaicensis.—One specimen only has been obtained, which was shot by Lieut. Wedderburn on the 5th September, 1848. Nycticorax gardeni.—An autumnal migrant, occasionally found from September to March. All the specimens which have been obtained were in the spotted plumage of the young. In Sir Wil- liam’s mention of this bird, a little confusion appears to have arisen from mistaking Mr. Tristram’s account of Ardea herodias as ap- plicable to the present species. Botaurus lentiginosus.—More or less common from October to December, and occasionally met with till March. Ardeola ewilis.—One example only of this species has come under my observation, which was killed by Lieut. Wedderburn, on the 23d October, 1847. A. virescens.— This may be considered a rare bird in most seasons ; it was however abundant in the month of April, 1849, and again during the autumnal migration of that year, from the . latter part of September to the end of October. A. leuce.— A pair of these Egrets were shot at’ Hungry Bay in 1840. No specimens have been since obtained, though instances are known of its having been seen here. Of course they do not remain during the winter, as stated by our worthy friend Tris- tram. A. herodias.— An autumnal visitor, a few of which remain the whole winter, indeed throughout the year. In 1846 the nest of this bird, containing two eggs, was found in the mangrove trees of 1 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Hungry Bay. It was a Heron of this- species which Mr. Tristram kept in his garden, and which was seen upon one occasion to capture a Columba passerina, and swallow it entire. _ Anser hyperborevs.—Two of these birds, in the plumage of the young or “ Blue-winged Goose,” were shot in Riddle’s Bay, on the 19th October, 1848. A. canadensis. —The occurrence of this species is considered * doubtful.” Anas obsewra.—Occasionally met with during the winter months. Two specimens were shot in December, 1849. A. discors.—An occasional visitor during the autumn and win- ter months. About the 10th October, 1849, a few flocks of this species appeared in the marshes near Hamilton, from which several birds were killed. A, carolinensis. —An autumnal visitant, more or less common in some years. Dendronessa sponsa.—The only example observed here was a female, with a conspicuous white patch surrounding the eye. It was shot by Dr. Cole, 20th Regiment, on the 16th December, 1846. Rynchapsis clypeata.—I have seen but one specimen of this duck, which was killed in December, 1844. Dajila acuta.—Is occasionally met with from October to De- cember. Fuligula marila.— This is the larger Scaup of Europe and America, and is an occasional visitant to these islands. F. mariloides.—The occurrence of- this species requires confir- mation, I have therefore placed it among the doubtful birds in the list of 1849. Clangula albeola.— A winter visitant, of which two or three specimens only have been obtained. Mergus merganser.— Transferred to the doubtful portion of the list of 1849, for reasons there given. Phalacracoraa dilophus.—An common. Plotus anhinga,—'This Specimen proving to be Sy alive in October, 1847, Tachypetes a Lieut. Wedderb 12 accidental winter visitant. Un- is an error in the list of 1848 ; our la fusca of Audubon. It was captured quila.— Two specimens of this bird were ie urn, at Ireland Island were shot by » in September, 1848. ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Pelicanus fuscus.—-In the absence of specimens, this bird is transferred to the doubtfuls in the list of 1849. Podiceps cornutus.—One specimen, considered to belong to this species, was killed by Dr. Cole, 20th Regiment, in November, 1846. It is now in the possession of the Rev. T. B, Tristram. A careful description of the same is wanted. P. carolinensis. — Two examples were shot in October, 1849. Larus occidentalis.— A winter visitant to the shores of these islands, several examples of which were shot in 1847, and one in November last. LL, zonorhynchus.—Rare. One specimen obtained in January, 1849. L. argentatus.— A few of these Gulls were shot in February and March, 1848. L. tridactylus. —An occasional winter visitant. In March, 1849, several of this species appeared for some days in Hamilton Harbour. Xema atricilla.—See list of doubtfuls for 1849. X. sabinii.—A single specimen killed by Captain Drummond, 42d R.H., date not recorded by me. Sterna fuliginosa.—A fine specimen of this Tern was shot by Dr. Cole, 20th Regiment, in October, 1846. Thalassidroma wilsonii.—Often seen by fishermen and others about the outer reefs, but has not been observed to approach the shores of these islands. Does not breed on any part of the coast. VERNAL VISITANTS, Mytodoctes mitratus——A male specimen, shot at Ireland Island, 80th March, 1847. Milvulus tyrannus.— Two examples have been obtained; one in March, 1847, the other in April, 1849. Nycticoraz cayenensis.—Two specimens have come under my observation ; one in April, 1848, the other in September, 1849. ACCIDENTAL STRAGGLERS FROM EASTERN HEMISPHERE. Saxicola cenanthe.— This European bird was shot near the Tron Light House, on the 5th October, 1846, by Lieutenant Wood, 1B ' ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. of the 20th Regiment, by whom it was presented to me. The tail-feathers only were preseryed, and these I forwarded through the Rey. T. B. Tristram to Mr. Yarrell, in August, 1847, who has expressed himself satisfied with the identity of the same. Cree pratensis. — This specimen was in the plumage of the young, and was shot in Pembroke Marsh by Lieut. Wedderburn, on the 25th October, 1847. Scolopax gallinago.—I have nothing to add to Sir William’s note under this head. 14 OBSERVATIONS ON THE POSITION OF OCYPTERUS SANGUINOLENTUS, Temmincx. By the attention of Mr. Wilson, whose collection has already sup- plied us with many materials, we have been enabled to examine the yet rare bird, Ocypterus sanguinolentus of Temminck, the type of Mr. Swainson’s genus Analcipus, by whom it was placed among the Laniade, and in the division containing the Drongo Shrikes or Dicrurine. The first glance assured ns, that it had no connection with Ocypterus (Ariamus), none with Dierurus or the Shrikes, and that its proper position was, as arranged by Mr. Gray, with the Orioline, and with our genus Psaropholus. The structure of the wings is the same as with the Orioles; but that of the bill in this bird and P. érailii differs in the nostrils being at once pierced into the bill, wanting the covering membrane, or at least in its being so strong as to appear a part of the bill itself, and resembling the cleft nostril of the greater part of the Icterine group. The colouring is also remarkable, black, with an indication of brilliant colour on the centre of the belly, and a very small trace on the wing, the feathers on the bright spot of the former possessing the same silky texture with those of Psaropholus. We give the wood- cut from the “ Illustrations of Ornithology” illustrating that genus; and it will be extremely difficult to draw separate generic charac- ters for these two birds. When we first saw Psaropholus we con- sidered it generically distinct from the typical Orioles, the ruling colours of which are yellow, greenish, or olive and black, never crimson. The two birds in question exhibit rich purplish-brown and crimson, contrasted with black; and from the structure of the bill and entire appearance, we consider that they mark very 15 ON THE POSITION OF OCYPTERUS SANGUINOLENTUS. distinctly among the Orioles the representation of the Jcterine form in the Old World. Of the habits of Psaropholus we have yet no knowledge, but Analcipus sanguinolentus is almost entirely fructivorous. In a very interesting account of an expedition to the interior of the north-west of Sumatra by S. Muller, we haye the following note of its habits: “This bird shows as great a dif- ference in its habits from the true Ocypteri as it does in its whole appearance and formation. It is a real inhabitant of the wood, and resembles most in its habits some species of the genus Oriolus and Paradisea. Its food consists almost exclusively of wild fruits, especially figs; some remains of caterpillars and other insects are very rarely found in its,stomach. There are sufficient grounds for making this a new genus, for which perhaps the name of Philocarpus would not be unsuitable.” * * Tigdschrift yoor Natuurlijke geschiedenis en Physiologie. Wan der Heven, 1835, p. 331. eaatt Af. ty FP PSAROPHOLUS. 7 SCOLOPAX BREHMI.- SCOLOPAX BREHMLI, Kate. In our concluding part for 1849, we made some observations on Scolopax brehmi of Kaup, and we are glad to say, that these have already been attended with advantage, and have directed attention to the subject. There is much more yariation in the plumage and different states of our Snipes than is at first observed from the very cursory examination which they receive when shot, even by ornithologists. The tail, as we before remarked, has been taken as a part affording distinctive characters; but the breadth of the feathers, and their colours, will be found to present much variety, white, black, and sienna, in their turn, prevailing in dif- ferent proportions. We do not unfrequently find the outer tail-feathers longer than the others, accompanied by minute variations in the plumage; such as more white at the tips of the secondaries, and in the inner webs of these feathers being more distinctly mottled, affording very favourite feather for the angler, and which has been long observed and sought after, although with no suspicion of that ar- rangement belonging to any distinct race or species. In all these, however, we have never counted more than fourteen feathers in the tail. We sent impressions of our plate of the tails of S. gallinago and brehmé to several correspondents; and ©, A. Gordon, Esq., M.D., now in Ireland with his regiment (57th), a few days since, sent us a Snipe, shot in the vicinity of Enniskillen, bearing all the characters of S. brehmi, having siateen feathers in the tail, with that on the outside slightly lengthened beyond the others. On comparing this bird with that haying fourteen feathers, and which we gave as S. brehmi, there is very little difference; the bills are equal in length, and the general tone of the plumage is similar. On comparing them again with S. gallinago, shot at Jardine Hall, we find the bill shorter, 2.6; tarsus, i,3; naked part above the joint, 43; the pale parts of the upper plumage more rufous ; 7 SCOLOPAX BREHMI. the stripe on the centre of the head more narrow; the tail with a much less proportion of black. These may be all only variations occurring among many, and they are only noticed now as the dis- tinctions presented in the birds before us. 18 Cris enttigore, Itarch, 1580, ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. GRUS ANTIGONE. Our active correspondent, Mr. Blyth, has favoured us with two drawings of the egg of this noble Crane, together with the following observations on the Cranes of India :— “ The eggs were laid by_a tame bird that has the range of a garden, and were unimpregnated. They do not accord with Captain Tickell’s notice of the egg of Grus antigone, in Journ. As. Soc. Beng. xvii. 303; and we doubt that those described as frequently brought to him in Singbhoom and also in Manbhoom, where they are tolerably common —(‘ colour pure white, not quite so pure as in the domestie fowl, without spot or mark of any kind ;’ ‘length about 3} by 28 inches,’ and ‘ generally two in the nest, which ig a raised heap of rushes, &c., placed in heavy grass jungle, in retired places, generally at the foot of hills, covered with forests, July,’)— were the eggs of Grus antigone, upon the evidence of the two undoubted specimens here figured, although these were produced by an unimpregnated bird in confinement. At the same time, it is difficult to guess what the eggs described by Captain Tic- kell could have been. All the Stork tribe build on trees and other elevations, Mycteria, as we are informed, upon the highest trees, while the Anatide lay numerous eggs ; besides, that no species that breeds in India could lay so large an egg as that described by Captain Tickell. We can only suggest that they may be those of the migra- tory or lesser Indian Adjutant, Leptophilos javanicus ( Ciconia capillata of Temminck); but even these would probably be laid in nests, placed high upon the largest trees, in conformity with the nidificatory habits of the group. However, the Sdras or Surhuns (Grus antigone) does breed in India, unlike the Kurlung or 19 ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. ‘Coolen’ (Grus cinerea), and the Kakarra, Kurrounch, or Kur- concha (Gr. virgo), which are there known as winter visitants only, both being far more abundant than the native Saras. The beautiful White Crane (Gr. leucogeranos), though found in Affghanistan, does not appear to reach India in its migrations, and our corres- pondent doubts the distinctness of Gr. torquatus, Vieillot, from Gr. antigone. At least he states his belief that there are but three species of Crane in India proper, and of these the Kakarra (which . erroneously is termed ‘ Coolen’ by most sportsmen) or Demoiselle, y I does not appear to visit Lower Bengal, though common in parts of the Peninsula and in Western India, and as we are also informed, upon the churro or alluvial islands, high up the Brahmaputra, occur- ring there in flocks of hundreds, mingled with Gir. cinerea, whereas Gr. antigone is observed in pairs, or small flocks of six or eight only, and as we understand, always apart from the other species. All three are numerous in some districts during the cold season, as in Behary, where Buchanan Hamilton states them to be the most destructive birds: to the crops.* They do not however feed solely aiaae but will pick up Quails, and probably any other small ase animal that comes within their reach, as do the Bustards lei Mr, Elliot mentions finding a quail’s egg entire in the stomach of the great Indian Bustard. 'The gizzard of the Cranes is a muscular ; and the general anatomy allies them rather Ss ctrny ee and Plover grand series (the Pressirostres and Longi- satiate eee than to the Ardeadee (or Cultrirostres of Cuvier); ava eae is cau out by the egg, which in all the yeritable ply Hh Se icine spotless,t dull white, buff, or pale blue; and € activity of the chick at an early age, when th f the Ardeade if y age, when the young 0 k are helpless. Our friend informs us, that he has nown the Sdras t : ae » that he as to be bred in captivit d captured chick, when very v puvity, and that he has seen a eet eiciedpens pres wets young, which would follow any one for of this young Sérag eee case: Till nearly grown, the head RCTER NI epee tke was fully feathered, the same as in young headed birds ; and ‘he No vultures, and we believe all other bare- rests onl ‘ € distinction of the subdivision Anthropoides my on the permanently f Lf ai tion of th, : y feathered head and greater elonga- € tertiary plumes, charact : ° ? ers of the most trivial import, Montgomery Martin’s “ History of : 4 + The _tistory of Eastern India,” i, 22 os °8 of the Spoonbill is spotted.—W. J. pra es ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. and as might be supposed, exhibiting gradations from species to species, as shown by the intermediate Gr. carunculata, figured by Messrs. G. R. Gray and Mitchell. Balearica is a much better division, and in this the trachea does not enter’ a cavity in the sternal ridge, as in the other Cranes in common with the Trumpeter Swans. “ These elegant birds have, again, a carriage widely different from that of any Ardeade ; and they are particularly remarkable for their manner of dancing, as it may well be termed, with wings extended, several thus playing together with amusing acti- yity. Hence the names Demoiselle and Virgo applied to the small Kakarra, as it is termed in India, They are easily tamed, and their handsome appearance and graceful movements render them favourites wherever kept, ranging at large in parks or pleasure- grounds, with wings cut, however, to prevent their leaving in the breeding season, after which they would very probably return if not elsewhere captured; but such escaped individuals descend at once to the loud trumpet-call of a tame one from below, when they are again caught and deprived of the means of flight. In general, they are very gentle creatures, but not when they have young to protect, or the male is getting into season, on which occasions the large Indian Saras is rather a formidable foe, as fierce ‘as dauntless ; but it is not difficult to catch him suddenly by the neck, being at the same time wary of his claws; he cannot then be suffered to range about as usual, as he comes boldly up and attacks every one. The adults keep in pairs at all-seasons, even though the pairs should associate into flocks; and our informant tells us, that he now knows of a male Girus cinerea, paired with a female G. antigone, in a paddock where several of both species are kept, both being perfectly tame and gentle, though, if the lady Siras be molested in any way, her under-sized bean comes up at once to make a show of attack, prancing around the intruder with expanded wings. We look with interest to know if any result will follow this union. The two species have much the same loud trumpet cries, but which are nevertheless very distinguishable ; and the sdund from on high is familiar to most residents in India, as the flocks pass over at a great’ altitude, flying like wild geese in a line, or more generally an open wedge. “In some parts of that country the Sdras is protected by the 21 ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. inhabitants. Thus a writer, in the Calcutta Sporting Review, in the Narrative of his Journey through Bundlekhund, remarks :—‘ It need hardly be observed, that sportsmen have great opportunities of picking up information by familiar intercourse with the people. There is always something interesting, not to say absolutely neces- sary, to learn regarding their superstitious veneration for particular animals and birds. Eyerybody has heard of the murder of two officers at Muttra, because they happened not to know that the Monkeys they shot were held sacred. I remember when a Mahom- medan servant of mine shot a pea-fowl near Gwalior, which cireum- stance led to about a hundred villagers sallying out with bludgeons to assail all my party; and nothing could haye saved some of our heads, but for the thorough knowledge of the language of my com- panion, who assured the enraged people that the man should be severely punished, and he kept his word. There are, however, birds, which if not actually sacred like the pea-fowl, are nevyerthe- less regarded by Hindoos with such affection, that to shoot them is offensive. Among these is the Saras, which not coming within the category of game, ought not to be shot,’ BS According to Mr. Jerdon, the S4ras is migratory in South India, appearing in the Peninsula only in the cold weather; but we can scarcely doubt that it breeds in parts of Central India, where Captain fee re that he obtained its eggs in July; for he could a silt acl Wik to this conspicuous and sonorous great bird Pewee: ne e vicinity. In the Rajmahl and Monghyr Hill ornithology sof 5 ie ee bred; and a friend, familiar with the F heel (or marsh Re siesta ne wine Doan nintessOuisg = ES ai shee Ne — the Ganges, in which Saras bred bears the name of Gyo- ”: me we foie SORA having bred shaaieat qua. The tame pair before alluded to as : y in confinement, had the range of a large & inundated patches of paddy or rice ; and Iways resorted to for i j wa : m their nest, which * Ss eared under water, and raised tte ema height shuivah disturb aie were generally laid; and the birds were as little Sturbed as possible when bui : Idin: d j : hein, § and incubating —the male aaa aie ld fierce and combative; but as soon a the young their parents ek ee caught and more closely confined with ee reared them in a large cage apartment, These 4 ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. details were obtained from the native gentleman who owned them, and may, we believe, be fully trusted; but with regard to the colour of the eges, he had never looked at them.” Mr. Jerdon quotes from Mr. Elliot’s notes the following excellent observations, chiefly made in Guzret, the Saras being but a rare visi- tant tothe South Mahratta country—the chief scene of Mr. Elliot’s printed zoological labours:—‘‘ The S4ras lives always in pairs, though several pairs are frequently seen together, and occasionally though rarely a stray bird, either a young one, or one that had lost its mate, with another pair. Every morning they are seen at sun- rise winging their way to the cultivated fields, to feed upon grain, their sole (chief) aliment ; and about eleven or twelve o’clock they make their way to the nearest water to drink, always preferring the sandy beds of rivers, where they are seen in the greatest numbers, but not disdaining to resort to tanks should no stream be near. There they remain all day, and at evening again betake themselves to the fields, returning to pass the night by the water- side. When alarmed, and when on the wing in their morning flights, they utter a fine clear trumpet-like note.” The Karlang (whence “ Coolen’’) or European Crane seems also to be a rare bird in the Peninsula of India in comparison with Upper India generally. There it is seen in great flocks, mingled with the Kakarra or Demoiselle as before described, but Mr. Jerdon states :—‘ This well-known Crane is found in South India in the cold season only, living in pairs or small parties of six, eight, or more. Has similar habits and food with the Sérag Crane. On one occasion I found the flowers of the Carthamus tinctorius to be the only food partaken of. This was late in March, when most of the grains are cut. The Koolung is often seen in company with the Kurkurrah.” “The last,” remarks the same naturalist, “is found all over the peninsula during the cold weather, and in much greater numbers than either of the other two species. Like these it is most abun- dant in the neighbourhood of the larger rivers, and has similar habits and food. Mr, Elliot, in his Notes, says :—‘ Flies in vast flocks, from fifty to one hundred, and even five hundred, with great regularity of arrangement, in a long line, a few of the leading ones disposing themselves in another line at an angle, varying from a right to an acute one with it. This is when they are in progress. 23 ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. At other times, as when disturbed during the heat of the day, they may be seen circling round at a great height, but still a regular order of lines may be distinguished. ‘Their favourite food is the Cicer arietum. They never go to tanks to drink, but always to rivers.’ “ When this bird,” adds Mr. Jerdon, “is struck by a Bhyree (Falco peregrinus), its mate generally comes to its assis- tance. The Bhyree always strikes it on the back and wings, to avoid being wounded by the sharp inner claw, with which, if struck on the head, it generally manages to inflict severe wounds on the breast of the Falcon. The inner claw of all these cranes is much hooked, and exceedingly sharp, and the bird always, in self-defence, strikes with its claw, and never with its bill.” By the sportsmen of the Bengal Presidency, the Demoiselle is always known as the « Coolen,”” a term which is sometimes ex- tended likewise to Grus cinerea. It is in great estimation for the table. We will conclude by’ citing a couple of sportsmen’s notices of it, as an object of quest for dinner, not objecting to a little repetition if from the pen of another original observer :— “The Coolen,” says a writer in the Bengal Sporting Magazine (for Feb. 1837), “are almost always to be seen in large flights (similar to geese), frequenting in the day time the large beds of sand of the Jumna, Chumbul, Soane, and other rivers of Western India, and at night (evening and morning) feeding in the corn fields, which they damage very considerably, Occasionally I have seen a stray bird or two feeding along with the Siras. (Qu. Gr. cinerea? though the bright red head of the Séras renders it familiar to all, B.); but I have never observed any below Dinapore, and cannot ae arias ace, common about Meerat and Kurnaul. ‘They 5% “ ras patent to approach in flights, and there is always Satie et ve € lookout for the enemy. I have, however, one or two down on the skirts of a Jjewer field, oh thus an occasional bird may be shot. ee ores 4 plumage of both sexes sa striking ; but the hott: Ihe poe a ieee ENS ol The former weighs ce Tie Catia : ands about 25 inches high. Raise Be nee ieee not common to all fowlins pues ies a0 on y please the taste of the lovers of the ny Sal ae 4 ewise suit the palate of the epicure. For eat i: e palm to it, even over the Floriken,” ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. Another sporting writer, who seems equally to appreciate the flayour of ‘roast Coolen,” remarks, that “ there are two spe- cies, the large and the small” (i.e, Grus cinerea and Grus virgo); “the former are rather scarce, but appear at the same time, and feed with their smaller brethren, Both make their appearance at the commencement of the cold weather, and depart at the same time as the wild fowl.- In a sporting sense, I am well acquainted with them, and will therefore do my best to describe how a good bag is to be made. In the first place, it is necessary to be on the ground by dawn of day; at this time, flight after flight wend their way towards the favourite feeding- grounds, and may be seen and heard (perhaps the latter before the former) at a considerable distance. To know their favourite food is a sign-post as to direction (day after day I have been to to the same fields and met with the same success). The great favourite in this part of the world is mote, a grain somewhat resembling in appearance unripe grain; and the earlier the sports- man appears in these fields, the better will be his bag. Bajra and jawa fields also often hold Coolen after the green is gathered ; the stalks are not cut till a much later period. The Coolen remain feeding till cight or nine A.M., and then proceed to the sands of a river or j’heel, remaining there as long as the sun’s beams are uncomfortably hot. About four P.M. they leave for the fields, and return after sundown to the sands for the night. It is usually very difficult to get a shot at mid-day, as they keep to an open space, are yery sly, and seem to comprehend a man’s intentions very quickly. It is their appetite which betrays them whilst feeding, or very few would be shot. By stratagem, however, I once surprised a large flock of these birds, at a small j’heel near Deeig, which was literally covered with them. I managed, by creeping unperceived through long grass surrounding the j’heel, to bag seven at a single discharge of my gun, loaded with No. 2 cartridges. Loose shot is of no use whatever. I bagged seven as stated above, but not without considerable difficulty, even after they were on the ground, for about two-thirds were only wounded, and Coolen can both run and fight well, and these did both. The Coolen, when wounded, dies game, and his attitude of defence is very commendable. Instead of tamely submitting to his fate, he throws his long neck into the air, making it oscillate like a snake, 25 ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. whilst his beautiful red eyes seem to flash fire. As a bird for the table the Coolen is very superior, standing in my opinion next to the Floriken (Otis bengalensis). It should be kept a week before being cooked, and this is easily done in the north-west provinces, during December and Janpary. Coolen visit the west of the Jumna in immense numbers. They are found at Delhi, Agra, Muttra, Bhurtpore, Bundelkhund, Neemuch, Nusseerabad, and east of the Jumna. They appear to be seldom met with (at least I never heard of or met with any) in Bengal, in Dinapore, Gorackpore, Benares, Cawnpore, Meerut, &c., &c. To my surprise, however, T read in the ‘ Calcutta Sporting Review,’ that they are found at Dakka. If so, and they all arrive in India from the same place, the Coolen must make a long flight to little purpose, and leave a large tract of country unyisited.”’ * These Dakka “Coolen” are no doubt the Grus cinerea, for the Gr. virgo certainly does not yisit Lower Bengal; nor are the others much seen in the Gangetic delta. * “ Calcutta Sporting Review,” 1847, p. 163. ia ;, wit * Crevtrochitus Jarmesonit. Fard: OO esc. 7449. Fiz SF ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. OREOTROCHILUS, Jamzsonu, JARDINE. WE now give a figure of both sexes of the beautiful Humming Bird, the male of which we described at page 67-2 of our last volume. Since then we have received specimens of the female” and young from Professor Jameson, a notice of which, with other Humming Birds from the same regions, will be found in the Orni- thology of Quito of the present part. We have also attempted to represent with it the beautiful and very remarkable plant from which it is found principally to extract its food. Specimens of this and several other plants connected with the ornithology have been forwarded to us, rendering the collections doubly in- teresting, and these will be introduced wherever they in any way serve as food or shelter, or otherwise bear upon the subject. ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. IANTHIA RUFILATA, Hopesoy. Nemura rufilata, Hodgs., Proceed. Zool. Soc., 1845, p. 27. — Ianthia rufilata, Blyth, Journ, As. Soc. Beng., xvi. p. 132.— 9 Nemura cyanura, Hodgs , Proceed. Zool. Soc.,, 1845, p. 27, Auct. Blyth. THE observations made in the description of Zanthia hyperythra, will equally apply to the present species, represented from another of Mr. Blyth’s drawings. “The male has the upper parts Prussian blue, brightening and inclining to ultramarine upon the sides of the forehead over the eyes, on the shoulder of the wing, and on the rump; lower parts “white, confined to a narrow streak on the throat and fore-neck, “but the flanks bright ferruginous ; Dill blackish, and legs dark brown. ‘The female has the upper parts uniform brown, with a trace of blue on the shoulder of the wing, a supercilium greyish- blue posteriorly, and russet margins on the tertiaries ; tail blue as in the male, the rump lighter and more greyish-blue; middle of the belly, lower-tail covers, and medial line of throat, white ; the flanks ferruginous as in the other sex. Inhabits Himalaya, from Missouri and Simla to Darjeeling.” — Blyth. Total length, 5.2 or 3; bill to gape, 4; wing, é. 9; tarsus, 81, We may remark, that Mr. Blyth’s supposition that the female of this bird may be Professor Jameson’s Erythaca tytlerii is ‘ncorrect. The bird in the Edinburgh collection so labelled, is Muscicapa parva, or a nearly allied species. Megalaima caplstratus, Lydon . Jam. 1850 ~ ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. MEGALAIMA CAPISTRATUS, Eyton. RECEIVED from Mr. Eyton for illustration. The locality marked “ unknown.” Above, forehead before the eyes and over the nostrils, black; a streak above the eyes, cheeks, and auriculars, pale indigo, which also tips some of the last feathers of the black forehead; the crown and nape forming a narrow collar on the sides of the neck, and almost meeting the gorget, shining orange yellow, slightly inter- spersed with yellowish-green, into which colour it shades on the back rump, greater part of the wings, and middle tail-feathers : quills and secondaries, blackish-brown ; outer webs edged with yel- lowish-green, inner with very pale yellowish-brown ; tail, greenish- brown ; beneath, the chin black; throat, breast and centre of the belly, clear greenish-yellow, crossed in the centre of the throat with a gorget of orange-yellow, i broad in the centre, and nar- rowing to nothing, where it almost reaches the nuchal collar ; the belly, vent, and flanks, are pale greenish-yellow, having the centre of each greyish-green; bill greenish-yellow, bluish-black at the base; tarsi and feet blackish-blue, Entire length, 7.8; bill to forehead 6; to gape, 9; wing, 2.8; tarsi, 64. 29-3 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. PYCNOSPHYS GRAMMICEPS, Srrickianp. In our description of this species in the volume for 1849, p. 124-5, we were not aware of its locality. We have now ascertained, that it is a native of Jaya. The generic name should also be changed as above, the word being derived from vss not osppus. 30-4 REMARKS ON THE STERNA INCA, Lesson. INCA MYSTICALIS, JARDINE. Appin, 1850. GeN. CHARACTERS. — Bill strong, curving to the tip; cul- men rounded; mandible with a marked angle; nostrils pervious, nearly central; edges of the mouth with a broad dilatable skin; wings of middle length; tail broad, forked, the outer feathers longest ; feet small, hallux connected to the foot by a rudimentary web. Type, Sterna inca, Less. Note.—South America, maritime; breeds on rocky islands ; feeds on fish. 32 REMARKS ON THE STERNA INCA. The colouring of the Terns and Gulls is mostly plain, chaste and unobtrusive, gray or pure white, deepened in shade by a mixture of black or brown, or warmed by a tint of rose or pink, which fades almost with the life of the bird. The livery put on at the great season of breeding is confined to the head being capped with black or dark brown, generally affording a marked contrast to the usually pure plumage, or it is sometimes reversed in the dull spotting or streaking of the neck and head in winter, which gives place to an unsullied white during the full dress of summer. All ornament, by the elongation or addition of plumes or wattles is departed from, except in the species now before us; and from our want of know- ledge of its habits, we are unable to say whether the white plumes arising from the sides of the head are always present or only a seasonal adornment, or if the rudimentary wattles on the lips become then enlarged and more brilliant. The genera of the Terns recognised in the most modern works are, Sterna, Linn., showing perhaps the largest development of wing and tail, with the feet small, and which is illustrated by the ordinary form and habits of the birds of Great Britain and Europe; they feed chiefly upon fish. Hydrochelidon, Boie, is the least maritime of all; is of a slender form, but with less development of tail than Sterna ; the food is in a great part insects or aquatic larva. Pheetusa, Wagl., we do not possess; but it seems to be only a strong modification of Sterna, and less distinct in its form or habits than either of the two first, or of those forms we are about to notice. Gygis, Wagl.; the pacific form, remarkable for the attenuation of the bill; organs of flight are well developed ; the toes and claws are lengthened, but the connecting webs are only basal. Anous, Leach, is the more strictly pelagic type, petrel-like in its feet, and showing thus a form more adapted for a sojourn upor the ocean; in this respect materially contrasting with the other forms where the feet are small and often only partially webbed, giving place to the great development of wing and tail ; in this the tail is forked, but is at the same time graduated exteriorly, the outer feathers being shorter than the second or third; they feed chiefly on fish. In the beautiful bird before us, a bird which in its recent state and full dress must be truly lovely, its rich gray plumage contrasted yet blending with its bill of coral red, and relieved by the pure white stripe on the cheeks of curious elongated feathers, and the 33 REMARKS ON THE STERNA INCA. bar of the same colour across the wings, the external structure is scarcely in accordance with any of the generic forms we have men- tioned ; the bill is of more than the usual strength, and the lips are furnished with an extension of the edges or a rudimentary wattle, of which we have no other example among the Gulls or Terns ; the narrow white elongated feathers, springing from the sides of the head, are equally without example. The feet are small and tern-like in size, but very remarkable in the proportion of the toes, and in the hallux being connected to them by a rudimentary membrane. The structure of the tail and feet, nearest to those of the true Terns, Sterna, remove it from Anous where it has been generally placed. We do not advocate the multiplication of genera, particularly in a group numbering only from eighty to ninety species; but we do think that this bird has claims stronger and more peculiar than some others ; and if by any ornithologists it is thought worthy of a subgeneric separation, we have drawn its characters under the title of Inca. . We consider it a most interesting form, drawing closer the alli- ance between the Laride and Pelicanide ; for wherever we place Phéeton, whether with the first or last, this bird is the intermediate step; and we may also think that we see the white lengthened feathers, occurring during the breeding season in many of the Cor- morants, repeated in the beautiful white plumes of Inca mysticalis. Lesson records having met with this species abundantly in February, 1823, on the barren islet of San Lorenzo, at the opening of the immense Bay of Callao. , We are indebted for the specimens, in spirits, of the head and feet which have served for our illustration, to J. M‘Lean, Ksq.; long resident in Peru, ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Tue last mail from Bermuda brought us a note from Lieutenant Wedderburn, enclosing, from Mr. Hurdis, a list of additions to the ornithology of these islands during 1849 and the commence- ment of the present year. It will be perceived, that the great migration is from the northern continent, and the character essen- tially North American; and we have no doubt, that such observers as our correspondent, Captain Drummond and Mr. Hurdis, will soon add to the list; even before the note is sent off, Turdus migratorius has been shot. Chetura pelasgia.—A single specimen was shot on the 13th September, 1849, On the 22d of the same month, an immense flight of Hirundinide suddenly appeared on the southern shore of these islands, extending from Ireland Island to St. George’s; they remained for one day only, leaying howeyer many stragglers, among which, on the 24th, I observed several of the present species. H. purpurea.—This species was numerous in the flight above mentioned, and had not beén observed previous to that visitation. H. bicolor.—Very abundant in the great flight of Hirundinide, 1849, though previously unobserved. Sylvicola pinus.—Many of these birds were observed for the first time on the 27th September, 1849; were last seen early in October. S. americana.—A single specimen was shot at Ireland Island on the 2ist April, 1849, by the Rey. T. B. Tristram, in whose possession it remains. Mniotilia varia.—An example of this species was shot by Cap- tain Drummond, 42d. R.H., on or about the 9th October last. Turdus mustelinus.—Seyeral specimens of this thrush were ob- tained in the neighbourhood of St. George’s, about the 9th October, 35 t ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. 1849; and one in the vicinity of this town (Hamilton) on the 13th of the same month. Turdus olivaceus (of Giraud; Birds of Long Island; Merula olivacea of the New York Fauna).— Two examples only have been obtained, both of which were shot about the same period as the preceding. The term “ solitarius,” in the List of 1849, is an error. Anthus ludovicianus.— A flock of four was observed near Ha- milton, in November, 1848, from which one specimen was killed. This would appear to be an omission in Sir William’s list for that year. Alauda alpestris.—Two examples shot by Captain Drummond, 42d R.T., on the 25th October, 1849. Emberiza graminea.— An accidental visitor, of which one spe- cimen was obtained on the 25th October, 1849. Ammodramus palustris.— A single example, shot in Pembroke Marsh, by Lieutenant M‘Leod, 42d R.H., on the 3d December, 1849. Coccoborus ludovicianus.— A female specimen, killed by Captain Drummond, 42d R.H., on the 9th October, 1849, Gallinula martinica.—A few of these elegant Gallinules were observed about the breakwater, at Ireland Island, in April, 1849, one of which was captured alive. This specimen is now in the collection of the Rev. H. B. Tristram, of Castle Eden, near Durham. Ardea cerulea.—Two of this species only have been obtained, one in April, 1849, in the plumage of the young, the other an adult specimen, in October following. Ardea candidissima.—Several of these beautiful Egrets visited Bermuda in September, 1849, previous to which they had not been observed. Some fine specimens were obtained, Fuligula perspicillata.—A solitary example of this sea-duck was killed in January, 1849. Mergus cucullatus.— A female Specimen of this species was captured off Ireland Island, by the crew of a boat belonging to H.MS.S. “Scourge,” on the 10th J anuary, 1849. Larus bonapartii.— One of this species of gull was shot by Mr. Wedderburn, on the 27th J anuary, 1849, 36 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Pufinus obscurus.—A summer visitant, known to breed on the rocks near the entrance of Castle Harbour. Two specimens, with the egg and young, were obtained by Messrs. Orde and M‘Leod, of the 42d R.H., in May last. Supposed to be identical with the “Cohow,” so fabulously described in Smith's account of these islands, 1629. This brings me to the termination of the List for 1849. One new bird has subsequently been added, viz. — Lowia curvirostra.—A living specimen of which was captured at Ireland Island in January last, and is now in your collection. (Mr. Wedderburn’s.) The occurrence of several of the birds mentioned in the doubtful List of 1849 being considered unquestionable, I will close my orni- thological remarks with a few words concerning them. Falco sparverius.—A very small hawk, supposed to belong to this species, boldly attacked some domestic pigeons under my win- dow for two or three mornings in succession. (More probably F. columbarius— W.J.) Surnia funerea, — Captain Drummond recently observed this bird on the wing within a few yards of him, Trochilus colubris.—Said to have visited the eastern portion of these islands in considerable numbers, twenty or five-and-twenty years ago. I haye not succeeded in obtaining any authentic ac- count of this occurrence. t Ectopistes migratoria. — Supposed to have been observed by Dr. Cole, 20th Regiment, 1846. E. carolinensis.— A pair of doves, which from the description I received of them, were probably of this species, were observed at Somerset, in October, 1847. Tringa maritima.— A “ Black Sandpiper,” supposed to be this species, was seen by Mr, Wedderburn in July, 1848. Ibis faleinellus.— This wnmistakeable bird was observed by myself in the marshes near Warwick Church, on the 28th April, 1849. Phenicopterus ruber.—This species, in the greyish-white plum- age of the first year, was seen by me at Hungry Bay, on the 24th September, 1849. 37 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Anser canadensis.— A single goose of this species is reputed to haye been shot, a few years ago, in these islands. The occur- rence requires confirmation. Mergus merganser.—Said to have been killed off Ireland Is- land in the winter of 1845. Pelicanus fuscus.—Has been shot at Hungry Bay within the memory of persons now resident upon the spot. Larus atricilla,—Observed by Mr. Wedderburn, in the Great Sound, in 1847. 33 ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY.* SYPHEOTIDES BENGALENSIS. Aprin, 1850. THE Bustards compose a well marked family of birds, intermediate in affinity to the Ostrich and Rhea on the one hand, and the Cha- radriade on the other. They have exactly the gait and carriage of the Ostriches; and their Pressirostral} affinity is indicated by the structure of the skeleton, and even by the mode of flight, by the flavour of the flesh, by the paucity and colouring of the eggs, and by the seasonal changes of plumage which some of the species undergo. We know of no particular Rasorial tendencies beyond what are indicated by the mere bulkiness of body, by the com- pressed and semiyertically carried tail (as in the common fowl, as also in the Ostrich), and the habit of strutting with expanded wings and tail, as the males of some of the species do in the * Communicated by E. Blyth, Esq., Caleutta.— W. J. t If the Pressirostres of Cuvier be combined with his Longirostres, and thus made to comprise the Charadriade and Scolopacide of English systematists, we have then a natural and well defined series, distinct alike from the true Cultrirostres or Ardeade, and the restricted Macrodactylé or Rallide, The Gruide, pertain in our opinion to the first of these series, and so also do the Palamedeade (compre- hending the Jacanas). In each series the egg and chick have a very distinct character. 40 ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. breeding season.* The Ostrich, however, also enacts something of the kind, as we have personally witnessed; seated on the whole length of his tarsi, he spreads out his plumage and displays his wings finely, at the same time oscillating his long neck from side to side, bringing the head nearly to the ground in a manner some- what Indicrous to behold. The little Rutis, too, present an analo- gous case among the undoubted Pressirostral grallatores. As regards the affinity of the Bustards to the Ostriches, the develop- ment of the rectum is one of the manifold tokens by which it may be traced.} But we must not overlook the difference in the charac- ter of the eggs and of the number laid; though as several female Osiriches are known to lay in the same nest, we are not aware that it has been quite satisfactorily ascertained how many are pro- duced by each individual. The geographical focus of the Bustard is Africa, and we believe that the only wholly extra African species are the four of India and the single Australian species, which to judge from Mr. Gould’s representation of it, would appear to differ yery little indeed from the Large Indian Bustard.t There is none in either America nor in all South-castern Asia and its islands; not even in China (so far as hitherto observed);§ and the O. luzoniensis, founded on Sonnerat’s Paon sauvage de lugon, is identified by Mr. G. R. Gray, with O. edwardii (vel. nigriceps) of India, and is extremely doubtful as an inhabitant of the Philippines. But should it really prove to exist there, and at the same time to be identical with the Great * Mr, Elliot thus writes of the large Indian species: —“ October 12th, killed a large Cock Bustard. ‘When first seen, he was making a curious noise, like a person in pain moaning, which was heard at a considerable distance, I at first thought it proceeded from some one in distress, and rode towards the spot under that impression until I saw the Bustard. He was strutting about on some high ground, ruffling his wings and distending his neck and throat, making the feathers stand out like a ruff. I frequently afterwards heard the moaning, always at the same season 3° Madr. Journ. xii, 8. Vide also Mr. Hodgson’s Account of the Bengal Floriken, in JA. S. B. xvi. 885. + Vide Todd’s Cyclopedia of Anatomy and Physiology, Art. Aves, by Prof, Owen. } Referring to M. Alfred Malherbe’s * Catalogue Raisonné d’Oiseaux de l’ Algerie,” we find that he only inelndes the Tetraa campestris, Whereas we should have looked at least for the Houbara in that province, § If found in China, so striking a bird as any species of Bustard would surely be depicted in the collections of drawings of Chinese birds by native artists, and of which the species may generally be recognized with facility. We have several times thus seen a magnificent undescribed species of Bonasa or Rufiled Grouse represented in these drawings. AL ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. Bustard of India, we should then feel scarcely surprised at the Aus- tralian species being also the very same. The great probability, however, is, that the Indian and Austra- lian Bustards are distinct, however closely affined, and that this family has no representative in the Island of Luzon. It is even unknown on the eastern side of the Bay of Bengal (southward at least at Tippera, where Sypheotidis bengalensis occurs), though a solitary straggler of the Sikh (Sypheotides aurita) has been shot at Sandowa in Arakan, as noticed in the “ Bengal Sporting Magazine” for September, 1835, p. 151. ‘The Mughs had never seen a bird of the kind before;’’ and subsequent good observers in that province have never met with a second instance. Ag a general rule, we believe the larger species of Bustard have the male about a third larger than the female; e.g. Otis tarda of Europe, and Hupodotis edwardii or the “Great Bustard” of India; and these two birds (and probably the restricted congeners of the latter species), have a remarkable gular bag in the male sex, . which in Lu. edwardii (according to Mr. Jerdon), “can contain three quarts of water and more.” In the smaller species, known as Floriken; the males of which, like both sexes of the Golden Plovers, &¢., are distinguished by partially black plumage in the breeding season, we believe there is never a gular bag; and. the Sexes are either alike in size, as in Tetrax campestris, or the females are even rather larger, as in the Bengal Floriken and Sikh, which latter is known as the “ Floriken” in Southern India. We haye seen specimens of Tetrax campestris or the Kuropean “Little Bustard,” in which the characteristic breeding dress of the male was being replaced by the plainer garb of the other sex; and have witnessed the same change in males of the Bengal Floriken, which a friend long kept loose in his garden, but 14 these the abdomen alone remained black, when in non-breeding costume. Such birds have been erroneously described as young males; a mistake the more likely to arise, as all do not undereo their Sidnews at the same season. The sexual difference of plumage of the beets we are less agquainted with; but a good obebaver, to 10 rr i j : o) a ai ine Ee that the sexes of the Indian Houbara The Great and Little Bustards of Europe and Western Asia are distinou; J : is ici from all others by their much stouter bill and heavier ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. and more gallinaceous-looking general aspect. They are respectively the types of the two divisons, Oéés (as restricted) and Tetraa, each consisting of but a single known species. The Houbaras approx- imate the same character in the shortness of their tarsi,* but have the weaker and more ostrich-like bill of the rest of the group. Two nearly affined but well distinguished species, respectively in- habit Spain and Northern Africa and North-western India, Aff- ghanistan, and probably Persia; and a third would seem to exist in O. ruficrista of Southern Africa: of these the first two are remark- able for the adornment of both sexes, with a showy crest and greatly developed nuchal ruff. The remainder fall under the divisions Lupodotis, comprehending the great Bustards of India, Australia, and many in Africa; and Sypheotides, comprising the “ Floriken” of Africa and India—two seemingly well marked and very re- cognisable divisions. India, as we have seen, possesses four species in all; and we will try to rescue from the oblivion of a sporting journal the following notices of them by a late accomplished sportsman, who, unlike so many of his brethren, could write sometimes about animals without ingeniously avoiding to impart the slightest in- formation concerning their habits and history—something better and more interesting to the generality (we hope) of readers than, mere records of slaughter. Of the Great Bustard of India (Hupodotis edwardii), this gentleman writes :—“ It measures four feet four inches from point of bill to toes, and seven feet ten inches in‘extent of wings. It has a receptacle or bag to the neck. It is very strong on the wing, and seldom allows any one to approach nearer than 100 yards, when at one bound he raises himself in the air with ap- parent ease. “In Hurriana it is called by sportsmen the Tokdar or Tokdhur, and Gooracen by the natives of the country. In other parts it is called Gugunbher and Sohun, also Burra Chirath (i.e. Char). They resort together in the cold weather in flocks of from three to twenty-five; but in the hot winds and rains they separate, pair” (?), “and breed. The female lays two eggs in a nest on a prominent hillock, whence its native name of Gooracen.”+ For * So also does the Lupodotis denhami. + “Gunga,” in Bengal Sporting Magazine, September, 1837, p. 144. 43 ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. further particulars, vide Jerdon, in “‘ Madras Journal of Literature and Science,” xii. 8. This naturalist states:—‘ The Bustard breeds most generally about the end of the monsoon, and subse- quent cold weather, the female laying one or two eggs; it how- ever varies much in the time of breeding. The egg is of a dark olive colour, with obscure darker blotches. When feeding, it is generally wary and difficult to approach; but during the heat of the day, it lies down either in the long grass or in the shade of some bush, and is then often approached quite close. It usually takes a long flight when once raised, often several miles, and flies with a continual flapping of its wings, never sailing.” Of the Bengal Floriken (Sypheotides bengalensis.), Mr. Hodg- son has given so full and excellent an account in the “ Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal” (i.e. “The Asiatic Society,” by precedence of all others of that name), vol. xvi. pp. 884, ¢ seq., that it is hardly necessary to cite what our sporting autho- rity has penned concerning it. He remarks, however, that “ these birds are generally met with in patches of long grass cover, and jhoowad jungle in the Gorruckpore Terai, and along the banks of the Gunduck and other rivers in that direction. I have also,” he adds, “ seen an oceasional bird in the Meywar district, about Neemuch, in the direction of Burrasadree. They are very difli- cult of approach; and when wounded, will run a considerable distance. The surest method of getting within shot of them, is to accompany a native driving a bullock towards the spot, or the syce” (groom) “leading your horse. The former plan, hovw- ever, is the surest.”* It is remarkable, that the males of this -pecies, in their full breeding livery, so adpress the long feathers of the neck constituting the ruff, in their ordinary movements, that its presence would never be suspected, and the neck looks thin and slender like that of an Ostrich. This we have often observed with Some surprise, in those which our friend kept in his garden, and which lost much of their timidity, but never became tame or familiar. They were remarkably fond of the large crimson double flowers of a species of Hibiscus commonly grown in Indian gardens, and would strip all the bushes off them as high as they og reach. When gallanting before the females, however, the g neck feathers are displayed, and also in their contests ; for “ * “ Bengal Sporting Magazine,” June, 1837. ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. though Mr. Hodgson asserts, that “‘ Even in the season of love, the intercourse of the sexes among adults is quite transitory, and is conducted without any of that jealousy and pugnacity which so eminently distinguish most birds at that period.” Our friend above referred to (and who has shot many of these birds) assures us, that he once saw two males fighting desperately, and so eagerly, that upon being disturbed they renewed their conflict at a short distance, which ended by his bagging them both. Mr. Hodgson is also. cer- tainly mistaken in his assertion, that the nuptial dregs is worn permanently, as we have witnessed the change before described, and the subsequent partial renewal of the breeding livery, which latter was not well developed in captivity, and have likewise observed the fact in the skins of wild specimens.* “ The eggs,” writes Mr. Hodgson, “ are of the size and shape of an ordinary domestic fowl’s, but one sensibly larger and more richly coloured than the other. This larger and more highly tinted egg is that of the male young, the smaller and less and richly hued egg that of the female progeny.” In general we should say, however, that the adult female is somewhat larger than the male, as the female Sikh is constantly. Tho ege figured we took from the oviduct, and believe it to be what Mr, Hodgson considers as that which would have pro- duced a female. That.figured by Mr. Hodgson, however, is smaller and more speckled, and the eggs are described by him to be “ about the size of those of a bantam, 2 inches long by 14 inches broad, and of a sordid stramineous, being very minutely dotted, and more largely blotched and clouded with black, somewhat as in Lobi- vanellus goénsis. The Sikh (Sypheotides aurita) or Floriken of the sportsmen, of Southern India; is much more extensively distributed over India generally than S, bengalensis, being found, we believe, wherever the latter occurs, also over Southern India; and “they are so plentiful sometimes at Guzrat, that they may be bought from the Wagrees alive for a few pice’ t (i.e. twopence or threepence * So also, Mr. Jerdon states, of the Sith or Lesser Indian Floriken. “I have watched,” he writes, “the progressive change in birds at Jalnah, where a few couple always remain and breed, from the garb of the female to the perfect Black -Flortken” (of Southern Indian sportsmen), “ and back again from this, the nuptial plumage, to the more sober livery of the rest of the year.”—“ Illustrations of Indian Ornithology,” Art. Otio aurita. t Journ. As. Soc. Beng. vi, 789, 45 ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. each). For a full account of this species, vide Mr. Jerdon’s ex- cellent article in his “Illustrations of Indian Ornithology,” from which we will only quote, that it “lays three or four eggs of a thick stunted ovoid form, yery obtuse at the larger end, and ofa dark olive colour.” Our sporting authority remarks, that “i walking, the Sikh carries its head very gracefully, moving it backwards and forwards with each step, the broad head and long thin neck appearing over the grass, gives it much the resemblance of a cobra snake; and no doubt this graceful motion gaye rise to the native provincial name of Chulla Churj.” Other names cited by him, are, ‘* Nehla, Newalia, Oorail, and Abluk Chereei.” The same writer supplies the only notice we haye seen, beyond records of its abundant slaughter in Sindh, &c., of the Indian Hou- bara. ‘ Hurriana,” he remarks, “has also its Floriken j which, however, is a very different bird from the Floriken of the plains of the Ganges, and is, in fact, the” (Indian) “ Houbara or Rufiled Bustard, so called from the ruff of feathers on each side of the neck, and supposed to be a bird of the very highest flavour. * * * It frequents the same country as” ZH. edwardii, “ dry sandy plains, where there is a little grass, and is also found in wheat and grain fields. The native name for it is Tilaor. The flesh is exceedingly tender, and so covered with fat, that the skins are with difficulty dried and preserved. For an elaborate account of this species, vide Blyth, in Journ. As. Soe. Beng. xvi. 786. Captain Thos, Hutton there states of it—“ These handsome birds are common on the bare stony plains of Affghanistan, and sometimes occur in small packs of five or six together. They fly heavily and for short dis- tances, soon alighting’ and running. They remain all the year. The Affghan or Pushtu name is Dugdaoor, 46 Se 5 y : eras flavin shat df ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. Mr. Srrickianp sends us the descriptions of the four following birds :— «TJ am indebted to BE. Wilson, Esq., for the loan of several birds which he lately purchased at Paris, with the locality ‘Pérou’ in- scribed on the labels. They are all closely allied representatives of Brazilian forms, and I therefore have no doubt that they come from Bolivia, or some other region on the eastern slope of the Peruvian Andes. The west side of the Andes is inhabited by many peculiar generic forms, indicating a distinct zoological region, and rarely produces species so closely allied to Atlantic American ones as those now before us. Four of these interesting birds I now proceed to describe :”— MONASA FLAVIROSTRIS, Srricknann. CLosELy allied to the well known Monasa tranquilla of Brazil, but differs in its smaller size, the greener tint of the plumage, and in the beak being yellow instead of red, Plumage black, with a greenish gloss, becoming obscurely cine- reous on the belly ; covers of the ulnar portion of the wing white, forming a longitudinal streak when the wing is closed; beak wax- yellow ; feet and claws black. Total length, §.5; beak to front, 1.8; to gape, i.4; wing, 4.9; medial rectrices, 4.3; external, 3.7; tarsus, 7; middle toe and claw, ii}. r Inhabits Peru, ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. TODIROSTRUM CHRYSOCROTAPHUM, Srrickianp. (Upper Figure.) A typicaL Todirostrum with a large broad beak. Crown and hind head glossy black ; lores pure white, over the eye a streak ‘of bright yellow expanding on the temples ; a. black streak from the gape extending over the ears; back yellow-olive; lesser wing-covers glossy black ; middle and greater coyers, and all the remiges and rectrices, black, margined externally with yellow; chin whitish ; lower parts and under wing-covers, pure yellow ; beak and legs fuscous. Total length, 3.6; beak to front, 5; to gape, é; height, i}; ‘breadth, 234; wing, i.7; medial rectrices, i.1; external, 9; tar- sus, 6; middle toe and claw, 5; hind toe, 4. Inhabits Peru. EUPHONIA BICOLOR, Srricknanp. THE species of Euphonia, which is most nearly allied to this, is the Z. pectoralis (Lath.), (EB. rujiventris, Licht.) of Brazil ; which however differs in the black of the throat extending over the upper breast also, and in the lower parts being deep and uniform chestnut, abruptly contrasting with the patch of vivid yellow on the sides of the breast. Whole head, throat, back, wings and tail, deep blue-black, with a gloss of violet, except the primaries and some of the external secondaries, which are fuscous, margined externally with yellowish- . olive; inner webs of remiges margined with white ; lower wing- covers pale yellow; sides of breast bright yellow, passing gradually into orange-yellow on the middle of the breast and whole lower parts ; tibiew blackish, tipped with yellowish ; beak and legs black. Total length, 4.3; beak to front, i: to gape, 5; wing, 2.3; ae and external rectrices, 1.6; tarsus, 6; middle toe, s hind oe, 5. Inhabits Peru. 48-6 Ts f fi y VA Saderathucm of ott Maop turn L Q (9. cmt “faba RL ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. TARSIGER CHRYS AUS, Honesoy. Tarsiger chryszeus, Hodgs, in Proc. Zool. Soc. pt. 13, p. 28; Ann. Nat. Hist. vol. xvi. p. 199. —Sericornis chrysea, Blyth, in Journ, As. Soc. Beng. vol, xiv. p. 549. ——Nemura chrysea, Gray, Gen. Birds, sp. 2. Tuts bird is thus described by Mr. Blyth, to whom we are indebted for the drawings from which the plate is taken. _ “6. Whole under parts, shoulder of wing, more or less of the scapulars, rump, and basal three-fourths of all but the middle pair of rectrices, brilliant yellow, the last being also yellow at base, and there is a narrow supercilium of the same; rest of tail, lores, and ear-covers, black; alars and their larger covers, blackish, narrowly edged with dull yellowish; head and back, dusky olive, with dull yellowish-green margins to the feathers; beak, dark above, pale below; legs, pale. “9. Upper parts uniform dark greenish-olive, with merely a more yellowish shade over the rump ; upper parts sullied yellow ; tail, dusky olive, marked as in the ¢, but with considerably duller yellow. “ Young of the year spotted above like a young robin. “ Length, 5.3; wing, 9.7; tail, 2.3; external rectrices, 2; beak to gape, 7; tarsus, i. 1, “Mr. Hodgson informs us, that this bird inhabits the central hills of the Himalaya; is shy, solitary, and bush-loving, constantly descending to the ground from its perch; it feeds and breeds on the ground, making a compact saucer-like nest of moss. Eggs, verditer. In form it comes yery close upon Calliope, and approaches still nearer to Cyanecula, from which its principal structural distinction consists in the more rounded form of its wings and tail, and the somewhat reduced degree of firmness of its plumage; besides which, the yellow colouring is a character of the present group. The wings have the fourth, fifth, and sixth primaries sub-equal and longest, and the first about half their length.”’—Z#. Blyth. 119-13 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. XANTHORNUS PROSTHEMELAS, SrricKLAND. Duscription.—Head, neck, upper back, throat, breast, wings, upper tail-covers, and tail, deep black; abdomen, vent, lower tail- covers, under wing-covers, lesser wing-covers above, lower back and rump, bright yellow; beak black; base of lower mandible bluish; legs black. Total length, 7.5; beak to front, 7; to gape, 9; wing, 35; medial rectrices, 3:6; external, 2.9; tarsus, 1. The specimen here figured was procured by Mr. E. Wilson from Central America. A bird from Guatemala, in my own collection, differs in haying the lower tail-covers black instead of yellow, and in the yellow colour of the body being of a deeper and more saffron tint; the wing is 5, and the tail i longer than in Mr. Wilson’s bird. It is probably a more fully developed individual of the same gpecies. The beak of this bird, as in most of the species of Xanthornus Gf indeed it be possible to separate that genus from Icterus), is slightly curved, and nearly agrees in form with that of X chiryso- cephalus (Gmel.). I have been unable to identify the species with any of the descriptions to which I have access, but there are two or three Mexican ones described by Wagler in Oken’s Isis for 1829, with one of which it may possibly be synonynous.—H, #. Striekland. 120-14 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. TACHYPHONUS SERRIROSTRIS, Srrickianp. THIs species is remarkable for possessing six or seven distinct though rather irregular denticulations, directed forwards as in the Toucans, on the medial portion of the margins of both mandibles. This peculiarity of structure might almost justify the formation of a new genus, were it not that the close resemblance of the color- ation of this bird to that of Tachyphonus desmaresti, and of T. cristatus, proyes an intimate affinity to exist between these three birds. In Taehyphonus cristatus there is a single prominent un- dulation, almost amounting to a tooth, on the margin of the upper - mandible, which leads us to the closely allied genus Lanio, where this tooth is still more developed. In the genus Pyranga also, we find marginal serrations, more or less conspicuous in the different species, so that this structure is by no means anomalous in Tana- grine forms. j The genus Phytotoma, well known for its serrated mandibles, belongs, there can be no doubt, to the family of Tanagers ; but it is distinguished from all the other genera, by possessing a double margin to the lower mandible, of which the inner one is serrated, the outer plain. Front and sides of head, hind neck, upper back, wings, upper tail-covers, and tail, black ; proximal portion of lesser wing-covers white ; crown yellow; lower back and rump ochre yellow; throat ochre yellow, separated from the breast by a narrow black band ; lower parts deep ochre yellow, passing into ferruginous on the breast and middle of the belly ; tibiee black ; lower wing-covers and basal part of inner webs of remiges white; beak black; base of lower mandible plumbeous ; legs black. Total length, 6.3; beak to front, 5; to gape, 7; wing, 3; me- dial retrices, 3; external, 9.8; tarsus, 6. Inhabits Peru. 49-7 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. WE are indebted to_a description of this apparently new species of Calliste, to P. L. Sclater, Esq., at present residing in Oxford. The figure will be given in a future number. CALLISTE LUTEOLA, Scuater. “Tus species is nearly allied to C. eyana, Linn., from whichit may be easily distinguished by the yellow colouring of the back, which in C. eyana is green. The colouring of the lower sur- face nearly resembles C. cyana, except the bluish tinge on the breast, which is hardly apparent in the latter species ; it is also a quarter of an inch shorter in the wing and altogether smaller. My specimens were purchased without any locality being marked.” C. supra nitide lutea, capite supra fulvescente, alis cauddque nigris viridi limbatis, regione paroticd lorisque atris ; infra cerulescens, ventre rufescente, rostrum superius nigrum, inferius albescens; pedes cinerei—Long. toto, 4.73; ale, 2.74—Hab.— 50-8 ae Sacha phonud tufevenler, Spx tHe , ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. TACHYPHONUS RUFIVENTER, Spix. Tanagra rufiventer, Spi, Av. Braz. v. 2, pl. 50, f. 1. THis species is remarkable for possessing six or seven distinct though rather irregular denticulations, directed forwards as in the Toucans, on the medial portion of the margins of both mandibles. This peculiarity of structure might almost justify the formation of a new genus, were it not that the close resemblance of its colo- ration to that of Tachyphonus desmaresti, and of T. cristatus, proves an intimate affinity to exist between these three birds. In Tachyphonus cristatus there is a single prominent undulation, almost amounting to a tooth, on the margin of the upper man- dible, which leads us to the closely allied genus Lanio, where this tooth is still more deyeloped. Inthe genus Pyranga@ also, we find marginal serrations, more or less conspicuous in the different species, so that this structure is by no means anomalous in T'ane- grine forms. The genus Phytotoma, well known for its serrated mandibles, belongs, there can be no doubt, to the family of Tanagers ; but it is distinguished from all the other genera, by possessing a double margin to the lower mandible, of which the inner one is serrated, the outer plain. The figure of this bird was drawn before I noticed that the species had been already figured by Spix. He, however, omits all notice of the denticulations of the beak. Front and sides of head, hind neck, upper back, wings, upper tail-covers, and tail, black; proximal portion of lesser wing-covers white ; crown yellow; lower back and rump ochre yellow ; throat ochre yellow, separated from the breast by a narrow black band ; lower parts deep ochre yellow, passing into ferrnginous on the breast and middle of the belly; tibize black ; lower wing-covers and basal part of inner webs of remiges white; beak black; base of lower mandible plumbeous ; legs black. Total length, 6.3; beak to front, 5; to gape, 7; wing, 3; me- dial rectrices, 3; external, 2.8; tarsus, 6. The specimen here figured ‘was said to be from Peru. Spix’s bird was procured in Brazil. 49-7 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. We are indebted for a description of this apparently new species of Calliste, to P. L. Sclater, Esq., of Corpus Christi College, Ox- ford. CALLISTE CHRYSONOTA, ScuatTer. C. supra nitidé lutea, capite fulvescente, alis cauddque nigris, viridi limbatis, regione paroticé lorisque atris; infra corulescens, ventre rufes- cente ; rostrum superius nigrum, inferius albescens; pedes cinerei.— Lon. tota, 4.7; ale, 3.74. “Tus species is nearly allied to C. cayana (Linn.), from which it may be easily distinguished by the yellow colouring of the back, which in C. cayana is green. The colouring of the lower sw- face nearly resembles C. eayana, except the bluish tinge on the breast, which is hardly apparent in the latter Species ; it is also a quarter of an inch shorter in the wing and altogether smaller. My specimens were purchased without any locality being marked; but from the mode in which the skins are prepared, I believe them to-be from Cayenne. Mr. Strickland has also a skin of this bird, and there is one in the British Museum. 50-8 | bubble chiysrnoter, dhe later , MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONID A, SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY Dr. T. T. KAUP.* IV. ORDO ICHTHYORNITHES. A. Suborder Accrprrres, Linn. THE nostrils are situate in a cere, the upper mandible curved and hanging down over the under; the toes not webbed, with long curved claws. There exist five families— I. Falconide. I. Strigide. IIT, Gypogeranide. IV. Gypaétide. V. Vulturide. ‘I. Family Fanconipm. Faxco. Linn. The eyes sidewards; the toes never feathered; middle toe never thrice as short as the tarsus; cere naked or visible through the plumage; head and neck feathered. i A. Subfamily Fancoyina. 1, Hreérax. 2. Tinnuneulus. 8. Harpagus. 4. Falco. 5. Ieracidea. i In this subfamily the typical genus is Héérax, with the largest and roundest head, with the largest brain; the socket of the eye nearly closed, and the nostrils bored in the nasal bones. * Continued from p. 121-34 of 1849, bl MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONID 4, I. Genus HIERAX, Vicors. Two teeth on each side of the bill; tarsus short, covered with irregular scales; size of Coccothraustes. The Psittacine or true Faleonine type. East India. 1. H. cerulescens, Vig.; F. coerulescens, Linn. ; Temm. pl. col. 97; Edw. t.108. F. bengalensis, Briss.; F. Sringillarius, Drap.; F. malayensis, Strick.— Band over the ear white; wings and tail with white spots. Jaya, Borneo. 1. a. H. entolmus, Hodgson. — Band oyer the ear and occiput white. Nepaul. 2. H. erythrogenys, Vig. (6); F. sericeus, Kittl. (2) Vogel.— Wings and tail without bands and spots. —Island of Lugon, Manilla. Il. Gexus TINNUNCULUS, Vier. One tooth on the bill; tarsus short, covered with irregular scales; toes short with transverse scales; the exterior toe as long as the interior ; the first or the first and second quills, near the tip on the inner web, emarginated. ‘The swallow or Milvine type. a. Subgenus Polihieraz, Kaup.— The wings. very short, not reaching to half of the tail; the first and second quills obtuse, emarginated. The Falconine type. 1. T, semitorquatus, Kp.; F. semitorquatus, A. Smith, Ill. of S. Af. Zool. g and 9.— The wings with white spots on the exterior web. S. Africa. 6. Subgenus Erythropus, Brehm.—'The secondaries very short, shorter than the quills; only the first quill emarginated. The Milvine type. 2. T. vespertinus, Kp.; F. vespertinus, Linn.; rujipes, Naum. tab. 28, pl. enl. 43, ii—The claws whitish-yellow ; cere and feet red, rarely yellow. Asia, Africa, Europe. ¢. Subgenus Pecilornis, Kp.— Wings only reaching half the length of the tail; the secondaries longer than the quills; the first and second quills emarginated ; occiput with a variegated colouring. The Accipitrine type. ; 52 SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. T. T. KAUP. 3. T. sparverius, F. sparverius, Linn.; Wils. Am. Orn. t. 82, f. 1, g; t. 16, fig. 1,9; F. gracilis, isabellinus, and cinnamomi- nus, Swains. — The lesser wing-covers spotted with black. N. America. 3. a. T. sparveroides, Kp.; Ff. sparveroides, Vig.—The lesser wing-covers without black spots, Cuba. : d. Subgenus Tichornis, Kp.— The wings very long; the se- condaries longer than the half of the wings; only the first quill emarginated. The Aquiline type. 4. T. cenchris, Frisch., Naum. t. 29; Ff. cenchris, Fr., Naum. ; tinnunculoides, Schinz. and Temm.; wanthonyx, Natterer. — The claws yellowish, the colouring like 7. alaudarius. 8. Europe, Africa, Asia, é. Subgenus Zinnunculus, Kp.—The secondaries about as long as the half of the wings; the first and second quills emarginated ; occiput without a variegated colouring. The Buteonine type. 5. T. alaudarius ; F. tinnunculus, tinn.; Naum. 30, pl. enl. 401, 47 i.; interstinctus, M‘Clell. Proc. 1839, 154.— Beneath, light rufous, with round black spots. Europe, Africa, Asia. 6. T. cenchroides, Kp.; F. cenchroides, Vig, and Horsf.; Gould Birds of Austr.— The inner wing-coyers pure white. Australia. 7. T. punctatus, Kp.; F. punctatus, Cuv.; Temm. pl. col. 45. — The wings only reaching to the half of the tail. Madagascar. 8. T. rupicolus, Kp.; F. rupicolus, Dand., Vaill. 85; F'. eapen- sis, Shaw; F’. rufescens, Swains.— Entirely dark rufous, with black spots. §. Africa. 9. T. rupicoloides, Kp.; F. rupicoloides, A. Smith, Ill. of S. Af Zool. — Wings, 11”; tarsus, 2”; middle toe, 1” 10”.—S. Africa. il. Guus HARPAGUS, Vic. Two large and distinct teeth on the upper mandible ;.tarsus and toes with broad transverse scales; wings very short, very like a Nisus or Accipiter. The Accipitrine type. S. America. 1. H. diodon; Falco diodon, Temm. pl. col. 198; Bidens femoralis, Spix; Diodon brasiliensis, Less. —The inner wing: coyers and the tibial feathers rufous. 53 ” MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONID A, 2. H. bidentatus; F. bidentatus, Lath.; Temm. pl. cal. 28, adult, 228, young; Bidens rujfiventer et albiventer, Spix, t. vi. vi. — Adult, beneath rufous. Iv. Genus FALCO. One distinct and large tooth on the upper mandible; the toes long, and the exterior longer than the interior; the tarsus with wregular scales; the first or the first and second quills emarginated The Aqguiline type. Cosmopolite. a. Subgenus disalon, Kp.— Little falcons with short wings ; the first and second quills emarginated. The Falconine type. 1. F. esalon, Gmel.; pl. enl. 44 f., Naum. 2; F. regulus, Pall— Beneath, pale rufous, with dark-brown longitudinal spots; tail with 6-7 bars. Europe, Asia, Africa. 2. I’. columbarius, Linh., Wils. 15.3.—Beneath, more rufous, with dark brown longitudinal spots; tail with four bars. N. America. 3. F. chiquera, Daud., Vaill. 30; Gould, Birds of Himal.; F. ruj- collis, Sw. West Afr. Birds, pl. 2.—The upper plumage dark cine- reous throughout, with distinct blackish bands. Africa, Asia. 4. F. femoralis, Temm. pl. col. 12, i. 8343; F. aurantius, Lath. Ind. var. y.—The breast black, with fine white bands. S» America. 5. F. tibialis, Shaw; Daud., Vaill. 29 (Normal habit) ; 7. coneo- lor, Temm. pl. col. 3830, Swains. W. Afr. Birds, pl. 3; F. ardo- siaceus, Vieill, (cinereous var.) —a. Normal habit ; beneath, rufous, with oblong spots; the tibial feathers black-brown. — b. Cinereous var., entirely cinereous, with black shaft-stripes. W. Africa. 5. Subgenus Hypotriorchis (part Boie), Kp.— Little falcons with very long wings and very short secondaries; only the first quill emarginated. The Milvine type. 6. F. severus, Horsf., Linn. Tr. xiii. 135; F. aldrovandi, Reinw. ~Temm. pl. col. 128.— Beneath, rufous, young with round black spots. Asia, 7. F. subbuteo, Linn.; pl. enl. 432, Naum. 26.—'Twwo white Spots on the occiput; breast and belly white, black spotted ; wings and ot banded. Europe, Asia, South and N. Africa. SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. T. T. KAUP. X 8. Ff. aurantius, Lath.; F. rujigularis, Daud.; F. deiroleucus, Temm. 9, 348.— Breast and belly black with white fine bars. 8. America. 9. F. frontaius, Gould, Birds of Austr.—Breast and belly ru- fous, with dark shaft-spots and black shafts. Australia. 10. F. eleonore, Gené., Mem. ace. Tor. 1840, t. 2, p. 41, Ch. Bonap. Ic. d. Faun. ; F. arcadicus, Linderm. Isis, 1843; F. con- color, Temm. (Text.)— Wings without bands. The normal habit like F'. subbuteo ; the cinereous var. like F. concolor; yar. of F. tibialis, Africa, 8. Europe. ce. Subgenus, Gennaia, Kp. — Large falcons with short wings ; the first and second quills emarginated; middle toe as long as the tarsus or shorter. The Accipitrine type. ll. F. jugger, J. Gray, Ill. Ind. Zool.; F. lugger, Jerd.; F. behree, Lath.—The flanks and the tibial feathers mostly plain brown with clear spots. Asia. 12. F. hypoleucus, Gould, Birds of Austr.— Clear cinereous with black shafts. Australia. 13. Ff. » Ff laniarius et feldeggit, Schleg. Abth. 10, 11; F. tanypterus, Licht., Mainz. Collection.—Head rufous, without a black frontlet; breast and belly with round spots on the top of each feather. Africa, Dalmatia. 14. F. cervicalis, Licht.; F. biarmieus, Temm. pl. col.; F. chiqueroides, A. Smith.—The rufous head with a black frontlet ; occiput with two brown spots. Africa. 15. F. lamarius, Pall., Naum. t. 23; F. chervug, T. Gray, Il. Ind. Zool.— All the tail-feathers with clear rufous spots not ex- tending to the shaft. Asia and Eastern Europe. d. Subgenus Falco. — Large falcons with long wings, short tail and long toes; middle toe longer than the tarsus; only the first quill emarginated. The Aquiline type. 16. I, peregrinator, Sundey.; F. sultaneus, Hodgs.; F. shaheen, Jerd. Ill. Orn. pl, 12.— Beneath, dark rufous; the crop-feathers on the tips with rain-drop spots. Asia. 17. I. peregrinoides, Temm. pl. col. 479; F. frontalis, Daud. ; F. galericulatus, Shaw, Vaill. 28.—Beneath, white, with a light rufous tint; tarsus 41; middle toe 44 mm. long. Africa. 18. /. peregrinus, Gmel.; pl. enl. 430, Naum. t. adult.— Breast MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONID, and belly, the tibial and the under tail-covers black-banded. Eu- rope, Africa, Asia. 19. F. anatum, Bonap.; peregrinus, Wils. t. 76.—The upper parts dark brown; beneath, rufous, with oblong spots like a young F. peregrinus. N. America. 20. EF. melanogenys, Gould, Birds of Austr. Australia. ; e. Subgenus, Hierofalco, Cuy.— The largest falcons with the longest bill, the tip of the wings not reaching to the end of the long tail; toes long; the first and second quill emarginated. The Buteonine type. 21. F. gyrfaleo, Linn.; pl. enl. 210, Naum. t. 21, 22.—The total colour white. N. Europe, N. America. gk So 22. I’. subniger, G. R. Gray, Ann. Nat. Hist. 1842.— The total colour soot-black. Australia, VY. Genus IERACIDEA, Goutp. One tooth on the upper mandible; the tarsus long, with large irregular scales, and 13-2 as long as the middle toe; the toes with broad regular transyerse scales; 1-3 quills emarginated. The Bu- teonine type. Australia, 1. 1. berigora, Gould; F. berigora et occidentalis, Gould; F.. berigora, Vig. and Horsf.—The brown tail with sixteen narrow rufous bars. 2. T. nove zeelandie, Kp.; F. nove zeelandie, Lath., Gmel. Forst. Ic. ined. t. 88. F. australis, Homb. and Jacq.—The tail with eleven small whitish bars not reaching to the shaft. B. Subfamily Minvinz. I. Genus Ictinia. II. Navcoterus. LIT. Circus. IV. Elanus. V. Milvus. : Nauclerus is the typical genus in this subfamily, and represents the swallow type with very short secondaries, yery long quills, swallow tail, and very short feet and toes. 56 SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. T. T, KAUP. I. Genus ICTINIA, Vrieiur. The bill like Falco, with a tooth on the upper mandible, and a fine emargination-on the under mandible; the tail a little forked ; the secondaries a little shorter than the half of the wings; the first and second quill emarginated; hind toe with a broad sole. The Falconine type; America. 1. Ictinia mississipiensis ; F. mississipiensis, Wils. iti. 25, 1; I. ophiophaga, Vieill., Gal. t. 1 f.; Milvus cenchris, Vieill.—The tail without bars. 2. Ictinia plumbea, Vieill; F. plumbea, Gmel., Spix 86, adult, Temm. pl. col. 180, young. —The tail with white bars. II. Genus NAUCLERUS, Vice. The secondaries much shorter than the half of the wings; feet and toes very short; the tail much forked, and the first feather more than double the length of the middle feather. The swallow or true Milvine type. a. Subgenus Chelidopteryx, Kp. — A tooth on the upper man- dible and a fine emargination on the under mandible. The alco- nine type. 1. WN. riocourii, Vig.; Hlanoides riocourii, Vieill., Gal. t. 17, Temm. pl. col, 85.—Light ash coloured. Senegal. d. Subgenus Nauclerus, Kp. — Without a tooth and an emargi- nation on the bill., The Agudline type. 2. N. furcatus, Vig.; F. furcatus, Linn., Wils. 51, 2.—White, with black wings and tail. America. The Subgenera, b. ¢. e. are not discovered. ‘se Il. Genus CIRCUS, Ayntiq. Laczr. The middle toe one half shorter than the tarsus; tarsus and toes with regular transverse scales. The Accipitrine or Grallatorial type. 57 Yt eee tip of the tail ; MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONID, a, Subgenus Strigiceps (part) Bonap. — The secondaries longer than the quills; the quills do not extend to the tip of the tall 1-4 quills emarginated; bill slender as Spilocirens and Cirew. The Falconine type. 1. Circus cyaneus, G. Gray; F. eyaneus, Linn.; pygargus, Linn., Naum. t. 39, 1, (6) 2, (2) 38, 2, (6 young). — g ash colow- ed, with white upper tail-covers, breast, belly, tibial, and under tail-covers. Europe, Africa, Asia. ; 1. a. C. uliginosus ; F. uliginosus, Gmel., Wils. 51-2, young, Bonap. Am. Orn. t. 8, adult.— Very like ©. cyaneus, but the young bird is beneath rufous, without distinct spots. It is a sub species, climatic variety, or a race of C. cyaneus. 2. C. melanoleucus, Vieill.; F. melanoleucus, Gmel., Vaill. 32. — ¢ Head, body above, parts of the wings and crop, black. Asia. 3. C. acoli, Vieill; F. acoli, Daud., Vaill. 33.— $ The wings very short, extending to half the length of the tail; breast and beneath with rufous bars. S. Africa. 4. O. maurus, G. Gray; F, maurus, Temm. pl. col. 461; A. Smith, Ill. of S. Afr. Zool. t. 58; C. ater, Vieill.— The total _ colour black or black brown. S. Africa. b. Subgenus Glaucopterya, Kp. — The secondaries shorter than half of the whole wings; 1-3 quills emarginated. The Milvine or Nauclerus type. 5. C. cinerascens, &. Gray; F. cinerascens, Mont., Naum. t. 40, fig. 1 and fig. 2; g middle age, fig. 3; 9 young; C. montagui, Vieill., Gal. pl. 13. —With a black band over the quills. Europe, Africa. 6. C. pallidus, Syk. Proc. 11, 80, 1830; C. swainsonii, A Smith, Tl. of S. Af. Zool. t. 43-44; gad.; middle age; 2 young; C. dalmatinus, Riipp., Mus, Senk., vol. ii. 1837.—Without a band over the quills. Asia, Africa, Dalmatia. ¢. Subgenus Spilocircus, Kp.— The tibia and tarsus yery long; the secondaries longer than the quills which do not extend to the 1-4 quills emarginated ; the feathers of the body with white round spots: the Dill stronger than the bill of the Strigiceps and Glaucopteryx. The true Aceipitrine type. 7. C: jardini, Gould, Birds of Austr. x, 3.—Beneath, rufous, with white spots. Australia, d. Subgenus Spiziacireus, Kp.— The secondaries longer than the 58 SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR, T. T. KAUP. half of the quills, which are longer than the tip. of the tail; 1-5 quills emarginated. The Aquiline type. S. America. 8. OC. macropterus, Vieill., Enc. p. 1215; C. albicolis, Vieill., Ene. 1214, young; F. palustris, Pr. Max.; Temm. pl. col. 22, ad.; C. superciliosus, Less. — The tarsus 78-115 ; mm. long, 9. C. histrionicus, Kp.; F. histrionicus, Quoy. and Gaim., Voy. de la Uran. Ois. 15, 16; C. cinereus, Vieill., Azara 32.—The tarsus 62-69 mm. long; the tail with four bands. e. Subgenus Circus, Bonap.—The bill longer, larger, more hori- zontal, and the toes longer; 1-4 quills emarginated. The Buteo- nine type. ‘ 10. C. spilonotus, Kp., Coll. of the Zool. Gard.—Head black; wings and tail without bars; beneath, ‘white, with black oblong spots on the crop: Asia. 11. ©. ranivorus, Vieill.; F': ranivorus, Dand., Vaill. 23.—The wings and tail with bands. §S. Africa. 12. C. eruginosus, G. Gray; F. eruginosus, Linn, ; pl. enl. 460, 424; I’. rufus, Gmel. Naum, t. 37,1 3, 2 2; 38,1 $ young.—The wings and tail without bands. ‘Europe, Asia, Africa. 13. C. assimilis, Jard. and Selby, Il. Orn,—The tarsus 94-100 ; middle toe, 39-44 mm. long. Australia. IV. Genus ELANUS, Say. The claws round; the tarsus with small scales. Cosmopolite. The Aquiline type. : a. Subgenus Gampsonyx, Vig.—The tip of the wings extends to the half of the tail; only the first quill emarginated. The Faleo- nine type. 9 1. Elanus swainsonii, Kp.; Gampsonyx swainsonii, Vig.; Ei. torquatus, Cuv., Less. Hist. Nat. des Ois. vii. 207.—Size of a thrush; it has analogies with F. sparverius, §. America. 6. Subgenus Elanus, Sav.— The wings longer than the short tail ; the first and second quill emarginated. The Milvine type. The subgenera c, d, e, are not discovered. 2. E. melanopterus, Leach. ; E. ccesius, Say.; 7. melanopterus, Daud., Vaill. 36; F. vociferus et sonninensis, Lath.—The inner 59 MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONIDA, covers of the wings white; tail 126 mm. long. Africa, Asia, Europe (accidental), 3. #. axillaris, G. Gray; F. avillaris, Lath.; Circus axillaris, Vieill.; £. melanopterus, Vig. and Horsf.—The inner covers of the wings white, with 6-7 black feathers; the tail 143-162 mn. long. Australia, Asia. 4. Hi. leucurus, G. Gray; Milvus leucurus, Vieill., N. Dict. d Hist. Nat. n. xx. 563; Azara, 36; F. dispar, Temm. pl. col. 319, young; Bonap. Am. Orn. t. 11, 1 ad.— The inner covers of the wings white, with a long black stripe on the quills. America. 5. #. scriptus, Gould, Birds of Austr.—The inner covers of the wings white, with a black stripe over the quills and secondaries in figure of a V. Australia. Vv. Gaenus MILVUS, Ovv. The bill longer, horizontal, and large; the wings very long, at the tip curved like a sabre; 1-5 quills emarginated ; tarsus short, covered on the sole with fine scales; the colour is rufous or soot black. a ec. Subgenus Lophoictinia, Kp.— The bill lengthened and more Slender ; the nostrils longer than broad; the wings longer than the tip of the tail, which is forked; the emarginations of the quills more obtuse; the tarsus shorter, with small and irregular scales ; the toes with 3-4 transverse scales only before the claws. The Milvine type. 1. M. isiurus, Gould, Birds of Austr. ii. 2.—The interior webs of the quills with black bars. Australia. d. Subgenus, Méilvus, Cuy. — The bill larger; the nostrils oval; the wings do not extend to the tip of the more forked tail; the emarginations are more angular and distinct ; the slender tarsus and toes with horizontal scales; the sole of the toes with pointed warts. The Aquiline type. 2. M. parasiticus ; F. parasiticus, Daud., Vaill.. 22; F. egyp- tius, et forskahlii, Gmel.; F, migrans, Bodd.—The bill yellow; total plumage soot black. Africa. : 3. M. afinis, Gould, Birds of Austr. viii, 3; M. melanogenys, 60 SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. T, T. KAUP. Temm. et Schleg. Faun. Jap.—The bill black; head with the bill | 60 mm. long; the superior ear-feathers black. Australia, Asia. F 4. Milvus govinda, Syk., Proc. Zool. Soc, 1839, 155.—The bill black; before the emarginations of the quills pure white; total colour soot black. 5. M. regalis, Briss. ; F. milvus, Linn., Naum. t. xxxi. pl. eat 422.—The largest species, in adult age with yellow bill and whitish head; before the emargination of the quills and the middle of the little feathers of the wings, pure white; total colour rufous ; tail more forked. Europe, Africa, e. Subgenus Gypoictinia, Kp. — The bill twice as long’as high ; tarsus on the upper half with transverse scales, and on the lower half with fine little scales; the tail as long as the body and not forked ; the first portion of the tail hid by the covers. The Buteo- nine or Vultwrine type. M. melanosternon, Kp.; Buteo melanosternon, Gould, Birds of Austr. ix. 1.—Face, gorge and breast, black; large like a little eagle. It shows analogies with siihicaicianas second genus of Aquiline. Australia. III. Subfamily Acorprramna, In this subfamily the typical genus is Geranopus, which, with the whole subfamily, represents the Grallatorial type, because it has the longest legs and the shortest toes. This subfamily exhibits the shortest wings in the greatest number of the species, and shows a banded plumage. I. Spiziaétus. II. Nisus, II. Geranorus. IV. Astur. V. Asturina. I. Geyus SPIZIAETUS, Vier. (part) Kaur. The tarsus covered with feathers. The Falconine type. a, Subgenus Limnaétus, Vig.—The secondaries cover up to 3 of the quills; 1-6 quills emarginated. The-Falconine type. 1, Sp. cirrhatus, Kp., G. Gray; F. cirrhatus, Will., Gmel.; F. ceylonensis, Lath.; F. calligatus, Rafil.; F. limnaétus, Horsf., 61 MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONID:, Temm. pl. col. 134, 9 juv.; F. niveus, Temm., 2 juv.; /. cristatel- lus, Temm. pl. col. 282, g ad.; Nisaétus pileher, nepalensis al pallidus. Hodgs.; Morphnus hastatus, Less.; Spizaétus oriental, Temm. and Schleg. Fauna Jap., ¢ young.— The adult bird with a black moustache and a central stripe on the chin; the adult male on the breast, belly, legs and under tail-covers, black or brown banded; the young male beneath, white, with black brown longi- tudinal spots on the tip of each feather. The adult female coloured very like the young atts but the spots larger and the crest longer. The very young female without a crest, sometimes uniform soot brown (limnaétus), another time more whitish (niveus). Asia and its Archipelago. b. Subgenus Lophaétus, Kp.— The secondaries cover ¢ of the quills; bill slender and divided to middle of the eye; 1-5 quill , emarginated but not very distinct. The Milvine type. 2. Sp. occipitalis, G. Gray; F’. occipitalis et senegalensis, Daud., Vaill. t. ii: — The wings and tail pure white. The soft and woolly plumage shows anologies with Circus. Africa. ce. Subgenus Spiziaétus, Kp.— The secondaries cover 2} of the quills; bill strong; 1-6 quill very distinctly emarginated. The Accipitrine type. 3. Sp. ornatus, Vieill.; F. ornatus et maudujjti, Daud., Vaill. xxvi.; F’. superbus et coronatus, Shaw: Harpyia braccata, Spix, f. 3, Azara 23.— Beneath white with black bars; the little fea- thers of the wings black banded. 8S. America. 4. Sp, bellicosus, Kp.; F. bellicosus, Daud., Vaill. Ois. d’ Afr. 1s Aquilla bellicosa, Vieill.; F. armiger, Shaw, Smith, Il. i. 42.— Head with the bill 123 mm. long; beneath white, every feather with a round black spot on the tip. S. Africa. 5. Sp. coronatus, Kp.; F'. coronatus, Linn., A. Smith, Ill. xlii— Head with the bill 106 mm. long; head, neck, and beneath, white. S. Africa. d. Subgenus Spiziaster, Less.— The occiput without a crest ; 1-5 quill with a distinct emargination; the secondaries cover half of the quills; middle and hind toes very long ; the tail a little forked. The Aquiline type. 6. Sp. atriceps, Kp.; F. atricapillus, Cuy.; Temm. Me col. 79 ; Buteo melanoleucus, Vieill., Gal. 14. —White, with black lorum and eye region ; the occiput blak; back and w ings black. §. America. 62 SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. ". T. KAUP. e. Subgenus Piernura, Kp.— The tail longer than the body; 1-6 quill slender emarginated. The Buteonine type. 7. Sp. tyrannus, Kp.; F. tyrannus, Pr. Max. pl. col. 73.— Black or black brown, with white tail-covers; the tail 346 mm. long. S. America, Il. Genus NISUS, Cuv. ACCIPITER, Briss. er ANGLICOR. The tarsus is long and slender, with twelve or thirteen indistinct transverse scales before and behind; the external toe longer than the internal. This genus has the smallest forms in the whole sub- family. The Mélvine type. a. Subgenus Hiéraspizia, Kp.— The secondaries cover 3 of the quills; the eye region naked; 1-4 quill emarginated; the inner wings banded, and the tail with three or four bars. The Faleonine type with the smallest forms. 1. WN. vel. Ace. tinas, G. Gray ; F. ténus, Lath.; Ace. tinus, Gen. of Birds, with an excellent fig.; J*. superciliosus, Linn.—Breast and beneath with fine bands. S. America 2. N.vel. Ace. minullus, Cuv.; F. minullus, Shaw, Daud., Vaill. xxxiv.— Tail with three white bars, which shine through on the surface; the least upper tail-covers white, black banded, with broad white margin, 8, Africa. 3. N.vel. Ace. virgatus,Cuv.; F.virgatus,Reinw.; Temm. pl. col. 109.—Chin white, witha central black stripe and moustaches. Asia. b. Subgenus Tachyspizia, Kp.—'The secondaries cover 24 of the quills; 1-4 quill not distinctly emarginated; middle toe as long as the scaled part of the tarsus; bill with a circular formed tooth. The Milvine type. 4. N, soloensis, Kp.; F. soloensis, Horsf. ; F. cuculoides, Temm. pl. col. 110, 119.— The adult bird with black wings; on the upper parts pure white; beneath whitish and wine red. Asia. ce. Subgenus Scelospizia, Kp.— Tarsus very long; middle toe short ; 1-4 quill emarginated ; the inferior part of the wings band- ed; the tail with four or five bars. The Accipitrine type. 5. N. vel. Ace. francessi, A. Smith, Ill. of S. Afr. — Tarsus 46-49; middle toe 23-26 mm. long. Madagascar. d. Subgenus Nisus, Kp.— The bill without a circular formed 63 , MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONIDA:, tooth; 1-5 quill distinctly emarginated; the nostrils covered with bristle-feathers ; the interior web of the quill banded, and the tail with 4-6 bars; chin and under tail-covers white; the middle toe very long. ‘The Aguiline type. This subgenus shows more than five species, because some species are subspecies, climatic varieties, or races of another species. 2 6. Nisus exilis; F. exilis, Temm. pl. col. 496; N. perspi- cillaris, Riipp. neue Wirbelth, 18, 1, 2; Acc. rufivenitris, A. Smith, Ill. S. Af.—Beneath and under wing-covers rufous. Africa. 6, Nisus fringillarius ; N. communis, Cuy.; PF. nisus, Linn., Naum. t. 19, 20; Acc. fringillarius, Briss. — Beneath rufous or blackish banded; the adult female beneath with blackish bars; the male with a tail slightly forked. Europe, N. Africa. 6, Nisus madagascariensis, Verreanx, Quart. Journ. 8. Aft. Inst., p. 80.—Tail with five, and on the external feathers with seven or eight black bars. 6, Nisus fuscus; F. fuscus, Gmel.; F. velox et pennsylva- nicus, Wils. xlvi. 1, pl. col. 67, young.—The male very like frin- gillarius, tail slightly forked; the larger female with oblong spots on the lower parts, like a young Astur palumbarius. North America. i 6°, Nisus vel. Ace. erythronemius, G. Gray.— Large like frin- gillarius, with rufous tibial feathers ; beneath, white ; every feather with 3-5 bars, and blackish shafts. Bolivia, British Museum. 7. Nésus tachiro, Cuy., Vaill. +. 24, young; Ace. polyzonus, A. Smith, Ill. S. Africa 2; Astur unduliventer, Riipp., neue Wirbelth, t. xvii, 1, 2, col. 377, young. — Beneath with a great number of bars; tarsus 60-63 mm. long. Africa. 8. Nisus pileatus, Cuv.; F.pileaius, Pr. Max.; Temm. pl. col. 205, $ ad. F. beskii, Licht. ? young; F. cooperi, Bonap. Am. Orn., pl. x. 1, 2 young.—Tarsus 58-67; middle toe 36-45 mm. long; the* adult bird beneath clear ash coloured, S. America, very rare in N. America. e. Subgenus Urospizia, Kp.— The secondaries cover more than 3 of the quills; 1-5 quill emarginated; the tail as long as the body, and with 14-19 small bars; the middle toe shorter than the scaled part of the targus. Australia. 9. Nisus torquatus, Cuy. xliii. 93.— Size of N. fringillarius, tail small, forked, with fourteen or fifteen bars. 64 SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. T. T. KAUP. 10. NV. cruentus, Kp.; Astur cruentus, Gould, Birds of Austr. —Size of N. pileatus; tarsus 70-72 mm. long; tail with fifteen bars. 11. N. approwimans, Kp.; Astur approwimans, Vig. and Horsf.; Ast. radiatus et fasciatus, Vig. and Horsf.; IF. radiatus, pl. col. 123, young, Gould, Birds of Austr.—Size of a male of As¢. palumbarius ; tarsus 72-83 mm.; middle toe 36-45 mm. long ; tail with 14-19 bars. Ill. Genus GERANOPUS, Kavp. IscuNnosceLis, Strickl. (employed). The exterior toe shorter than the interior; 1-5 quill emarginated. The Accipitrine or Grallatorial type. 1. G. gracilis, Kp.; F. gracilis et hemidactylus, Temm. pl. col. 3, 91. — Slender like Circus cyaneus. 8. America. : IV. Genus ASTU R, Brcusr. The tarsus larger, more robust, and the transverse scales more distinct than Nisus ; the external toe longer than the internal; the bill shorter and more curved than Austurina. a. Subgenus Lophospizia, Kp.— Occiput like Spiziaétus with a little crest; the secondaries cover the quills 3; tarsus feathered to the middle; toes before the claws with three or four transverse scales. 1. A. trivirgatus, G. Gray; F. trivirgatus, pl. col. 803; Ast. indicus, Hodgs.— Lower part of the breast, belly, and the tibial feathers with broad bars. This species has anologies with Sp. cir- rhatus. India and its Archipelago. . Subgenus Micronisus, G. Gray.—Occiput without a crest ; the secondaries cover 2 of the quills; 1-4 quill emarginated ; tar- sus and toes short; middle toe as long as the scaled part of the tarsus. The Milvine type. This subgenus shows analogies with Nisus. ; 2. A. monogrammicus, Sw. W. Afr. Birds, t.iy.; F. monogram- micus, Temm. pl. col. 314.—Chin with a central longitudinal black 65 MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONIDA. stripe; tail with the base and band before the tip white; with littl scales on the tarsus and toes. W. Africa. 3, A. riippellii, Kp.; Nisus sphenurus, Riipp., Syt. ueb. tii. 6 ad.; Accipiter brachydactylus, Swains. W. Afr. Birds, p. 118; Ace. polyzonoides, A. Smith, Ill. of S. Af. Africa. 4, A. gabar, Kp., Vaill. xxxiii.; Sparvius niger, Vieill., Gal. pl. 22, var nigra; F. banksii, Temm.; Ace. erythrorhyncha, 8¥. W. Afr. Birds, p. 121.—Cinereous ; paler on the chin, throat, aul breast ; body, thighs, and inner wing-covers, white, with numerois blackish bands; upper tail-covers white. It has in the plumage anologies with F. musicus (meliérax). Afviea. 5. A. badius, Kp.; F. badius, Gmel.; 7. dussumieri, Tenn. pl. col, 308, 336; F. manilensis, Mey.— Tarsus 48-57 mm. long; beneath with numerous rufous bands. Asia. ‘ ce. Subgenus Melitrax, G. Gray.—The middle toe without clavs, the third the length of the tarsus. The Accipitrine type. It shows analogies with Geranopus. 6. A. musicus, Kp.; F. musicus, Vaill. 2 f. Nisus polyzonus, Riipp. Fauna Abys. t. xy. 1, $.— Tarsus 76-108 mm. long; middle toe 37-48 mm. long. Africa. d. Subgenus Astur, Bechst.— The secondaries cover near } of the quills ; middle toe a little longer than the scaled part of tarsus. All the species large and robust. The Aguiline type. 7. A. testaceus, Kp.; F. testaceus, var. ¢. Lath. ; radiatus, Lath., Gould, Birds of Austr. xiii. 2; Haliattus colei, Vig. and Horsf., Lim. Tr. xv. 186.— Middle toe 55-69 mm. long ; black brown, with rufous marginated feathers. Asia, Australia. 8. A. smithii, Kp.; Ace. melanoleucus, A. Smith, Ill. of S. Af. Zool: 18; Astur melanoleucus, Herz, Paul. y. Wurtemb. — Black and white. Africa. 9. A. palumbarius, Bechst.; 7. palumbarius, Limn.; pl. eal. 1408, Nauni. 17,18. The adult bird, beneath, with numerous black bands. Europe, Asia, Africa. 9, A. atricapillus; BP. atricapillus, Wils. vi. 52, 3; regalis, ine pl. col. 495.—A little larger than the Enropean A. palum- i a at tbe of i Kairie ‘Aud ¥ The little ao: conte Pl Soi sas 2 = e feathers of the wings, the inferior wing- ers and the tibial feathers, rufous, America. A 66 = SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. T. T. KAUP. 10, A. (unicinetus) galapagéensis ; Orawirex galapagéen- sis, Gould. —The small quill-feathers black, a little larger. Falk- land Islands and the Strait of Magellan. e. Subgenus Leucospizia, Kp.— With arched cere and very high bill. Middle toe shorter than the scaled part of the tarsus. The Buteonine type. 11. A. nove hollandiae, Vig. and Horsf.; Falco n. holl., Gmel., Gould, Birds of Austr. xii. 1, 2. — White. 11, A. (n. holl.) raii, Vig. and Horsf.—Clear gray ; beneath white, with banded breast and belly. Australia. Y. Genus ASTURINA, Kavp. The bill more straight and elongated ; the tarsus with distinct transverse scales; toes short; outer toe a little longer than the inner. All the species peculiar to S. America. The Buteonine type in its subfamily, a. Subgenus Asturina, Vieill—The tarsus short, half feathered ; neck without a crest; large like Buteo; eye-region more naked. The Falconine type. 1. A. poliogaster, Kp.; F. poliogaster, Natt.; pl. col. 264, ad., 265, young. — Long 163-173"; tail-with 3-5 white bars. 2. A. leucorrhoa, Kp.; F. leucorrhous, Quoy. and Gaim., Uran. pl. 13.—Black, with white tail-covers; tail with 2 bands in the middle. 3, A. nitida, Kp.; F. nitidus, Lath.; F. striolatus, Temm. pl. col. 87 (ad.) 294, young; Asturina cinerea, Vieill. Gal. 20; Astur nitidus, D’Orbig.— Long 16-17”; tail black with a white band ; young with 3 above and 5 on the underside. 4. A. albifrons, Kp., Mus. Frankfort.—Above black ; the front and beneath, pure white, b. Subgenus Morphnus (part), Cuy.—The nostrils high, placed on the cere, and form a slit like Pernis; tarsus very high and slender ; occiput with a crest, large like an eagle. The Milvine type. 5. A. guianensis, Kp.; F. guianensis, Daud. — Tarsus 91-101 mm. long; it has analogies in the plumage with the Milvine and Strigide. 67 MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONID, c. Subgenus Rupornis, Kp.— Occiput without a crest; tarsus very high; middle toe shorter than the tarsus; tarsus and toes with transverse scales; 1-5 quills emarginated. The Accipitrine type. . 6. A. magnirostris, Kp.; F. magnirostris, Gmel.; pl. enl. 464; pl. col. 86, young; Astur magnirostis, G. Gray; EF. insectivorus, Spix, t. viii. L’Indayé Azara, N. 30.—Large like a female N. Sringillarius. : 7. A. meridionalis, Kp.; F. meridionalis, Lath., Gmel.; Circus rufulus, Vieill. Enc. 1216; FF. rutilans, Licht.; pl. col. 25; Aguila buson, Spix, Aves, Br. N. 3; Azara, N.11.— Large like Circus eruginosus ; rufous beneath with black bars. 8. A. urubitinga, Kp.; F. urubitinga, Gmel.; Ag. urubitinga, Spix, t. i. ad.; picta, Spix, young; pl. col. 55, young; Azara, N. 17, 18, 20.— Tarsus 120-125 mm. long; the adult bird black. 9. A. egquinoctialis, Kp.; IF’. equinoctialis, Lath., young; PF. buson, Daud., Vaill. 21; Cireaétus solitarius, Tchud. i. (ad.)—Tar- sus 34-94 mm. long; the adult bird black. d. Subgenus Thrasaétus, G. Gray.— The bill very large and strong; the nostrils placed under the middle of the cere; tarsus very robust with small scales ; claws very strong, and the inte- rior and hind claw greater than the toes; wings short, and the secondaries cover the greatest part of the quills. ‘The Aquiline type. 10. A. harpyia, Kp.; Vultur harpyia, Linn.; F. destructor, Daud.; pl. col. 14; F. imperialis, calquin et regalis, Shaw.— Ash- gray with a black breast-shield. ll. A. azare, Kp.; F. coronatus, Azara, Temm. pl. col. 232; Haliaétus unifasciatus, G. Gray, Brit. Mus.—Beneath ash-gray ; tail with a 2” broad terminal band. e. Subgenus Leucopternis, Kp.—Large like Buteo ; the bill more slender ; the wings short, 1-5 quill emarginated ; tarsus moderately high; middle toe twice shorter than the tarsus ; occiput without a crest ; head, neck, and beneath, pure white. The Buteonine type. 12. A. melanops, Kp.; F, melanops, Lath. ; pl. col. 105.—Lorum and eye region black ; head and neck with black longitudinal stripe; wings very short, not reaching to the upper tail-covers, 13. A. albicollis, Kp.; F. albicollis, Lath.; F. picatus, Shaw. ee white, with a 3” broad terminal band ; body white. = SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. T. T. KAUP. 14, A. scotoptera, Kp.; F. scotopterus, Pr. Max. Beitr. iii. 204; F. lacernulatus, Temm. pl. col. 437,— Wings uniform ash-gray, without a black eye-region ; tarsus 78 mm. long. 15. A. polionotus,.G. Gray ; Buteo melanotus, Vieill. ? —Tail with a 3” broad terminal band ; wings and body dark ash-gray. IV. Subfamily Aquininz. Pandion is the typical genus in this subfamily, which with the whole subfamily represents the Pelicanidee, because this genus feeds only on fish, and shows the most curved claws. I. Aquila. IT. Helotarsus. JIT, Circaétus. IV. Panpion. V. Haliaétus. J. Geyus AQUILA, Nov. Aver. The tarsus wholly feathered. The Malconine type. a. Subgenus Hierattus, Kp.— The bill more curved; 1-6 quill emarginated, large like a Buieo. The Falconine type. 1. Aq. morphnoides, Gould, Birds of Austr. vii. 2. — The feathers of the occiput form a small crest. Australia, 2. Aq. pennata, Cuy.; F. pennatus, Gmel.; pl. col. 33 ; I. minuta, Brehm. — Without a crest. Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia. b. Subgenus Pierodetus, Kp.—Lorum and eye-region naked ; 1-5 quill emarginated ; claws very strong and curved; the first feather of the tail a little shorter than the middle feather. The Milvine type. 3. Ag. vulturina, G. Gray; FP. vulturinus, Daud.; Vaill. 6; A. verreauaii, Less. Cent. Zool. f. 388.—Size of Ag. fulva; entire colour black. Africa, c. Subgenus Onychaétus, Kp.— Exterior toe yery short, with a short claw ; the claws long like a spur. The Accipitrine type. 4. A. malayensis, G. Gray; Falco malayensis, Reinw.; pl. col. 117.— Black-brown, size of Ag. nevia. India and Indian Archipelago. d. Subgenus Aquila, Kp.—Bill more strait and moderately high ; 69 a MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONIDA, 1-6 quill emarginated; exterior toe longer than the interior; tail a little cuneiform. The Aguwiline type. 5. Ag. nevioides, Cuy.; Ag. nev. et senegalla, Cuy.; F. rapaa, Temm. pl. col. 455; Ag. albicans, Riipp. 138, 1, 2; A. Fulvescens, fusca, punctata, J. E. Gray; Ag. vindhiana, Frankl.—Bill with an obtuse tooth ; on the cere 26 mm. high; middle toe 58 mm. long; tail 270 mm. or 133” long. Asia, Africa. 6. Ag. heliaca, Sav. Deser. d’Eg. t. 12; F. imperialis, Bechst., Naum. t. 6, ad., t.7, young; F. bifasciata, J. Gray, Ind. Zool.— The bill divided to the hind corner of the eyes; wings longer than the short tail; middle toe with 5 scales before the claws. Eastem Europe, Asia, Africa. 7. Ag. bonelli, Bon.; F. bonelli, Temm. pl. col. 288; Ag. inter- media, Bonelli; A. fasciata, Vieill; Spizaétus grandis, Hodgs.— Middle toe 62 mm. long; beneath with black longitudinal spots. S. Europe, Asia. 8. Ag. fulva, Cuv.; F. fulvus, chrysaétus, melanaétus, et cant densis, L.; F. niger, Gmel., Naum. 8, 9.— Tail 18-13)” long. Europe, America, Asia, Africa. e. Subgenus Uroaétus, Kp. — The bill very high, tail very long; the first tail-feather one-third shorter than the middle one. The Buteonine or Vulturine type. 9. A. audazx, G. Gray; I. audax, Lath.; Aq. fucosa, Cuv.; pl: col. 32; Ag. albirostris, Vieill. — Tail 143-153” long. We see analogies with the H. pelagicus, which is in its genus the same representative of the same type. Australia. II, Genus HELOTARSUS, A. Suira. The very long wings extend beyond the very short tail. The Mil- vme or Swallow type. 1. H. ecaudatus, G. Gray; F. ecaudatus, Daud., Vieill. 7, 8: — Black with rufous body, tail-coyers and tail. Africa. Il, Genus CIRCAHTUS, Kavp. The middle toe shorter than the tarsus, covered with small scales. The Accipitrine or Grallatorial type. 70 SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. T. T. KAUP. a. Subgenus Herpetotheres, Vieill.— The compressed bill curved like Falco ; ear with a distinct facial disk like Circus. S. America. The Falconine type. 1. Circaétus cachinnans, Kp.; F. cachinnans, Linn., Spix, t. 3, ad., Azara, 15; Herpetoth. cachinnans, Vieill.—The head-feathers elongated ; tarsus 55-57 mm. long, 2. O. brachypterus, Kp.; F. brachypterus, Temm. pl. col. 141, 116; Sparv. semitorquatus et leucomelas, Vicill., Azara, N. 28, 29.—White necked Falcon, Lath. Longer than cachinnans ; tarsus 81-85 mm. long. 3. C. xanthothorax, Kp.; F. wanthothoram (ad.) et leucauchen (young), Temm. pl. col. 92, 306.— Tail with 4 white bands ; tar- sus 55-60 mm. long. 4. CO. concentricus, Kp.; I. concentricus, Ill.— Large like a female JV. fringillarius ; beneath with a great number of bars, and 2-3 white tail-bands. b. Subgenus Gymnogenys, Less. — Head very small; wings very long; tarsus slender like a Circus; the face naked. The Miluine type. 5. C. radiatus, Kp.; Vuliur radiatus, Scop.; F. madagascar- iensis, Lath., Gmel.; Z’. gymnogenys, Temm. pl. col. 307.— Tarsus 89; middle toe 40; external toe 25; internal 29 mm. long. Dr. Smith thinks that the Polyboroides typus of the Cape is very dif- ferent from the radiatus of Madagascar. I haye no opportunity to compare them. ec. Subgenus Spilornis, G. Gray.— The wings extend to the middle of the long tail; middle toe twice shorter than the tarsus, the claws edged. The Accipitrine type. 6. Circaétus cheela, Kp.; F. cheela, Lath.; F. bacha, Daud., Vaill. 15; albidus, Cuy.; pl. col. 19; bido, Horsf.— Breast and crop ash-brown without spots and bands; lower breast, belly, tibial feathers and under tail-covers, with 3-4 pairs of white round spots. Afgica and Asia. 7. C. holospilus, Kp.; Buteo holospilus, Vig. — Beneath with a great number of white spots; black bordered, without black bars. Asia. 8. C. undulatus, Kp.; Heematornis undulatus, Vig.; Cire. nepalensis, Hodgs.— Beneath with numerous black bars and small white spots. 71 MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONIDA, 9 C. fasciolatus, Kp. (Brit. Mus.) — Neck-feathers pointed; lower breast, belly, and tibial feathers white, with ash-gray rufous broad bars. Port Natal. d. Subgenus Cireaétus, Vieill.— The wings extend beyond the tip of the tail; eye-region with fine down ; 1-3 quill very distinctly emarginated. The Aguiline type. 10. C. gallieus, G. Gray; F. gallicus, Gmel.; pl. enl. 413; Ag. brachydactyla, Mey.; F. leucopsis, Bechst.; ferox, Gmel.—Above and breast clear brown; beneath white, with*clear brown bands. 8. Europe, Africa, Asia. 11. GC. thoracicus, Cuv.; pectoralis; A. Smith. — Breast with a black shield. Dr. Smith describes the young bird soot-black like C. funereus. Africa. 12. C. funereus, Riipp.; cinereus, Vieill. Gal. 12.— Uniform soot-black, with a higher bill than the C. thoracicus. Africa. e. Subgenus Poliornis, Kp., G. Gray.—Tarsus with large scales; the toes with 8-4 transverse scales ; large like small Buteones. The Buteonine type. Asia. 13. C. teesa, Kp.; Buteo teesa, J. Gray, Ind. Zool.; Astur hyder, Syk.; Juggar faleon, Lath. —Chin white, with a central oblong stripe; breadth between the eyes 30 mm. - 14. C. liventer, Kp.; FP. liventer, col. 488; Buteo pallidus, Less. —Tail rufous, with seven black bars; inner webs of the quill m- fous brown, with 3-6 black bands. 15, C. indicus, Kp.; F. indicus, Lath; poliogenys, Temm. pl. col. 325.—Breast and beneath with bars; between the eyes 39 mm. broad. 16. C. pyrrhogenys, Kp.; Buteo pyrrhogenys, Temm. et Schleg., Fauna Jap. p. 21.—Between the eyes 30 mm, broad ; tail like an Astur, with three black broad bars before the black white-bordered terminal band. IV. Gexus PANDION, Sav. * The claws curved in a circle. a. Subgenus polioaéius, Kp.—Tarsus and toes with large trans- verse scales; wings short. - The Faleonine or Buteonine type. Asia. 72 SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. 1. T. KAUP. 1. P. ichthyaétus, PF. ichthyaétus, Horsf.; Haliaétus plumbeus, Hodgs.; Ichthyaétus bicolor, G. Gray. — Head and bill 95; tarsus 80; tail 243 mm. long. 2. P. humilis, Mull. Zool. t. 6. — Head and bill 82; tarsus 68; tail 192 mm. long, 6. Subgenus Pandion, Sav.—Tarsus and toes with pointed scales ; wings very long. 3. P. gouldii, Kp.; P. leucocephalus, Gould, Birds of Austr, xiii. 1.— Two to three transverse scales before the claws; only the inner webs of the superior part of the tail-feathers, with six toothed white bands, do not extend to the shaft. Australia. 4. P. haliaétus, Cuv.; F. haliaétus, Say., Naum. t. 16; P. fluvia- tilis, Sav. — Four transverse scales before the claws; tail with six black bars, extending over both the webs. Europe, Africa, Asia. V. Geyvus HALIAETUS, Sav. The non-feathered part of the tarsus, and the long toes, with trans- verse regular scales. The Buteonine or Vulturine type. a. Subgenus Haliaétus, Kp.— Larger than Ag. fulva; tarsus feathered to the middle; bill of medium height ; tail not remark- ably long. The Falconine type. 1, H, leucocephalus, Sav.; F'. leucocephalus, Linn., Wils. iy. 36, vii. 55, 2.— Adult with a pure white head, neck, and tail. N. America. 2. H. albicilla, Pall; H. nisus, Sav.; F. albicilla et ossifraga, L., Naum. t. 12-14,— Adult with clear brownish head and a white tail. Europe, Asia, Africa. b. Subgenus Ictinodetus, Kp.— Large like a Méiluus j tarsus a third part feathered. The Miluine type. 5. H. ponticerianus, Cuy.; F. ponticerianus, Gmel.; pl. enl. 416; H. girrenera, Vieill.; H. garuda, Less.; F. indus, Bodd. — Tail shorter than the body; adult with black shafts on the white plu- mage. India. 3, H. leucosternus, Gould, Birds of Austr.—The white plumage with white shafts. Australia, 4. H. canorus, Vig. and Horsf. Linn. Tr, xiii. 186; Miélvus 73 MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONIDA. sphenurus, Vieill. Gal. 15.— Tail longer than the body. Aus- tralia. ¢. Subgenus Heteroaétus, Kp.— Tarsus high; toes very short; wings shorter than the tail; the sole of the toes with obtuse warts; the plumage banded. The Aceépitrine type. 5. H. aguia, Kp.; F. aguia, Temm. pl. col? 302; Spiz. melano- leucus, Vieill.; Azara, N. 8; Spiz. fuscescens, Vieill.; Azara, N. 9, young.— Above and the crop dark gray; wings and beneath with a great number blackish gray bands. This species has a great many analogies with Buteo erythronotus, which represents in its genus and subgenus the same type. S. America. d. Subgenus Pontoaétus, Kp., G. Gray. — Tarsus high, with the third part feathered, and long middle toe; 1-5 quill with a slender emargination. The Aguiline or Pandion type. 6. H. leucogaster, F'. leucogaster, Gmel.; pl. col. 49; Blagre, Vaill. 5; H. spenurus, Gould, Birds of Austr. ii. 1.— The middle feathers of the tail considerably longer than the first. Africa, Asia, Australia. 7. H. macei, Cuv.; pl. col. 8, 223; Ag. leucorypha, Pall.; H. fulviventer, Vieill.; H. (eucuma) albipes, Hodgs. — The occiput with long, small, and pointed feathers; the adult bird with white tail, having broad black terminal band. Asia. 8. H. vocifer, Cuy., Vaill. 4; F. vocifer, Daud., Lath. — White, with rufous belly, tibial feathers, inferior tail-covers and inferior wing-covers. Africa. e. Subgenus Thalassaétus, Kp. — With a very high bill, short wings and remarkably long tail; tarsus half feathered. The Buteo- nine or true Vulturine type. 9. H. pelagicus, Temm. et Schleg. Fauna Jap., young, Kittliz, Icones ad.; F. leucopterus, Temm. pl. col. 489.— Front, superigr part of the wings, beneath and tail, white, ad.; the tarsus covered with small scales. Asia. Y. And last Subfamily, Burzonina. In this last subfamily, [bicter is the typical genus, which with the se subfamily, represents the Gallinaceous or Vultwrine type, on 4 ee Se SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. T. T. KAUP. account of the face and chin being naked, and because in this sub- family fruit-eaters appear. In this subfamily, particularly in the last. genus, Ibicter, we see the impurest character of the whole family. I. Buteo. II. Pernis. II. Polyborus. IV. Rostrhamus. V. IsitcTer. I. Genus BU TEO, Becust. The nostrils half-moon shaped, on the end of a soft membrane. a. Subgenus Archibuteo, Brehm.—Tarsus feathered but not the sole; toes with scales before the claws; 3-4 transverse scales. The Faleonine type. 1. B. lagopus, Bechst.; F. lagopus, Brann.; Naum. t. 34; Vaill. 18.—Tarsus 64-66 mm. long; the inner-covers of the wings white and rufous-yellow, with large black spots. N. Europe, S. and. N. Africa. 2, Buteo sancti johannis, Bonap.; F. sancti johannis, Gmel.; F. niger et lagopus, Wils. 55-1, ad., 33-1, young; Buteo ater, Vieill.; Archibuteo regalis, G. Gray ? female. —Tarsus 86 mm. long ; tail 230 mm. long, female. America. 3. Buteo strophiatus, Kp.; Ag. strophiata, Hodgs.; Buteo leuco- cephalus, Hodgs.; Buteo hemilasius, Temm. et Schl. Fauna Jap , t. vii.—Large like an Aquila nevia ; tarsus 93; tail 256 mm. long. Asia, b. Subgenus Tachytriorchis, Kp.— The long wings extend be- yond the tip of the tail; 1-2 quill distinct, 3 and 4 slender emar- ginated. The Milvine type. 4, Buteo albonotatus, G. Gray.— Black with concealed white spots, which on the general plumage shine through. §, America. 5. Buteo pterocles, Cuy.; pl. col. 56, 139; Buteo albicaudatus, Vieill.; Spiz. leucurus, Vieill.; Ag. cola blanca, Azara.— Black, with rufous spots on the wings; tail on the upper half white with fine gray bands ; tarsus 91-92 mm. long. S. America. c. Subgenus Pecilopternis, Kp. —The short wings extend to the middle of the tail; 1-3 quill distinct, 4 slender emarginated. The Accipitrine type. America. 6. B. wilsonti, Bonap.; F. pensijlvanicus, Wils. 54-1; F. latissi- 75 MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONIDA, mus, Ord; Sparv. platypteraus, Vieill.—Head and bill 65, and the sealed part of the tarsus 36 mm. long. N. America. 7. Buteo lineatus, Jard.; F. lineatus, Gmel.; Wils, 53-2; hie. malis, Wils. 35-1, young—The wings 332 mm. long. N. America, 8. Buteo erythronotus, G. Gray ; Haliaétus erythronotus, King; Buteo unicolor et tricolor, D’Orb.; varius, young, Gould.— The wings 398-429; tail 190-196 mm. long. @hili, Falkland Islants, Strait of Magellan. ! 9. Buteo infulatus, Kp., Brit. Mus. — The wings 364; tail 200; tarsus 80, middle toe 35 mm. long; front white. A young bird, and nearly connected to the B. lineatus. Galapagos Islands. 10. Buteo borealis, Swains.; F’. borealis et jamaicensis, Gmdl.; Wils. 52-2, ad.; F. leverianus, Wils. 52-1, young ; F. ferrugineo- cauda, Vieill. Ois, d’Am. t. 6; B. americanus, Vieill.; Accipiter ruficaudus, Vieill. Ois. d’Am. t. 44, bis.—The wings 375 ; tail 285: tarsus 80 mm. long. N. America. d. Subgenus Ichthyoborus, Kp.—The bill a little elevated; 15 quills slenderly emarginated ; toes with distinct transverse scales: sole of the toes with pointed warts (a fisher), The Aguiline or Pandion and Pelicanoid type. 11. Buteo nigricollis, Kp. ; F. nigricollis, Lath.; F. busarellus, Daud.; Vaill, 20; Cireus leucocephalus, Vieill; Azara, N. 13; Aq. milvoides, Spix, 1 ad.—The total plumage rufous. S. America. e. Subgenus Buteo, Kp.—Tarsus before and behind with transverse Scales; the wings extend to the tip of the tail ; 1-4 quill distinctly emarginated ; the sole of the toes with obtuse warts. The Buteo- nine type. 12. Buteo augur, Riipp.; B. augur et hydrophilus, Ripp. Neue Wirbelth, t. 16, 17.—Adult, tail rafous, with a black terminal band ; the secondaries ash-gray, with black bars; tarsus (female) 90, middle toe 40 mm. long. Very nearly connected with the B. jackal of the Cape. N. Africa. 13, Buteo jackal, Cuv.: Vaill. 16.— Plumage black, white, aud rufous; tail rufous, with black terminal band; secondaries ash- coloured, with dark spots and black terminal band ; tarsus 80-89; middle toe 42-43; tail 190-196 mm. long. Cape. 14. Buteo rujinus, Riipp. Fauna Ab.: B. longipes, Jard.—Middle toe shorter than the sealed part of the tarsus. Asia, accidental in Africa, 76 SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. T. T. KAUP. 15. Buteo vulgaris, Bechst.; F. buteo, Linn, Naum. 32, 33; F. communis, versicolor, albidus, Gmel.; Buteo mutans et facia- tus, Vieill.; F. tachardus, Daud., Vaill. 19.—The quills brownish, with indistinct blackish bars; tail with 12 bands; tarsus 71-77. middle toe 35-37; wings 360-400; tail 210-220 mm. long. Europe, Africa, Asia. 16. Buteo plumipes; G. Gray ; Circus plumipes, Hodgs.—Soot- black ; tarsus 44 mm. long, feathered. Asia. li. Genus PERNIS, Kavp. The nostrils form a small fissure, tarsus short, with small scales. The Milvine type. a. Subgenus Baza sive Hyptiopus, Hodgs.; Aviceda, Swains. : Lophotes, Less,—Two fine teeth on the upper mandibley and two or three emarginations on the under mandible ; occiput crested. The Falconine type. 1. Pernis lophotes, Kp.; F. lophotes, Cuy. ; pl. col. 10.—Wings and tail without bars; the smallest species. Asia. 2. Pernis subcristatus, Kp.; Lepidogenys subcristatus, Gould, Proc. 1837, Birds of Austr.; /. reinwardtii, Temm. Verh. tab. 1-5, fig. 2 mas,, fig. 1 fem.—Above ash-gray; crest on the supe- rior middle white; lower breast, belly and flanks, banded ; inner wing-covers rufous yellowish, Australia and Indian Archipelago. 3. Pernis crassirostris, Kp.; Baza magnirostris, G. Gray.— Above black-brown ; crest black on the tip, bordered with white ; beneath barred. Philippine Islands. 4. Pernis cuculoides, Kp.; Aviceda cuculoides, Swains. W. Afr Birds, t. 1— Above ash-gray ; crest on the superior part white ; chin, upper-breast, ash-gray; belly and flanks banded; the upper mandible 13 mm, high, allied to P. subcristatus. Senegal and Port Natal. Brit. Mus. b. Subgenus the Ailvine type is not discovered. c. Subgenus Regerhinus, Kp.—The large bill very compressed, much higher than broad; the nostrils yery short; lorum and eye- region naked. The Accipitrine type. 5. Pernis uncinatus, Kp.; F. uncinatus, Ill. ; pl. col. 104-115 ; Cymindis uncinatus, Cuy.—Beneath barred. Cayenne. 77 MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONIDA, d. Subgenus Odontriorchis, Kp.— The large bill with a tooth. The Agquiline type. 6. Pernis cayennensis, Kp.; F. cayennensis, Gmel.; pl. col. 204- 270; Ast. cyanopus, Vieill. ; palliatus, Pr. Max. ; monachos Temm.; Sparv. monachus, Vieill.—Tail black, with three white a ash-gray bands. , e. Subgenus Pernis, Cuv.—Lorum and eye-region with scaly like feathers. The Buteonine type. : 7. P. cristata, Cuv.; F. ptilorhynchus, Temm. pl. col. 44.—Hinl head with a crest. Asia. . 8. P. apivorus, Ouy.; F. apivorus, Linn., Naum. 35-36.—Witl- out a crest. Europe, Africa. Ill. Genus POLYBORUS, Viet. (part) G. Gray. The nostrils are placed high on the cere, equally broad, oval, and on the under margin bending inwards in the middle; bored in the nasal-bones ; neck and feet very long. The Accipitrine type. 1. P. brasiliensis, G. Gray; I’. brasiliensis, Gm.; Poly. vul- garis, Vieill. Gal. 7; Fo plancus, Mill. Cym.; plancus, t. 17; F. tharus, Gm. Chereway Jacq. The entire plumage numerous] banded. §. America. . IV. Genus ROSTRHAMUS, Less. The round nostrils placed in a soft membrane; the middle clav denticulated like the middle claw of Pelicanus or Ardea. The Aquiline, Pandion, or Pelicanoid type. 1. R. sociabilis, D'Orb., Azara, N. 16; Herpetotheres sociabilis: Vieill.; Buteo hamatus, Vieill.; F. hamatus, Ill. ; pl. col. 61 ad. 231, young; Oymindis leucopygos, Spix, t. ii.; R. niger, Less Lafresn. Mag. de Zool. 1834, pl. 20.— The old bird black, a fisher: S. America. 78 SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. T. T. KAUP. Y. And last Genus IBICTER, Kaup. The nostrils round, bored in the nasal bones; bill long, with a trace of a tooth and an emargination on the under mandible. The true Buteonine or Vulturine type. a. Subgenus Dapirius, Viecill.— The face and chin naked ; the wings extend to two-thirds of the body; tail long; 1-5 quills with a slender emargination ; middle toe with regular transverse scales, and as long as the scaled part of the tarsus; outer toe a little longer than the inner. The Falconine type. 1. Ibicter aterrimus, Kp.; F. aterrimus, Temm. pl. col. 37, 342, young ; Dapirius ater, Vieill., Gal. 5.— Black, the superior middle of the tail white. Cayenne. b. Subgenus Phalcobaenus, D’Orb.—The face naked ; the wings extend beyond the tip of the tail; 1-4 quill distinctly emarginated. The Milvine type. 2. [bicter montanus, Kp.; Ph. montanus, D’Orb., Voy. dans Am. with a figure; Ag. megaloptera, Mey. Noy. Acta, 1834, t. 8; Milvago albogularis, Gould, Voy. of Beagle Birds. pl. 1. — White and black ; the head-feathers crisp like a Craw. Chili. ce. Subgenus Mélvago, Spix.—Lorum and eye-region naked; the wings extend to two-thirds of the tail; 1-5 quills slenderly emar- ginated ; toes with regular transverse scales, and shorter than the thin tarsus ; outer and inner toes of equal length, The Accipitrine type. 3. I. chimachima, Kp.; P. chimachima, Vieill., Azara, 4; F’. de- gener, lll.; Milv. ohrocephala, Spix. t. 5, ad.; Gymnops strigi- latus, Spix, t. 4, young.—Tarsus bluish, and 50 mm. long. S. America. 4. I. chimango, Kp.; P. chimango, Vieill., Azara, 3; Ag. pezo- pora, Mey, Noy. Act, 16, t. 6. —Tarsus yellowish, and 63 mm. long. S. America. d. Subgenus Aétotriorchis, Kp.—Lorum and eye-region naked ; the wings do not extend to the tip of the tail; 1-5 quill emar- ginated ; middle toe longer than the scaled part of the tarsus, which has before the toes 3-4 transverse scales. The Aquiline type. 79 MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONIDA, ETC. 5. I. australis, Kp.; F. australis, Lath., Gmel.; F. leucurus, Forst. pl. col. 224, young, 129 adult; Polyborus nove zeelandiae, Less.; F. nove zeelandie, Lath (part); Cireaétus antarctic, Less.—Size, an eagle. S. America and Australia. e. Subgenus Ibicter, Vieill.— The face and chin naked; wings long but not reaching the tip of the tail; 1-5 quill slenderly emar- ginated ; middle toe irregularly scaled, longer than the scaled part of the tarsus; outer toe long, longer than the inner one. The true Buteonine, Vulturine, and Gallinaccous type. 6. I. aquilinus, G. Gray; F. aquilinus, Gmel.; pl. enl. 417; F. nudicollis, Daud.; formosus, Lath.; I. leucogaster, Vieill,—Black, with white tibial and under tail-covers. S. America. ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Letters from Lieutenant Wedderburn, announce the addition of several birds to the Ornithology of the Bermudas, and we haye no doubt, that were such zealous observers to continue stationed there, the list might be still further increased. We hope, for the sake of Ornithology, they will soon have a wider field of observation. Lanius borealis — Tyrannulus dominicencis — Turdus migra- tinus, several specimens—Zonotrichia savanna—Letopistes caro- linensis—Pyranga rubra — P. estiva — Pelicanus fuscus. “ A great many yellow bellied Woodpeckers have been killed; and on several occasions, along with Captain Drummond, a Wheatear has been observed at St. George’s.” 67 aoe ra: piisert ie 2 ee hy pe ety Corins (Ut AEUS BCS SHENAE S Auitly neamys Oriertatis May 1850, ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. Corvus cULMINATUS—C, SPLENDENS— ENDYNAMYS ORIENTALIS. THERE is no economical habit more remarkable in Ornithology than that of the parasitic and artificial propagation or hatching of the eggs; the first was thought to be confined to the common Cuckoo of Europe, but more extensive researches discovered that it was common to various genera of the Cuculide, and that members of a few other groups also pursued the same instinct. Various causes have been attempted to be assigned for this anomalous habit, but without sufficient reason; and researches and comparisons in the structure of the parasitic species are still wanting, and would without doubt repay the inquirer. Mr. Blyth, among numerous drawings of eggs, has sent us some of those of the parasitic breeding Cuculide, and on one of the plates of our present number, we have endeavoured to represent the eggs of both the Cuckoo and those of its foster parents, and between these will be observed the remarkable assimilation in the colour and markings—a wonderful evidence of design in the object contem- plated. On the plate are represented the eggs of two species of Indian Crows, Corvus culminatus and splendens, which show little variation from the general appearance of those from other true crows with which we are acquainted ; and underneath them we have placed figures of the egg of the Zndynamys orientalis or Coél, from Calcutta, which Mr. Blyth writes, “invariably deposits its eggs in the nests of these crows;” and at his request, we copy from his paper upon the Indian Cuckoos (privately printed), the following notice of their habits during the breeding season :— “The Coél, though a bird of the skulking unobtrusive habits of the Cuculine gencrally, and haying the same quiet gliding moyve- ments from bough to bough, is not particularly shy, allowing of a 69 ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. near approach, while itself lies still to avoid observation, especially when feeding, at which time they may be shot as fast as a gun can be loaded by watching for them under a tree to which they resort for its fruit, as a spreading banyan in its season, and they are par- ticularly attached to the densely foliaged Bokul (Beng.) or Moul- sari (Hind.)—(Mimusops elengi), keeping almost exclusively to this tree while its fruit is ripe, and at other seasons feeding on various berries, which are swallowed entire, and the large seeds of some of them ejected clean by the mouth. Though several may _ often be seen quietly feeding together, and sometimes in very con- spicuous situations, there is no association amongst them, but each pursues its course independently, as we believe do all other Qucu- line. As their breeding season approaches, however, about the commencement of the year or a little before, the Coéls become very ' noisy, and continue so for several months during the hot weather ; the frequent utterance of the loud call-note of both sexes (a con- tinuous repetition of the sound kui many times successively, with a - liquid intonation of the 7, and slight variations), though certainly not unmelodious when heard sufficiently far off and in moderation — being thoroughly cuculine in its tone—becomes wearisome from its monotonous reiteration at all hours of the day and night, more or less, and to some persons occasions no slight annoyance The natives, however, seem to admire it much, as they frequently cage this bird, feeding it almost entirely on boiled rice, with sometimes a plantain! and its voice, when thus heard too close, becomes in- sufferable to European organs. The male Coél hag also another cry (ho-d-o), corresponding to the cuckoo note of Cuculus canorus, and which is delivered in like manner.* The female, as before re- marked, appears to deposit her eggs invariably in the nests of the true Corvi, and so abundantly, that we have known five or six Coéls’ eggs to be brought in together by a person who had been destroy- ing Crows’ nests, each taken from a different one. The egg is cer- tainly so often found alone, that there can be little doubt that the Coél destroys the eggs of the Crow at the time her own is depo- sited, but it is doubtful whether the young Coél is endowed with the mstinct of ejecting any companions it may have, and it would seem * Lately, we have remarked the song-note in this detached manner, . Peer peeur-pa, Peer peeur-pa, 70 Oue. varius occasionally delivers its whistling when scarcely, however, arrived at full song— ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. that it has not that propensity, but the fact remains to be syste- matically observed. Mr. Frith informs us, that he has never found more than one Coél’s egg in a nest, and in his long experience, has only met with it in those of the two Indian Crows. He has re- peatedly seen the common ©. splendens attack and drive off the female Coél from its neighbourhood; and in one instance observed the latter, while trying to escape the pursuit, dash itself against: a pane of glass in an outhouse, with so much force, as to fall dead from the injury it received, the bill and fore-part of the head being quite smashed. The current native story is, that the Crow soon discovers the young Coél to be an interloper in its nest, and drives it away at an early age to find its own provender, but this is cer- tainly not the case, as shown by an anecdote related by Major Davidson, who remarks —‘ Happening to stand in the verandah of my bungalow, I heard a loud chattering noise on the lawn, and believing that a young Crow had fallen from its nest, I advanced to put it out of the reach of harm. Instead of a Crow, I was much astonished to find, that an old Crow was feeding a young bird of a dark brown colour, transversely striped with cinerous bars. On asking its name of a native who also saw it, he replied, that it was a young Col. I approached it within a few yards, and saw it receive food from the Crow’s bill in the usual supplicating posture, with extended wings and body slightly quivering.’* His native infor- ne further assured Major Davidson, that the Coél was always US reared by the Crow, who invariably continued to feed its Adopted nestling until it could shift for itself. times he egg of the Coél measures generally 14 inches long, some- 2a ™ more rotund specimens than usual, little more than 1 inch, Y 4 to # inch where broadest, having ordinarily the small end well ae and indeed much resembling in size and form the ego is beg ae rufa, but of a considerably deeper colour. Still it ‘ie we olive-green of different shades, marked all over with ‘iin pa reddish-dusky spots, tmauch as in some Blackbird’s eges, the “ wep aphasia some much more numerous—towards ing: th 8 cae > where they incline to form a zone; and notwithstand- ra, thers HES of ground colour from the egg of Cuculus eano- ; e few acquainted with the latter who would not at once 7 7 * J. A, S, viii. 684. ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. suggest the Coél’s to be a Ouculine egg of some kind, from a cer- tain resemblance in its appearance to the Cuckoo’s ege, which at once strikes the observer. Filling several blown egg shells of the Coél with water, they were found thus to weigh, from 100 to 120 grains each, generally about the latter; those of Corvus splendens we found thus to vary, from 180 to 245 grains, and those of C. eul- minatus, from 235 to 305 grains.*” The following observations, in a letter from a missionary friend to Mr. Blyth, also bear on the subject. ‘ With respect to the Crow discovering that the bird it has reared is an interloper, and conse- quently ejecting it from the nest, you seem to have doubts, on account of the anecdote related by Major Davidson. Now, against this, I have to bring my own testimony, and that of an intelligent native, who from his youth has been a keen sportsman and bird fancier. He is also a man of undoubted veracity. He states, that after the Coél has laid its egg in the Crow's nest, it comes often to watch the nest, from a little distance, to see when its young is expelled, This happens as soon as it puts on its speckled dress, which is, when it is fledged, Ag soon as it is driven away, the mother takes her young into her charge and feeds it. This he has often observed, being in the habit of watching these birds when at Gwaliér. This statement is confirmed by others. “As to the mother feeding her young, I have seen it myself. The young, though full grown, sat quitely in a peepul tree, while its mother hunted for fruit, and she several times fed it before me. I watched them near at hand for some time, and at last they both flew away, the mother uttering, as she flew, her well known cry. Ihave since seen full grown young Coéls feeding themselves alone.”’ The truth, we apprehend, is, that the Coél produces a series of several eggs, at intervals of two or three days, like the Europea? Cuckoo, and as they are hatched, and the young ejected in suc- cession, she takes charge of each of the latter in turn, and feeds it for a day or two only, by which time it learns to shift for itself, but we begnes that we have not had the leisure to obgerve more m propria persona. * This great variation should be borne in mind with reference to the note on the aabidet ; j 3 : ; 5 su < a the relative weight of birds and of their eggs, given in p. 6, ante. NOTES ON THE OSTEOLOGY OF SCANSORES. BY T. C. EYTON, Esa, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &. Mr. G. RB. Gray, in his genera of birds, has very properly dis- carded, from the order Scansores, all those birds which have not the power of turning one of the three anterior toes backwards. There is one family, howeyer, which ought to be included in it, allude to that to which Turacus belongs, both on account of it Possessing that power, and from a similarity in the Osteology with the rest of that group. fi here is one osteological character found in detached genera ee the group, of which I am not aware of the occur- ‘ © mM any nearly allied order, the absence or existence only in Tudimentary state of the Os fureatum. Among the Psittacide, 8 character is found in Platycercus and Psittacula, among sue Phamphastidee in Rhamphastos, among the Picide in Psil- ar és and Megalaima, and in Turacus bufonii, where the ees ‘ are not anchylosed together at the point where they ap- Weak es sternmm. Among the Cuckoos also, that bone is very this peer small. In the above named genera, I haye observed erytlng ee in the following species : — Platycereus brownii, Pusillue, mp and ieterotis ; Psittacula passerina, Nanodes throrynehy. venustus ; Pezoporus formosus, Rhamphastos ery- oe Psilopogon pyrolophus, and in a small Megalaima NOTES ON THE OSTEOLOGY OF SCANSORES. from Jaya. The nostrils in seansorial birds are invariably divided by a bony septum, which is not generally the case in other orders, with the exception of Raptores and Lowia, a great depression is obseryable at the junction of the intermaxillary bone with the cra- nium, which extends transversely across the upper surface of the skull in the Parrots, Toucans, Touracos, and Picid, and in some of the Cuckoos, as Phanicophaus, down the sides to the nostrils, The palatine bones are broad and well developed; and with the exception of among the Parrots, placed horizontally and truncated, or slightly rounded posteriorly, in the Parrots they are bent down- wards between the rami of the lower mandible. In the Parrots and Toucans, the orbits are completely separated by the intermaxillary bone; but in the Woodpeckers, Cuckoos, and Touracos, there is a small orifice between them, yarying in size in different species. The sternum of the whole order, with the exception of the Par- rots, has the inferior edge of the keel nearly straight ; and in all, the anterior edge or front of the bill, is prolonged beyond the trans- verse anterior edge of the sternum, or in other words, as far as the anterior point of the manubrial process. The latter peculiarity does not exist, that I am aware of, in other birds. The keel is prolonged in the Fissirostral group, but the anterior edge is very much scolloped out, or else the inferior point projects forward; and the edge presents nearly a straight line from that point to the base of the manubrial process. The posterior margin of the sternum, with the exception of in the Parrots, and in Centropus phasianellus, has two fissures on each side of the keel. The Parrots have the keel much deeper than other Scansores ; the inferior edge much rounded up to the point, where it meets the Os fureatum when that bone exists. In old Parrots, with the exception of a few species: the posterior margin of the sternum is destitute of fissures or foramin®: and where any exist, there is only one of the latter on each side. have, however, the skeleton of a young Platycercus zonarius, Wil has two large foramina on each side, and which, from some 9” holes between them and the margin of the sternum, haye evidently recently undergone a transition by ossification, from fissures 1° e amina. It would be very interesting, if collectors, who have * e opportunity, would ascertain if such is generally the case among the Psittacide. 74 —— NOTES ON THE OSTEOLOGY OF SCANSORES. In the contour of the latter, at edges of the sternum, there is not much difference among the Scansores ; those of Cuckoos, Touracos, and Toucans, are, however, proportionably the shortest, and those of Parrots and Woodpeckers the longest, with the exception of Psz- lopogon and Megalaima, in which the sternum varies from the Woodpecker form, and approaches that of the Cuckoos. These genera differ, however, from Ouculide and Picide, in haying the fissures much deeper. Some genera, of the former family, as Phee- nicophaus, haye the internal fissure the largest, which I have not observed to be the case in other families. There is nothing very remarkable in the form of the pelvinal bones in Scansores, to dis- tinguish them from other birds, but the different families differ between themselves. In the Parrots, Toucans, and Touracos, the Os pubis, at the posterior extremity of the obturator foramen, is not anchylosed to the ischium, while the contrary is the case in the Picide and Cuckoos, the latter of which haye that foramen of very small size, _ th the Woodpeckers and Toucans, the anterior portion of the ilium is not united at its upper edge, with the superior vertebral Processes; but there are, as it were, two channels, one on each Side, formed by the iliac bones and those processes. In the Par- rots, these bones meet and are perfectly anchylosed. In the Tou- sin although these bones are united aboye, they are open below, “ing a large longitudinal foramen on each side of the processes, ™m which there is a depression on each side, running backwards towards the caudal vertebra. Chalcites, however, varies from the other Cuckoos, and has a pelvinal structure similar to the Parrots. a od nothing very remarkable in the structure of the legs and ibis Scansorial birds, with the exception of the position of the pondin sy ah each foot, and the twisting backward of the corres- dé tag: pee on the tarsus, which bone is very short and aistijuae ees and has a very large calcineal canal, perfectly. stall on Which, with the exception of in the Toucan, which has a th ms 18 wanting in other Scansores. The posterior metatar- ate ation! metatarsal bone, to which the phalanges of the inner toe With the oe in the Parrots, is short, broad at its articulation targus ‘4 wlanges, and tapers abruptly to its junction with the i he Picidee haye this bone not nearly so powerful, longer NOTES ON THE OSTEOLOGY OF SCANSORES. in proportion, but of nearly similar shape. The Touraco has it still longer, somewhat flattened at the tarsal extremity, and slightly twisted on its axis. The Coracoids, in Seansores, are more produced anteriorly be- yond the glenoid cavity, than is found in other birds; and wherever the vestige of the Os furcatum exists, the latter is much expanded and fan-shaped at its extremity, and united for its whole breadth with the inner margin of the Coracoids. The ribs are yery broad from their vertebral extremities to the posterior process, which is also broad at its junction with the rib, is rather acutely turned upwards, and tapers gradually towards its rounded extremity. The remaining portion of the true and sternal ribs, is more flat- tened and expanded in the Parrots and Touraco than in the other families of Scansores. I now give the numbering of the ribs in the different species that I have examined. In Piscus viridis, the ribs are nine in number, the first anterior one being a false one, or not united to the sternum, and the two posterior ones being devoid of the posterior process. In Rhamphastos erythrorhynchus, the ribs are seven, the first anterior being false, and being also, together with the last pos- terior, devoid of the usual process. In the Turacus bufonii, Psilopogon, and Megalaima, the ribs are disposed in the same manner as in the Toucan above meu- tioned. All the Cuckoos I have examined, have also the ribs arranged in the same manner; but the two hinder ones are devoid of the posterior process. The Parrots have nine ribs, but the anterior one is often a mere rudiment. Taking this one, however, into consideration, the two first are false, and without posterior processes, as are also the two hinder ones, Scansores differ from other birds as regards the vertebral colum, chiefly in the candal portion; and as this is most apparent in the Toucans and in the Woodpeckers, in both of which families the tail forms an important organ, or at all events more important than among the other Scansores, it is not improbable, that the same form may be found among other birds, particularly Dendrocolapt and Anabates, which, although I regard them as Wrens, use their 76 pe. > See (Oxtet anes / \ re i ae aN &) 2 nat. size 5 : 4 nat. size. | \ ) f \ RHAMPHASTOS ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. #mat size. id : ) 3 Ford % George, lnthographers Hatton Garien G@HPovd.del,” y¥ PSILOPOGON PYROLOPHUS. nat. size. oH Ford de} Ford & George,lathograpbers, 54, Hatton Garden NOTES ON THE OSTEOLOGY OF SCANSORES. tails with great effect in supporting themselves during their search for insects on trees. The Toucan has the power of turning his tail over his back ; and, as might be expected, we find a nearly true ball and socket joint, which, in conjunction with the tapering superior vertebral process, enables him to perform this feat. The Woodpeckers haye great motive power in the tail; but the apparatus, although resembling that of the Toucan, is not nearly so perfect, The terminal joint of the caudal vertebra in the Toucan is broad and much flattened on its lower surface; that joint, in the Parrot, is laterally compressed. The same bone in the Woodpeckers and Cuckoos appears to hold an intermediate station, the bone, at the Same time that it is elongated, being compressed and much flattened inferiorly, The numbering of the yertebre of those species of Scansores, that I have examined, is as follows :— Cer. Dor. Sac. Caud. Rhamphastos erythrorhynchus ........-s1eee 12 8 All 7 Plyctolophus galeritus .........0-0:++ Le El 9 11 6 Calyptorhynchus cookii. .....ce.se 13 o° deamnpte Platycerens zonarims............ ll 9 ul 6 Paleornis columboides ¢....... ll 9 12 6 Phznicophans tricolor ........ ll oad 6 Coceyzus chrysogaster ........ 1 8 11 6 Psilophogon pyrolophus ..... ll 9 10 7 Turacug buffonii..sccccccssecsesesevsenuscsssvsessessseeseees 12 8 11 7 On comparing the above list with the numbering of the vertebrae of other families of birds, it is found on the average, that there are fewer cervical vertebra than among Razores, Cursores, Gralla- tores, or Natatores, and that the number is about the same in the Fissirostral type, and fewer than in Raptores. The scelerotic plates are thirteen in Rhamphastos, Pstttacus, and Turacus, and twelve in Pheenicophaus. It now remains for me to point out what station I conceive the Stroup of scansorial birds, as at present limited, to hold amongst birds im general, and also the relative position of the families com- Posing it. I am aware that many Naturalists are of opinion, that the tuitions ought to form a group distinct from Scansores, but NOTES ON THE OSTEOLOGY OF SCANSORES. in other orders of birds, we shall find as great anomalies in anato- mical structure as there is between the Parrots and the remainder of Scansores ; in fact, among Scansores, we find an osteological structure differing from that of the other species in the same family. In Centropus phasianellus, we have a sternum with the lower edge of the keel curved, and the posterior: edge indented with two fissures only, although this bird cannot be placed otherwise than among the Cuckoos, the remainder of its anatomy, as well as its external form agreeing with them, and in the same particulars in which this bird differs from the Cuckoo does it agree with the Parrots. Some affinity may be supposed to exist between the Psittacide and the Raptores ; there is a similar form of bill. The palatine bones in Cirewtos brachydactylus have their lateral edges bent downwards ; the sternum of many species is not very dissimilar, and the feet of both are formed for either grasping trees or prey: The bony septum between the eyes is also generally nearly perfect in both. No bones of a Parrot differing in external appearance more than any other, namely, Strigops, have as yet been brought to England, but should the skeleton ever be obtained, it will pro- bably throw some additional light upon the arrangement of the group. It is curious, that in the three groups of birds which are generally placed first in an arrangement of the class, we find each including a group without posterior marginal fissures, thus : — Without Fissures. With Fissures. Hawks, Owls. Parrots. : Cuckoos, Turacus, and Rhamphastos. Humming Birds and Swifts. Goatsuckers and Kingfishers. On these grounds, therefore, I should be unwilling to separate the parrots from the other Scansores, and should arrange the whole group in the following order, beginning the arrangement of birds with the order Raptores : — NOTES ON THE OSTEOLOGY OF SCANSORES. vor o QDIs YOO UO eUTUT) -etoy oSaey @ YIM 4nq ‘sossadoad ‘SMOVUM yerqoytea tontedns oy} 0} pojrtun seg PeIYOS! oY} Jo aspo acdd yg Pos Senanr's-aat ee tninbs 05% ssirae er ae canoe trary utod "ydL oid i: Tq ‘peyesuoje eaqoj10a yepned sites poAamo "WCLISVACHVE; pue oSrey pq { Aprorteyur pouog “Jef YONUL etqo}10A Tepneo 4serT | ssoooad petqoi49A LO1t) -adns oy} 0} paso[éyoue you sa10q | yenpost { Mocreu pue yqsreys espe wetree oeteee ¢ PPAINO “OZIS OFVIOPOUT JO SH WJM 293, $urSavut 10110380 d TH4 ‘poyesuoyo you ynq “Ajroy10y ol} WO SoIMssy OA) TITAN unmzayg | WCITAIND -ur pouoygey Apysts ‘possoadutoo Ajjeteyey «BiqeyteA [epneo ysery sstseretenseresenenececsnsraraserssescoeerersatesseesesmecQoQdd [RAQOMOA ) aoriedns oy} 0} ofpe roddn oy} 9¥ pesopAyoue seuog [erst {deep puv perpday [eoy [eUIOZS 013 JO adpa fy10Ys Is1By + {poyooy yonut [Iq f vUTUIRIOZ IIIA SouIToULOS qnq ‘ars.1euL AoT10}s0d oy} Uo semssy JnoYITA ‘sparq plo ur ‘umMuUIEIg ‘WC ViLISd “STUOSNVOS ‘sse00ad [RLiqnit -CUL OY} Jo AZIMIEA}XO OY} SB ALF SB Bunoofoad ooy [eUte}s oY} Jo ospe | JoLiojue { SUYUWBAL SOTITQEULOS “yRaAL wINjzLOANJso OY} £ oA1}UO SJIqIO OY} Jo umngjdes SoM9 puv OA} poovid seo, 79 NOTES ON THE OSTEOLOGY OF SCANSORES. There are some exceptions to the general rules, which I have en- deayoured to lay down in the foregoing table, which is the case, not only in Ornithology, but in other sciences, particularly in Botany. In following out a general arrangement of birds, I should place the Raptores immediately before the Scansores and the Fissirostral group, for which I have before suggested the name of Volitores im- mediately after them. I think, also, that the Hornbills belong to the Fissirostral group, although they have generally been classed with the Crows. They have the same form of foot as in Halcyon, the same short tarsi, with the front deeply channelled ; the same elon- gated calcineal process; the same truncated form to the posterior end of the lower mandible; the same deep depression extending from the back part of the orbits and meeting at the occiput; the same strong osseous ridge extending down the sternum, from the junction of the coracoid to the outer edge of the posterior margin of the sternum; the same form of keel to the sternum; the same form of wing, the ulna and radius exceeding the humerus in length by one-third; the same straight scapula; the same form of Os Jurcatum ; the same abbreviated Os pubis, and the same truncated posterior margin to the pelvis. The skeletons of Buceros I pos- sess, are those of large species; it is therefore probable, that some of the smaller and weaker species would present still greater alli nities to the Kingfishers. 80 O58L YL 24nog “APTEYE STYPOAY, ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. TROCHILUS ALLARDI, Boure. Oiseau Mouche, d’Allard; Ornismya allardi, Bourcier, Rev. Zool. Oct. 1839, p. 294. THE first description of this species is, we believe, in the work above quoted, it formed part of the extensive collection of M. Bourcier, and we are not aware that it has yet been figured. Species which agree with the description of M. Bourcier were received in our last collections from Professor Jameson of Quito. It must have an extensive range, both in latitude and elevation, if we are correct in referring the Quitian Birds to M. Bourcier's species ; the latter gentleman gives their country as Santa Fé de Bogota, while Mr. Jameson gives the western decliyity of Pichincha as its habitat, stating, that “ it feeds generally on the flowers of a blue Lupine, and that its habits resembled more those of an insect than one of the feathered tribe.”’ The male has the upper parts metallic green; beneath very pale reddish-orange, becoming almost white on the vent ; each feather is broadly tipped with the same colour as the upper parts, and when _ the plumage is laid close it almost entirely exhibits that tint. On the chin and throat is a triangular gorget, running to a point on the breast, composed of scale-like feathers of a rich and varying emerald green. The wings are deep umber brown. The tail is composed of ten broad feathers, and is slightly forked, the outer exceeding the Inner feather by about 3. The entire length is from 3.5 to 3.9; wing, 2.4; Dill to fore- head, i. The female is similar to the male except in the lower plumage, Which is pale reddish-orange, and without any trace of the brilliant gorget, the feathers on the chin, throat, and neck, having a very small round brownish-green spot at the tip of each. 81-9 Be. Sokal | ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. SYNALAXIS FLAMMULATUS, Jarp. Tus bird, which formed a part of our last collection from Quito, we have been unable to reconcile with any described or figured species. It “frequents the lofty table-lands of the Andes, at an elevation of 14,000 feet.” The general colour above is a pale umber brown, and each feather has in the centre a broad somewhat lanceolate streak along the shaft of yellowish-white, on the forehead and crown’ tinted with ochraceous; the edges of this stripe are bordered irregularly with a deeper tint of umber brown, relieving the white, and at the same time making the entire plumage appear darker than it really is when separated. On the wings the colours become more rufous, maintaining the same central streak ; the quills are umber brown, having at the base a pale sienna band, distinctly marked across. The tail is much graduated, the feathers slender and disunited at the tips; the centre feathers are umber brown, paler on the outer edges ; those to the outside become paler and more clouded towards the shafts with umber; underneath, the chin and upper part of the throat is pale yellow, and on the other parts the ground colour is a paler umber brown; the centre of the feathers broadly marked with yellowish-white, giving to the centre of the belly and vent a pre- ponderance of that colour. The tarsi and feet appear to have been bluish-gray or lead colour, and the latter are long in proportion to the size of the bird. The entire length is, 6.5 ; of bill to forehead, 3; of wing, 2.4: of tarsus, 9, 82-10 Synalaxis flammulatus, Jara. July 1880. os. ee ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. ALCYONE CYANO-PECTUS, pz ta FREsN. Alecyone cincta of our Plate.—Ceyx cyano-pectus, dela Fresn., Rev. Zool. 1840, p. 33. Tus pretty little Three-toed Kingsfisher, was sent to us by Mr. Eyton for illustration, and the figure and name attached were drawn and printed off before we discovered it to be identical with the synonym of de la Fresnaye, who had already described it. Mr. Eyton’s specimen is marked as received from the Philippine Islands. Ceyx and Alcyone, the small Three-toed Kingfishers, are placed by Mr. Gray in separate sub-families, Halcyonine and A Icedinine. The distinctions seem to be, the broader and stronger bill of Ceyx, with their more uniform Daceline plumage, contrasted with the slender or more truly Alcedine form, slender straight bill, and blue colour of the plumage of Aleyone, We are scarcely satisfied with their separation. The species, whether of one or other, are mostly very closely allied, and require care to investigate and separate. A great proportion of them are spread over the Indian Archipelago, and numerous specimens are required to work out the variations they are subject to, and the geographical limits and range of each. Bill rather slender; upper mandible brown, lower tinted with orange-red ; above, the characteristic Alcedine spot before the eye and on the sides of the neck, pale sienna; crown, nape, lower jaw; and auriculars, wings and tail, deep bluish-black ; feathers of the crown, tipped with a bar of pale clear ultramarine, more indented on jaw and auriculars; those of the shoulders and scapulars with @ narrow spot or dash of same colour; centre of the back pale ultra- marine, rump and tail-covers, deeper ; below, throat and_ breast, centre of belly and yent, and under wing-covers, sienna, palest 0 the chin ; lower part of the breast girt with a band of indigo 3 or 32 broad ; the flanks meeting nearly in the centre of the belly, and under tail-coyers, same colour, in some positions tinted with ultra- marine; tarsi and feet yellowish-vermillion, : Entire length, 5.5; bill to forehead, i.i; to gape, i.9; of wing: 2.4; tarsus, 3. 82-11 -_ OO ee Lal eeu —— pL0p 2 IUL9 auwokoty MEETING OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION AT EDINBURGH, JULY 30, 1850, ORNITHOLOGY OF SECTION D. . Iv Scotland, Ornithology has not advanced so r&pidly of late as in England. In Edinburgh, there are no private collections of any importance; and since the decease of John Wilson the Janitor of the University, as well as the preserver of the objects of Natural History for the Museum, there has been much less interest taken in Zoology by the young men attending the classes. Wilson’s stuffing Tooms were in the square of the Old College, where he possessed a Small collection of neatly mounted specimens of British and Foreign binds ; it was rich in the British Game and Birds of Prey, and be- Sides -some showy foreign birds set up for attraction, he possessed Some of great rarity (such as Musophaga gigantea, &e.), which, at the sale of hig collection, came into our possession. These rooms, from hig official intercourse with the students, were almost always pen and were very attractive; and as lessons in preparing animals and birds was one of the Janitor’s privileges, there was frequently @ large attendance; and many went away, carrying with them the Nowledge to prepare, and bearing the seeds of a practical zoology and of a love for nature. The students haying these objects con- Stantly before them, often seeing the specimens arrive fresh from the country or from the sea, imbibed an interest, which made them naturalists without their knowing it; some of them are now pro- “sors; some men of eminence in science; some of them enlight- ened travellers and in one of the papers read before the section, ORNITHOLOGY OF SECTION D, 1850. we had an example of skins prepared in a manner remarkable for its success, and illustrated by notes on their habits, of great value. These were by the son of a gentleman, Professor M‘Gillivray of Aberdeen, who will well remember Wilson’s rooms in the Old College. ' Now, the stuffing department goes on in secret. The dealers in Edinburgh teach if required, but there is no temptation to learn. Fenton and Carfrae, both capital preservers, and most repectable persons, haye no collections. There is not sufficient demand to keep many specimens for sale; and their work is almost confined to set- ting up what is sent in by sportsmen, some favourite dog, parrot, or canary, or furnishing up some case of foreign skins, sent from friends or relatives abroad ; and even these departments, they tell us, are becoming less frequently called for. The Ornithological col- lection in the Museum of the University is not arranged so that it can be studied, and the new acquisitions, or private donations, are not accessible. There is a want of some proper and well informed officer as curator, who could superintend, work out, and catalogue the general Zoological collection. There are no rooms or accoll- modation where specimens can be examined, and drawings or de- scriptions made by any one working at or interested in any particular group. ‘The really fine collection is therefore almost useless, cept as a holiday show; and the Government funds which até expended, are in a manner thrown away, from their inadequacy to furnish the convenience and facilities for study. These are some of the causes which retard the higher branches of Zoology, antl make it desirable that a proper representation of the wants of the Museum should be made to Her Majesty's Government, The Twentieth Meeting of the British Association for the At vancement of Science assembled in the usual manner on the evening of the 30th July, under the presidency of Sir David Brewster, 00° of its original founders and earliest supporters. It was numerously attended, but the scientific men from abroad did not number those of some former years, and we had no foreign Ornithologist presets Professor Van der Hoeven of Leyden being the only gentleman who represented Zoology from the continent. The British Orti- thologists present were, Mr. Selby, who was obliged to leave during the carly part of the meeting, Mr. Hugh E. Strickland, and Mr. ae who both read papers, and Mr, Ryton. Mr. D. W. Mitchell ORNITHOLOGY OF SECTION D, 1850. was present during the last two days; Mr. James Wilson took part in the remarks made upon some of the papers; Mr. Wolley, a gentleman attending the Medical Classes in the University, read a paper on the birds of the Faroe Islands, and we trust we shall be able to continue his name among the list of those who study in the field as well as in the closet; and Mr. Arthur Strickland gave a communication on the “ changes of plumage in British birds,” but which, unfortunately coming on near the close of the section, was not concluded. By the kindness of these gentlemen, we have received their papers, and the next two parts of the “ Contri- butions” will be deyoted to them, as the Ornithological Work of Section D in 1850. The only other Ornithological information publicly given during : the week, was the instructive lecture of Dr. Mantell, upon the extinct birds of New Zealand, delivered in the Musie Hall, on the evening of the 5th August. The time was much too short to allow a com- Plete exposition of the subject, but sufficient we would‘hope was Said to interest the hearers, and to cause every one who had friends °Y opportunities in these distant islands, to lend their help to trace the former history and fate of those gigantic bipeds, which bear so strongly upon the changes and distribution of animal life during a historic period. Dr. Mantell’s son, who has settled in New Zealand, has already sent large collections of the bones to his father, which have added much to our knowledge of their structure ; and Dr. Man- tell stated, that his last letter, received only about a fortnight ago, announced the despatch of a large collection of New Zealand Birds, "ets which was a skin, supposed to belong to the Notornis man- elli, a bird hitherto only known in a fossil state. 87 ORNITHOLOGY OF SECTION D, 1850. ON A PECULIAR STRUCTURE IN THE RECTRICES OF VIDUA PARADISEA (Li9%.) By H. E. STRICKLAND. ry THE group of Ploceine birds which are distinguished by the assump- tion, during the breeding season, of greatly lengthened rectrices, and to which the generic name Vidua was given by Cuvier, have been in more recent times divided into three genera. M. Riippell retained the name Vidua for the form of which V. regia (Linn.) is the types and proposed the name Colivspasser for another group, typified by F. macrocerea, Licht. (C. flaviscapulatus, Riipp.) Mr. G. R. Gray proposed a third division, named Chera, for the Emberiza longi- cauda” of Gmelin, distinguished by its longer and more rounded wings, in which the fifth primary is the longest, while in the other two divisions it is the third that is longest. I am disposed to retail all these generic groups as distinct, although they are very closely allied to each other, I must remark, however, that M. Riippell has founded his genus Coliuspasser on a misconception of its true cha- racters. He states, in his “ Neue Wirbelthiere zu der Fauna vol Abyssinien gehirig,” that in Vidua it is only the upper tail-covers that are lengthened, the rectrices remaining of ordinary length, while in Coliuspasser, the true rectrices are extended far beyond the tail- covers. The fact however is, that if we carefully examine the tails of all these three groups, we shall find that they agree with othet Passerine birds, in possessing the normal number of twelve rectrices; and that it is by the prolongation of certain of these rectrices, and not of the tail-covers, that the Whidah Birds acquire their peculiat character. But though Coliuspasser and restricted Vidua agree ™ this respect, they are nevertheless well characterized by the different modes in which their rectrices are prolonged. In Vidua the four 88 ET Pe Rectrices of Vidia paradesea (Aix). June l/O50. ORNITHOLOGY OF SECTION D, 1850. external rectrices on each side are nearly equal and of ordinary length, while the four middle ones, which Riippell mistook for tail- covers, are abruptly and very greatly lengthened. Of these four middle feathers, the two on one side have their wider surfaces turned towards the under gurfaces of the other two. This group will include the species V. regia (Linn.), V. principalis (Linn.), and V. paradisea (Linn.) V. superciliosa (Vieill.), said to have only two rectrices elongate, may probably be also referred to this genus. Tn Coliuspasser, on the contrary, all the rectrices are more or less elongate. Some of them, as C. macrura (Gmel.), C. macrocerca (Licht.), &e., have the tail simply graduated, the middle rectrices being of moderate length, and the lateral ones gradually shorter. Other species, in which the elongation is carried to a greater extent, have the relative length of the rectrices variously modified. In C. ardens (Bodd.), (V. panayensis, Gmel.), the tail may be termed furcate, the medial rectrices being shortest, and the outer ones gra- dually lengthened, though the most external pair is (in my specimens at least) somewhat shorter than the penultimate one. In\this species the rectrices are hollowed on their uppér side; and it is probable, that in the living bird, the rectrices on each side of the centre have their upper surfaces turned towards those of the opposite side, as in the American “ boat-tailed grackles” (Scaphidurus). This structure of the tail, the exact reverse of that which prevails in the majority of birds, is still more decidedly shown in the Chera progne (Bodd.) of Gray, a bird, which, were it not for the different form of the wing, Would rank with Coliuspasser and not with Vidua. A series of specimens of Vidua paradisea, in various stages of Moult, collected in Kordofan, by Mr. J. Petherick, has revealed a Curious fact in the development of the elongated rectrices, which appears not to have been before noticed. The tail of this bird is 4 very anomalous one, the submedial pair of rectrices being very greatly elongate, while the medial pair are much shorter, very broad, with a smooth hair-like shaft projecting near two inches be- Yond the webs. If we now examine the longest (or submedial) rec- trices, we shall see that they differ from all the other tail-feathers, in presenting a serrated appearance at their margins. In the other featherg the barbs end in fine points, so that the webs which they Compose terminate in an acute margin. But in this particular pair of *eirioess the barbs terminate abruptly, with an obliquely flattened ORNITHOLOGY OF SECTION D, 1850. disk at the extremity of each; and the webs composed of those barbs, are consequently both blunt and serrated at the margin. On examining these feathers when in a half-grown state, a singu- lar hair-like filament is seen to spring from their base, which explains the cause of these marginal serrations. This filament is narrow, flat, and thin, much resembling in appearance the barbs of the feathers, but reaching to three or four inches in length. Its distal extremity is free; but towards the base of the half formed feather it is seen to adhere to the extremities of all the barbs on one (generally the inner) side of the feather, forming a continuous margin or “ selvage” to the web. Towards the base of the feather, where the imperfectly formed barbs are collected, as in all young feathers, into a cylin- drical bundle, and inserted into a membranous sheath, the barbs be- longing to both webs of the feather are seen to be connected at their extremities to the opposite sides of this intermediate filament. As the feather grows and the barbs become mature, their tips are gra- dually released from this connecting filament, those of the lower oF exterior web first, and those of the interior one subsequently. Hence the distal portion of the filament becomes free and waves loosely in the air. It is probable, that when the whole feather reaches matu- rity, the filament is shed altogether. The cicatrices, or points of junction between the tips of the barbs and the flat surface of the filament, produce a succession of slight indentations on both sides of the latter, and give it a serrated ap- pearance, which is further increased by the alternate tufts of bar- bules which fringe its margin. Hence also arise the corresponding serrations on the margins of the feather, which haye been before referred to. It is remarkable, that these filaments, though apparently formed for’some temporary purpose in the development of the feather, should exhibit a structure ag highly complex as that of the feather-barbs themselves. I allude to the double row of barbules cS Strahlen” of German authors) which fringe the outer margin of the filament; they are not continuous as on the barbs (* Aeste”), but in. little tufts, alternating with the surfaces of attachment of the barb-tips. (See Fig. 2). These barbules further exhibit those ultimate fringes to which the name barbicels has been given. In ordinary feathers, the barbules on the distal side of the barD are, . is well known, furnished with hooked barbicels («Héilechen”): ORNITHOLOGY OF SECTION D, 1850. while those on the proximal side are simple. But it is remarkable, that in these deciduous filaments which I am describing, both series of barbules are furnished with hooked barbicels. The object of these is obviously to embrace the barbules of the feather-barbs, during the attachment of the latter to the filament, and as these barbules are attached to both sides of the filament, it is requisite that the filament should be provided with a double series of hooks. The object of this singular structure is probably the protection of the feather-barbs during the course of their development. But why 80 complex and elaborate an arrangement should be confined to two feathers only in the bird, and to one species of bird only (as far as is yet known), is one of the many questions of natural science which must probably remain unanswered. Baplanation of the Plate. Fig. 1.—Under view of basal portion of one of the submedial rec- trices of Vidua paradisea, in a half developed state. a. Exterior web; b. interior web; cc. serrated margin; d. free portion of filament; ef. portion of filament attached to mar- gin of interior web ; fg. portion attached to both webs; h. barbs of exterior web recently detached from the filament and not yet incorporated into the web; ¢ membranous sheath surround- ing the immature barbs. Fig, 2.—Portion of filament magnified, showing the alternating tufts of barbules on each side. gj. 3.—4_AY Portion of filament lplly magnified, with. portions of barbs attached as in Fig. 1, f.g. aa. Filament-barbules, forming two series of tufts, both of which are furnished with hooked barbicels; 6b. feather-barbs, belonging to the two opposite webs of the feather, connected at their distal extremities to opposite sides of the filament ; cece. barbules of the distal side of the barbs, furnished with hooked barbicels ; ddd. barbules of the proximal side of the barb, devoid of barbicels, or furnished with only a very few Simple ones, ct ORNITHOLOGY OF SECTION D, 1850. A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE RESEARCHES IN NATURAL HISTORY or JOHN M‘GILLIVRAY, Esa. THE NATURALIST ATTACHED TO H. M. SURVEYING SHIP THE RATTLESNAKE, NORTH-EASTERN COASTS OF AUSTRALIA, NEW GUINEA, & BY JOHN GOULD, F.R.S., &. Ir is no less interesting to the scientific world than it is just to the commanders and naturalists of our exploring expeditions, that the results of their labours should be made known as speedily as possible. It affords me therefore yery great pleasure, to cot- municate to the present meeting, by desire of Sir H. De la Beehe and Professor Forbes, an account of the Quadrupeds and Birds procured and observed by Mr. John M‘Gillivray, the Na- turalist attached to Her Majesty’s Surveying Ship Rattlesnake, employed under the command of the late Captain Owen Stanley; in exploring the eastern and northern coasts of Australia. In the introduction to my “ Birds of Australia,’ which I pre sume is known to many of my hearers, I have recorded an opinion, that a considerable number of species frequenting the north coast of that country yet remained to be made known to us, but I cov fess that I was not prepared for the novelties which have rewarded Mr. MGillivray’s researches, nor to find so many fine species hitherto supposed to be peculiar to New Guinea, to be equally com mon to the fauna of Australia. 92 ORNITHOLOGY OF SECTION D, 1850. Before enumerating the results of Mr. M‘Gillivray’s labours, I must not fail to direct your attention to the zeal with which he has worked in the cause to which he has devoted himself, to the very admirable manner in which his specimens are prepared, the neatness and accuracy with which they are labelled and their sex ascer- tained by dissection, the place where and the date when killed, and the many valuable notes he has made of their habits; nor must 1 omit to mention the kind and friendly assistance constantly rendered him by Captain Stanley, of which, it will be seen, he has himself made honourable mention —the result showing how important it is that officers employed in exploring expeditions should have a taste for natural history, as well as the kind of knowledge requisite for duly effecting the more immediate object of the voyage. T shall now give such portions of the interesting letters with which Mr. M‘Gillivray has favoured me, as have reference to those departments of natural history to which I have devoted myself, with such comments as may be necessary, together with sucis por- tions of his personal adventures as may appear to be of general interest, ’ « AL M.S. Rattlesnake, Mauritius, 12th May, 1847. Pita am sending home my first box of specimens, I accompany tote Hd a short note, to direct your attention to one which I take cid alassidroma leachii ; a Pufinus which I have set down as V species, closely allied to your favirhynchus, and a Sterna. wide derived the greatest benefit from your paper on the Pro- ig which has enabled me to identify the species. The ‘n mumbered 25 I have called glacialoides by guess, there bei ae, Ng no description to which I have access.” cel pate the Thalassidroma leachii, no specimen was observed only aia my yoyage round the world, and the above is the tropics ; ao T have heard of of its being seen so far south as the tans fe fs uffinus is the Pufinus cinereus of the European sont a * “ above is the first instance recorded of its being seen the Binds § ak the Sterna is the S. melanorhyncha, figured in the bing ustralia. Mr. M‘Gillivray was right in considering numbered 25 ag P. glacialoides. 93 ORNITHOLOGY OF SECTION D, 1850. “H. M. S. Rattlesnake, “ Of Cape Howe, South Coast of New South Wales, “6th February, 1848. “In the beginning of November last, I sent you in a box of specimens, through Professor Forbes, three lists, showing the daily occurrence of the Procellaride during our outward voyage; first, between Rio de Janeiro and the Cape of Good Hope; second, between the Cape of Good Hope and the Mauritius; and third, between the Mauritius and Van Diemen’s Land.” The following are the lists referred to, and they are of great value, as showing the range of the species enumerated therein; and are peculiarly interesting to me, as they tend to confirm the observations made by myself during my Voyage to and from Australia, of which a full account has been given in my work :— TABULAR VIEW oF OCCURRENCE OF PROCELLARIDE. SOUTH ATLANTIC —RIO DE JANEIRO TO CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. 2 a b a ics.) a : 3 Bee eS Be) eho ge ee #3 | 8s i ° | & |Se| £5 S 8 3 az a¢ one es =f] a a ep # [2] 3 28) 32] 3 18] # | ge] 38 = 3 ~ |Se| EF . < a es 33 geet Rom ek ied lace a Bes 5 FEB. 6 ose on 1 . 7 eee ons 3 ° 8 one aoe 3 ” 9 te ied 3 . 10 LT |) nce Several 2 or8 il Cia mares do, 0. 12 S leat do. ace do. 13 SPs do. 2or8| *do, . 14 3 do. «» |Numers.| .. 15 3 do. «. | Several 16 3 1 do. 1 de 17 3 ++ |. |Numers, 2 1 18 3 1 | ... | Several r 2, 1 or 2 n pro- 19 1 {hi 1 . digious +4 or5 numbers 20 2 3 Z ein eau sue tae do, 12 21 2 Blt eee ae - : ayy 2o0r3] 3 or 4 22 Dl see, | 18 i wee 6] 2or3]1or2] do. 23 4 bit 2 1 2 1 2or3 24 ash oa 2 *4 bes oon 1 25 t 2 2 1 1 2 26 =| 1 1 2 1 2 a7 20 3 ts 1 2 2 oe 2 28 4 1 1 2 1 Ve 2 MARCH Tete Ss 1 1 1 5 or 6 1 12 2 lor2 |... ] 2 or 8 3 os 1 ey eos 4 2 2 tee 5 tes aot 6 1 ore 1 z 1 x ave aad Th. wilsonii Prions Procillaria glacialuides 15) ne 5or6| ... - |Many} ... Mollis, with white belly | P., like. Latitude at Noon Noon Longitude at ORNITHOLOGY OF SECTION D, 1850. APE OF GOOD HOPE TO MAURITIUS. SOUTH INDIAN OCEAN — C . ale ur ag Lf g fe 2 s g é 3 + a] sluliieddg) dle], |] Bldsli 8 |. Ps l=el.e2 3 a a=] ce 2 | de leiseiissila| 3 a) £-] BP Pepe le 2 | 4° || Sele") Ble ob 8 ge |2/3 = A aq) g| = a = Elia 3 Apri South | East 18 2 Beal OVE We ate) ae Ast 2or3 | 1 or 2 |Abundant! «.. | 36.16 | 27.10 4 | +12 rl aie ibact | ce bie iM. do. do. do. .+ | 36,62 | 27.52 15 ek eS) ee RN ae 2 2 5 or 6 do. 1 | 38.09 | 29.41 16 ry Oe). ch ar et 2 2 Many | Very do,| -.. | 38.09 | 32.51 a 4or5| 4] i |..] 1) 2 2 5 or 6 vie Numerous| 1 | 87.14 | 36.20 f Roiwih Bly ary, Haack lbs bed Bs Bor 4 ia do. |... | 3744 | 87.32 S S fo) te) cee ad ae 2 do, Many do. i | 87.50 | 39.57 et 4 4) os edges, | wes 2 4 Ses do. .» | 88.23 | 43.28 i "1% tw ae ei 4 or B a do. .. | 87.12 | 45.38 95 Soré} 3] .. 2)..| 1)-5 0r6 do, Many do. eae | 87.57 | 49,87 FYI 30 3| 2. | 1{| 1] 1 Numerous} 2 0r8 | A few do. w. | 86.50 | 53.18 Fe 10 or12) 3 ze 5 a ee a 5 or 6 do, ‘a do. 1 | 34.26 | 54.20 [Borg] 8) we Jaw fee] ao 12 or 20 do. do. do. .. | 82.20 | 55.10 7 Sh rs Baron | feet es) Fe 1 cl 2 or 8 |... | 8014 | 5656 8 Ben Vigoss |, tov ln dest| eee eae 3 1 2 ws | 28.15 | 57,20 . ds eedke paseo oi eee 1 2 2 or 3 | .. | 2657 | 57.30 rs A Eh as "ae ae Pe, 1 3 27.16 | 58.30 a hee ei al cae ed 1 3 ws» | 26.50 | 60.04 May ; *: ortin hry lie “ 5 Bi 3 .. | 25.49 | 61.08 a Coed Bettie s a 3 ve | 23.06 | 60.40 SOUTH INDIAN OCEAN— MAURITIUS TO VAN DIEMEN’S LAND. ia ~ a z s 3 Se S : 3 Be) | 2 2 \3.| 2 | #8\2lezl & = (3l2|/ ee]. [Be EIS. | 4 5 ES 2 <23 | glee] 2 3|%3 oe 2 |23) 2 8 | ES 2 2 S See) 68s 3 | 8 Ba) PI gs\5| £2) = SS ; Br | 8 |ze= 3 ® |Bla| as & jee] :| 3 en —| A | gs? l4 af a |e e| A May |__|; a a &. ae wa 18 South | East 19 r te ve Pe lp st Vath loll Stal pied «acts i |... | 21.53 | 56.50 9 |" ee ee ae, Weel Py ARE g 4] i. 2407 | 57.04 a | a 5 yeh ek ee halle AO aha be see | oe | 26:10 | 58.51 ag” || he ‘ glen Seal Pe ag | feo toe be we | oe | 2787 | 6142 93 ss ” beet dl fae MP ig ha Gite . v» | 28:06 | 63.30 ie jhe ws _ ee Sd Se Papier eee bee oe be ... | 1] 28:10-| 65.50 25 ; “ sea: on cdl eg Veo ual ll | dine te we [on | 28d | 67.80 26 us ” 3 ” Il. PASSERES, L., 300 Sprcres. Caprimulgide, 3S8pecies. Thereof peculiar to W. A frica, 1 Species. Hirundinide, 9 ,, 3 % oS T odide, a s "3 9 2 ” Alcedinide, 15 ,, 4s 5 10 Meropide, 15 ,, sf . I; Upupide, oy 8 3, ser Nectariniade, 23 ,, % BS 19 5; 134 eS OF WESTERN AFRICA. Lusciniade, 32Species. Thereof peculiar to W. Africa, 27 Species. Turdide, 29 ,, f » 23 os Muscicapide, 17, 5 2 4. Ampelide, Sy Fy iy 2 3s Laniide, By 945 s » 16, Corvide, Ses » 99 35, Sturnide, 12 art 4s ” es! Fringillide, 92 ,, . 99 64s Colide, | 2 4 is » 1, Musophagide, 5 ,, 3 ” 5 os Bucerotide, 9 ,, és ” 6s Il. SCANSORES, 39 Sprcizs. Psitiacide, 8Species. Thereof peculiar to W. Africa, 7 Species. Picidee, 19 yy ” 2” 16 29 Cuculide, 13 ,, ” $3 Tos Iv. COLUMBA, 14 Sprectzs. Columbide, 14 Species. Thereof peculiar to W. Africa, 5 Species. V. GALLIN &. Meleagrine, 8 Species. Thereof peculiar to W. Africa, 3 Species. Letraonide, 6 2 2) 39 3 99 Preroclinee, 3 29 ” 39. 1 29 VI. STRUTHIONES, 4 Sprxcis. Struthionide, 4 Species. Thereof peculiar to W. Africa, 1 Species. VII. GRALLA, 72 Spscizs. Charadride, 16 Species. Thereof peculiar to W. Africa, 7 Species. Ardeide, 32 ,, . By SRR ord Scolopacide, Leet . g a RPA Rallide, 6 72 9 ” 3 39 135 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE COASTS AND ISLANDS VIII. ANSERES, 22 Species. Anatide, 5 Species. Thereof peculiar to W. Africa, 0 Species. Procellariade, ul! ” ” 0 ” Laride, 11 2 ” ” 6 7) Pe lecanide, 4 29 ” 2” 0 ” The value of these numerical statements is, of course, only approximate; but they may be sufficient, in connection with the following catalogue of species,* in some measure to give a distinct view of the great peculiarity of West African Ornithology, as well as its connection and alliance with that of South and North-east Africa. It is difficult to discover the reason that far more species belong in common to West and North-east Africa, than to West and South Africa. A comparative view of the physical construc- tion of these different parts of the country gives but little expla- uation, Migratory habits give perhaps more, as hag been proved by observation, The periodical migration of the Sencgambian species, as Swainson has already remarked, has been shown to ” be towards the south of Africa. It is only in this way the fact can be explained, that Levaillant found Lamprotornis wnea and aurata, as well as Laniarius barbarus in the Namaqua country. Swainson’s assumption that Barbary on the north, and Senegal in the south, bounds the distribution of this latter species, rests upon error. It is proved that no specimen of this bird has been observed north of Senegal; on the other hand, it is found along the whole coast of Guinea. Ag it is known in the class Mam- malia, in the case of certain Antelopes, that of these, distinct but very nearly allied species, are represented at remote points of their peculiar countries, so a similar peculiarity is made known to us among the numerous examples of the birds of Africa. We are reminded of this in Laniarius barbarus (W. Afr.), L. erythro- gaster (N. E, Afr.), and L. atroceineus (S. Afr.), as well as in Prionops plumatus (W. Afr.), P. cristatus (N. E, Afr.), and P. talacoma (8. Afr.), in Corythaiw buffonii CW. Afr.), C. lew- cotis (N. EH, Afr.), and C. persa (8. Afr.) Many species, indi- * We have not printed the catalogue. 136 OF WESTERN AFRICA. genous to West, as well as also to North-east Africa, are only represented in the South by an analogous species, as for example, Merops nubicus and bullockii, the southern representatives of which are evidently M. nubicoides and bullockoides. The Psit- tacus levaillantii, indigenous to South Africa and Abyssinia, is identified by an exceedingly nearly allied species, P. pachyrhyn- chus, in Senegambia. ‘That a great many species of birds of the west coast are migratory, has been lately fully confirmed by Cc. A. Gordon, in Jardine’s ‘* Contributions to Ornithology for 1849.” A very valuable notice is to be found there, of about thirty birds, observed and collected by Gordon at Cape Coast. What makes this paper particularly interesting, is, that an account of the habits _of the birds of Western Africa is communicated therein, the first and only one of any importance we can at present remember. If we cast a glance on the special distribution of the single orders in Western Africa, the birds of prey are tolerably nume- Tous; among them we meet with the rare and interesting genera Gypohieraw and Chelictinia, the latter an analogous form of the American Elanoides. he strikingly small representation of the Vultures, a family which, by the numbers and size of individuals of their numerous race, fill an important place in African zoology; must be due to the want of high open rocky mountains, as well as of steril plains in Western Africa, both of which form the favourite place of residence of birds of the Vulture species in other Tegions of this part of the world, Of the great order Passeres, about 300 species are known in Western Africa. The genera Coracias, Alcedo (L), and Merops, ae characteristic by their number of species and richness of colour, the latter by certain species of remarkable beauty (M. gularis, Sh.) Haleyon acteon, a bird not very rare at Sierra Leone, lives equally numerous on the Cape de Verd Island St. Jago. (Forster, Darwin, Bemet). Of the Nectarinie, Western Africa possesses about twenty species peculiar to it. The remarkable occurrence of a Species of Pitta, P. angolensis, has already been mentioned. Among the remaining birds of the Thrush species, the genus Trichophorus, ‘mong the Muscicapide, the genera Muscipeta and Platysteira Come in the foreground as characteristic. A remarkable species of this family is that described by Vieillot, as Platyrhynchus musicus, ae Angola, correctly raised by Lesson to the rank of a ORNITHOLOGY OF THE COASTS AND ISLANDS genus, and named by him Bias. The Ampelide also, represented in Western Africa by the genera Dicrurus and Campephaga, show a species interesting on account of its splendid and varied colouring, namely, C. lobata. Moreover, the genera Laniarius and Lampro- tornis, found nowhere more rich in species than on the west coast, belong to the ornaments of African Ornithology ; both can shov a successive series of the most beautiful species, as for example, Laniarius gutturalis, Lamprotornis ignita, splendida, and leuco- gaster. As one of the most remarkable peculiarities of West African Ornithology, we may bring forward its extraordinary rich- ness in birds of the Fringillide, of which more than eighty species are found in the genera Ploceus, Teator, Huplectes, Sycobius, Vidua, Nigrita, Spermospiza, Pyrenestes, Estrilda, Amadina, &e. To this may be added, that very many of this group, as for example, all the Ploceine, live in company, and are particularly numerous as individuals. The Larks and Sawicole,* found so rich in species in South and North-east Africa, number here only very few representatives, which is explainable from the character of the West African country. One of these, the small Lark-like Pyr rhulauda, is repeated in the Cape de Verd Islands. In conclusion, the last members of this order, must not remain unmentioned, a they include the most splendid ornaments of African Ornithology, namely, the beautiful genera Vusophaga and Corythaix. M, vio lacea is one of the most beautiful, O. gigantea one of the most wol- derful birds of all zones. Of the nine species of Buceros in Wester Africa, B. albocristatus, Cass., standing next to B. comalus, de- serves particular mention. The Scansores are only slightly re sented by about forty species. Wagler has already shown the strikang want of Parrots in Africa. Of the fifteen species which are know? on this continent, not fewer than eight inhabit the west coast. AS a dwarf form of the family of the Bucconide, represented by § genera Pogonias and Barbatula, we class Pogonias sulcirostris * a bird particularly characteristic of Senegambia. The only Woot * Thienemann’s remark, that the geographical distribution of the genus sai shows a striking agreement with that of the genus rica among plants Cath zungsgeschichte der Vogel, Number 5, page 238), certainly strikes one at ira! e yet on closer observation proves erroneous. For, independent of this, that she ba distribution of the heaths and the Stonechats in South Africa in 20 WY a H jc; very numerous distribution of this genus of birds in the north-east part of eg so fel a heaths, cannot be bronght into unison with such a view. OF WESTERN AFRICA. peckers known till now in Western Africa, belong to the smaller and more unobtrusive species of this form. The Cuckoos appear with thirteen species of the genera Indicator, Centropus, Zan- clostomus, Cuculus, Owylophus, and Chaleites. A species of this latter genus, Ch. smaragdineus, ranges with the most beautiful birds of Africa; at the same time, only very few of the West African Scansores occur in North-east, and still fewer in South Africa. The doye form is represented by fourteen species, the most numerous belonging to the genera Zreron, Turtur, and Peristera. Only five of these appear to be peculiar to Western Africa; among them, the Turtur simplea, discovered by Weiss, and the Peristera puella, Schleg., very striking from its dark blood-red colouring. In the order of Gallinaceous birds, the genus Numida appears in the foreground, with some very beautiful and marked species, NV. vulturina and cristata, A third species, N. rendallii, the most common in Senegambia, is distributed oyer the Cape de Verd Islands. West Africa is poor in the species of Francolinus and Pterocles. The dwarf form, Ortyzelos, is exclusively peeuliar to it. Coturniz histrionica, the species of Quail discovered by Weiss on the Island of St. Thomas, may ul- timately prove identical with the South African C. delegorguei. Bustards do not find their peculiar kind of country on the west coast of Africa; Otis denhamé only occurs far in the interior. No order, next to the Passeres, is so rich in species in Western Africa ’s the Gralle, L., of which twenty-two appear to belong peculiarly He We meet; with numerous European species, even from the far the : as the Limosa lapponica. Among the Charadriade, occur ~s eautiful Cursorius chalcopterus, as well as three species of reola. Not fewer than eighteen species of Heron inhabit the ree: of rivers and lakes, marshes and salt lagoons of the west Yet of which many only occur here, as Botaurus leucolophus, el tipeag cucullatus, Ardea sturmii, calceolata, typhon. Next dare the genera Myeteria, Leptoptilos, Ciconia, Platalea, The dora Scopus, Tantalus, Ibis, of the latter four species. slight an Rallide, on the other hand, is proportionally only a ele and has only two species peculiar to Western the EN ab pulchra and Podica senegalensis. Among fe ingly small number of birds of the Duck species, which ORNITHOLOGY OF THE COASTS AND ISLANDS, ETC, are known in Western Africa, Nettapus madagascariensis de- serves particular mention, as well as the American Dendrocygna viduata, the specific difference of which, as A. personata (Duke of Wiirtemburg), we, after careful comparison of Brazilian and Sene- gambian specimens, cannot allow. That South Africa, so searce in water, should be richer in Ducks than the region of the west coast, so full of Iakes and rivers, is not easily explained; yet: the more moderate climate of the former—more consonant to the Anatide must certainly not be overlooked as a cause. Although the new species of Sterne, described in Western Africa by Swair- son should be added, it is at least doubtful with regard to one of these. Perhaps it is only accidental that no species of Podiceps has yet been found there. 140 TOT AV VEY BYERS TEI oe ee tan Po ld dbdedantee ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. CASARCA LEUCOPTERA, Buyru. Some time since, a drawing was received from Mr. Blyth of a Duck, which he considered to be new; and in our last communication from him, a second sketch was enclosed, and he informs us that he had received both sexes of the bird aliye from Mergui, together with the Argus and great Firebacked Pheasants, and other birds of in- terest, which were not previously known so far northward. Mr. Blyth considers it a true Oasarea, and has named it as above, from the white patch upon the shoulders. The male is rather larger than the female as in C. rutila, with fewer black spots and consequently more white on the head and neck ; the back less mottled with dusky, and the under parts much darker than in the female, which last has a strong tinge of the hue of ©. rutila. These are proposed to be sent alive to this country. 141-17 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. MENURA ALBERTI, Govutp. M. Alberti, Prince of Canino, Consp..Gen. Av. p. 215. Tu addition of a new species to a form of which one only, or a very few individuals at most were known, is always of much impor- tance, and if the form should belong to one of great peculiarity of structure, it is of still greater value, serving to clear up and fix the points of affinity which required to be confirmed by an additional example. Such has been the case with Menura, a remarkable Australian form, and until now known only by a single species, the Pheasant or Lyre-Tail of the colonists, the Menwra superba of Davies and modern Ornithologists. Mr. Gould, in the spring of the present year, received specimens of M. alberti from his Australian collector, and immediately after brought it under the notice of the Linnean Society, pointing out the distinctions between it and the old species, and naming it in honour of His Royal Highness Prince Albert. It ig found on the Richmond river, and among the Brushes of the eastern coast of Australia. No description has been yet published, although figures have been already lithographed, and will appear in the Supplement to the Birds of Australia. Meanwhile, Mr. Gould has permitted us to draw up a description, from a series of specimens, for the use of these “ Contributions,” and we have placed the character’ of the two species together, that they may be easily compared. M. alberti is distinguished by the more rufous colour of the uppe parts, and by a difference in the structure of the more conspicuous feathers of the tail. 6 Above, crown, auriculars and back of the neck, blackish umber brown, slightly tinted with sienna on the forehead; the cheeks and around the eyes bare, with a few scattered narrow feathers ; back, wings, rump and upper tail-covers, umber brow!: with a tint of sienna, brightest on the two last; tail black, the _ outer feathers with indistinct sienna bars, two centre feathers pale umber brown. Beneath, chin, throat and upper part of the neck, dull sienna; breast and flanks pale yellowish umber brown; centr? of belly and thighs, yellowish-grey ; under tail-coyers bright sienna; 142-18 MM, adhere, 6. 1850 a. Menure supertia 4 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. tail grey, the barbs of the loose feathers appearing white ; bill, legs and feet, black. Entire length, 3.2; bill to forehead, 1.5; to gape, 1.9; wing, 10.3 to 5; tarsus, 4.1; tail to extremity of loose feathers, 1,9; outer feather, 1.6.5. In the structure of the tail, Menura alberti presents some ya- riations from that of the old species, the long lyre feather on the outside equalling the other feathers in length, is represented by one which is here the shortest. It is composed of very broad webs, loose but not separated, and on the inner there are slight indications of siemna bars. The next six feathers on each side are similar in Situcture, having wide separated barbs, but they are finer and shorter than in 1, superba. The two centre feathers are also of the same structure, and cross each other at the base; but the inner webs are broader, the outer rudimentary barbs stronger and placed more thickly ; the entire tail considerably shorter. 2 Above, crown, back of the neck and auriculars, blackish umber brown ; back, wings, rump and tail-covers, umber brown with a Unt of Sienna ; quills, dark blackish umber brown; tail cuneiform, ill the feathers with the barbs united, black, the twelve centre feathers tipped with reddish umber brown, centre feathers exceeding re others, pointed, crossing; onter webs broad, inner narrow at wet and gradually widening, umber brown. Beneath, nearly as Entire length, 2.5 to 6; tail to centre feathers, 1.5; central tail- athers exceed the others by about 3. Plumage downy, colours that of 2 more rufous on the crown ; a “tneiform, tipped with sienna; centre feathers not elongated. ntire length, 29.4 to 9, fo 143-19 i qeitee AAS arg ies Perey J =) Had See ised yale ai Anal. ue hi dee HAs duties us Sef Pisitl sea tis de 16-24 ose Ghia era oud a SW aopel-bdd Sud ed id Yn oreiin dives were BMS ; : . ; yet anaheim aoe rate dS tp istalans eset lt oe a co, Pg ee eee ee 35 etgtisee Ge aie ¥ opine oer ye eh rielitts rh teh bing absage seh hia So lee banal godig sedan bait ‘ge seks SOG a aie i nt ad aah eeute UO Lainie senor ‘p98 tt sis joetbe: “Sitint SBinirast sale yt r SOR EA CQ agead fil oor or es Far wi Lophophorus cnpeyanus Aarcrasca Megaopha, Mig WOO ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. LOPHOPHORUS IMPEYANUS — PURCRASIA MACROLOPHA. Drawines of the eggs of these two birds were forwarded to us by Mr. Blyth, for whom we believe they were procured by Captain Thomas Hutton, in whose valuable and interesting notes “ On the Nidification of Indian Birds” (Journ. Asiat. Soc. Beng. vol. xviii. pp. 3-681), we have the following short descriptions :— “These birds (Lophophorus impeyanus) do not occur so low down as Mussooree, but are found in abundance on the next range ; mn days of yore, they were found at Simla, but civilization has of late years banished them to the less disturbed localities. It makes no hest, but lays its eggs on the ground, the number not satisfactorily ascertained, as one nest contained three and another four eggs, of a bale brown or sandy hue, thickly sprinkled over with reddish-brown ‘pots and dashes. Diameter, 2} 142.” _ “For the eggs of this species (Purcrasia macrolopha) I am indebted to a friend who took them in June from the ground, where there were no other symptoms of a nest than a slight scratching ‘way of the leaves and grass. The eggs were five in number, of a Sandy brown, sprinkled over with specks and large spots, and blotches of deep red brown, resembling dried blood. Diameter, Ys 1y5.” a form and in the colouring, these eggs resemble those of the ; etraonide, which are generally marked with reddish or brown oe and blotches — not those of the Phasianide, where the form fee? and the colouring uniform and without markings. The Ings and colourings of the Capercailzie and Common Black ‘me of Europe (7. urogallus and tetriv) are very similar. 145, nb ¥ Sorter (vy wy SOL SMa? RAn TH 4nd a e fi , ; ott ate SMO cy meet tftp ett oe ‘enode wot . tee. at j te : 4 x * sade ‘giridae sdk hire oh laae eed we SE Gt Ei eBaioiks Bret Oia! Hodauss Pans oe SOUT lt ay ri ER ope i¥soltibin ea y tin s) ea) dole pak Oa a Dotaes shea ut gates T£ es pul filth whit bes ZURST atiil i an é att = est SHU A serious bie eotila hoe bopiltiw ovo beldiaiee EOE. only! der thurlE an Meee eee ltt patties te ante es 3 a Ht Gi molt mtd re paths} pts Lea? Letyb: sarehdess rf icisseta ae oe ain DAO. SRI pel ¥te Hiws Ty ar E ; Ais Yuan ety ret | ssid tS Beals Bara) qi the Dat a 1 Sw i A Nae avy int mA / Secrordes flumonioaps Lrrlon. 4 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. CHREBA NITIDA, Harrraves. Cereba nitida, Hartlaub in Rev. Zool. 1847, p. 84. — Gray, Gen. Birds, App. p. 5. Tuis beautiful little bird is thus described by Dr. Hartlaub :— “Nitide cyanea; alis, cauda, loris et gutture nigerrimis ; pedibus pallide flavis, rostro nigro. Resembles C. cerulea (Linn.), but differs, first, in its smaller ‘ue; secondly, in the length of the beak, which is 44 in C. nitida and 8 in C. cerulea; thirdly, in the different shade of the blue, vhich is brighter and without that violet tint which we see in 0. cerulea ; it is nearly the same as the blue of Ampelis cotinga ; ‘ourthly, in the greater extent of black on the throat.” Total length, 3.8; beak to front, i$; to gape, 5; wing, i.5; medial and external rectrices, 1.1; tarsus, 44. Dr, Hartlaub’s specimen was obtained in the north of Peru, brobably, however, on the east side of the Andes, for the one here ne was procured by Mr, E. Wilson, from the upper branches le Amazons.—H. E. Strickland. 147.2) ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. PAROIDES FLAMMICEPS, Burton. AQgithalus flammiceps, Burton in Proc, Zool. Soc. pt. iii. p. 153; Blyth in Journ. As. Soc. Beng, v., xvi. p. 444. — Diceum sanguinifrons, Hay in Journ. As. Soc. Beng. V., Xv. p. 44. Tus pretty little bird is interesting as furnishing an Asiatic example of the Africo-European genus, Paroides (digithalus, Vig.) of which only four or five species are known. Though generally classed with the Parine, its true affinities are as yet very uncel- tain. Mr. Blyth remarks, that it occurs in flocks, and frequents the branches of lofty trees. Mr. Hodgson does not appear to have met with it in Nepaul. Crown vivid orange red; hind head and upper parts, yellowish olive; wing-covers, remiges and rectrices fuscous, margined with yellowish-olive; chin orange red, passing into orange on the throat and breast, and into pale yellow on the lower parts; beak plum- beous, the margins pale; legs blackish. Total length, 5.3; beak to front, 3; to gape, 4; wing, 2.4; all the rectrices, 1.5; tarsus, 5. Habitat, India, Doon, Simla, and other north-west Himalaya? localities. —H, E. Strickland. 148-22 F NOTES AND CORRECTIONS. 4 NOTE ON THE RECTRICES OF VIDUA PARADISEA. (Conrris. Orn. 1850, p. 88.) Axour three months after my notice of the remarkable structure of the submedial rectrices of Vidua paradisea was printed, 1 was not a little surprised to find that this peculiarity had been long since described and figured by that exceedingly accurate observer, Brisson. In his Ornithologia, vol. iii. p. 123, after describing the submedial Par of rectrices, he adds, “‘ Ex alveolo & quo hee ultima rectrix oritur, gracillimum exit filum, rectricis longitudinem feré adequans, cui rectricis pinnularum exteriorum apices arcté coherent.” No description can be more exact than this *—and in his Plate viii. fig. 1, he hag correctly represented the attachment of these filaments to the web of the feather. One might have expected that so unique a ae would have induced Brisson to dilate a little regarding RG ne he was too dry a describer to indulge in any philosophic elections ; and this extraordinary structural phenomenon has ap- parently remained unnoticed by any subsequent observers, till a recent examination of a series of specimens from Cordofan drew ny attention to it. —H. E. Strickland. : * . . fea ea description, I have inadvertently stated, that the filament adheres to one atiouta the inner) side of the feather. On re-examining the specimens, I find that I have said “ generally the outer” side, conformably with Brisson’s statement. n y the Plate (lix.) fig. 1, a is the interior and b the exterior web.—H.E.8. 14g at Psi pe | sesterit’ TES AOE a - aRity ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. GRUS ANTIGONE. (Pace 19.) . A Lerrer received from Mr. Blyth has the following notes to his former communication upon the Cranes of India :— “Captain Tickell has since met with the true ‘Sara’s eggs, and acknowledges his former mistake in a letter just received.” “Grus leucogeranos is mentioned by Schlegel to occur in Bengal, though I never heard of it in any part of India except in Rajhastan, Where my friend Lieutenant James, lately assured me that he had repeatedly seen this conspicuous and unmistakeable bird, though he never succeeded in shooting one.” The following errata in this paper, chiefly in the spelling of the Proper names, should be corrected :— re 19, line 6 from bottom, for migratory, read non-migratory. 20, line 12 from top, for Churro, read Churrs. 20, line 17 from top, for Behary, read Behar. 22, line 14 from bottom, for district, read districts. 23, line 5 from top, for Gueret, read Guerat. 24, line 9 from bottom, for Jewer, read Jewar. ‘+ 24, line 12 from bottom, for Meerat, read Meerut. 25, line 19 from top, _ for green, read grain. 26, line 9 from top, for Gorackpore, read Gorakpur. 153 1G Pa eae hy (ao Hi wok Iepiena aren Has 3 ved ys ane) ‘2-52 Hoghy 1 ON h cae ae gout wl ogee Dist ooh Le Seer es Agar. gibteno ue syissat . THUY TOOSH) el Gaede aoad ee aayhobwuntln Pirie of topoliee sah haere bt ee acces i ae“ ohaeoke ihe 35 Wipg var ahh 4 jreniidh sorta Lalgoogy es nl hatha as bessieha yiodat:jeainal, Hapotien’ Sekt qa gion : pearls frid oiieadatehonl? bud taonsiqanny euld aoa thoreog ATER “ann wrboeds dt Dabasoane tet CRO ered Ak pa yittarollst oth 2 Fagtherios od hisaite noekae YOM “WERT nets Deer apiknngie it moto jah DB aaah Gh one te URRY Bs Ae ae oe of Keer 8 ROR tonsa oe int 1 OS PO eat: ANAM ch age negt Varad = pabaty f Pawo Hehe Aad aabcrt ils Shpog Nis “athaay aL rst (geal HEE RB Doe eit cliciiod aoe ae amet | Bp atest 18 YG: CINTA: cg eh eee ey pees ae set ognd ene CONTRIBUTIONS TO OR N 1 THO OGY FOR 1851. ; BY Sir WILLIAM JARDINE, Bart. F.R.S.E., F.L.8., ETC., ETC. EDINBURGH: W. H. LIZARS, 3, ST. JAMES’ SQUARE. LOND ; ON: REEVE & CO., 5, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN, 1852. CONTENTS. OrniTHoLoey in 1850... das a feed, gies Notornis mantelli Baleniceps rex oes sa te tee OrntrHotocican Nores sy H. E. SrrroKLAnp ts I. Onan hitherto unnamed species of Dacnis Il. Goldana capistratoides ... sverete S86 III. On the type of the genus Dulus, Véedl/. Novyrnie Crassirication pes Protners ov Pics, &ec. par M, Anrrep MaLHErse ted ON somz New Spxcres or Canuiste py Parsi L. Sctarer .,, ea ‘ee one C. virescens, Sclat. ... to C. chrysophrys, Sclat, Pomel Monacrarate prs Loxiens par Cu. L. Bonaparte et H. Scuineen ... “3 Rito) mabe Synopsts op ray Tanacrine Genus CaLiisTE, WITH Descriptions or New Srrcrms py Parr L. Sctaver .. 0... SOE geen! PPD : C.icterocephala, Bonap. 6 C. lunigera, Sclat. ... Ae eh see Ox Two New Sprrcres or Evrnonia, Desm., ALLIED To E. cntororioa py H. E. SrickuanDi. ++ RIPTION or some Nuw Srrcres AND A NEw Genus or Dexproconaptine by T. C. Eyton... Iuiustrations OF ORNITHOLOGY «ss tes Trochilus (Thalurania) verticeps, Gould Turdus aurantiirostris, Hartlaub 4. + Trochilus (Spathura) melananthera, Jard. ... Synopsis op THE Genus Evpsonta, with Dxscrip- TIons or New Species py Pariir L. ScuaTEr... Euphonia nigricollis, Vieill. ... E. py trhophrys, Selat. Plate Page iss 1 67 8 68 10 we 15, 103 15 72 16 103 , 17 Bae 21 69, fig. 1. 22 69, fig. 2. 24 7 27 ro 49 70, fig. 1. 53 70, fig. 2. 65 ise 71 3 75 “ns 79 71 79 72 80 80 111 5 81 75, fig. 1. 83 75, fig. 2. 89 li CONTENTS. OrnitHoLocicaL OssERYATIONS BY Pururp L, ScLaTER J. Remarks on Prince Canino’s Note, “ Sur les Tangaras” ... Tl. On the Genus Taare Bude Tanagrella calophrys, Cab. III. On the Genus Chlorochrysa, Bonap. C. calliparesa, Tschudi... C, phenicotis, Bonap. o IV. On the Genus Dacnis, Cwv., with ies scription of a New Species V. On a New Species of Manakin ; Piym flavicollis .. ; awe an GNATHODON Seaneceiam Jard. Scytatopus, Gould, 1836... S. fuseus, Gould S. albigularis, Gould ... S ae vas 8. undulatus, Jard. & Selby ... Te . S. albiventris, Menet. ... F Monoerars of tHe Owrs—Srriers. By Dr, T. T. Kaur ... a7) PET “3 eh Norzs on some Birps rrom THE River Ganoon 1N Wesr Arrica sy H. BE, Srricknanp ... Alcedo quadribrachys, Bonap. On a New Species or Musopnaca sy J. Goup Descriptions or Torre New Srecies or Hummine Brrps sy J. Gourp Hon Brrps or Western Arrica; Hirunpo corpont, Jard. ANA Ane OBSERVATIONS ON THE GENUS ScyTALOPUS BY THE Baron vr ta FREsnave... Ste NE tee Birps or Western Arrica; Conzrctions or Louis Fraser ... Cypsetus arrinis, Gray Descriprions or Two New Species or SyNALLAXIS sy T, C, Eyton . f f Forturr Nores on Birps rrom Taz River Ganoon in West Arrica sy H. E, Srrickzanp Plate 74 73, fig. 73, fig. 77 78 76, fig. 76, fig. 79 81 Page 93, 105, 143 93 97 98 99 99 100 105 143 118 115 116 116 17 118 119 131 134 137 139 141 145 151 157 ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. IN commencing another year of ‘Contributions,’ it may be of use to our readers to run shortly over what has been accomplished in Ornithology during the last twelve months in our own country. It isa remarkable fact, that although the working and scientific ornithologists of Great Britain can only rank comparatively as a small band, and that the science generally has not got into the circle of those considered fashionable, more Ornithological works of large size, and of an illustrated and expensive character, have been Patronised and published than in any other branch of Zoology, and it 's only in Botany where there has been any approach to it. What is the cause of this, and how are they supported? for they do not find their way into all the public libraries, and few private individuals “n afford them. Nevertheless, during the last thirty years, we have ada great mass of Ornithological works of unrivalled magnificence and fidelity of illustration, annually appearing and brought to a com- See We have only to state as examples, the British Birds of dine. Selby, Hsq., two folio yolumes of coloured plates ; Sir W. Jar- ie ae P. J. Selby’s Illustrations of Foreign Ornithology, begun f va when that branch had waned almost to extinction ; Au- ee " Birds of America, commenced under Edinburgh auspices, ose artists first recognised the merits of the ‘“‘ Woodman’s” Pengj] .* : il;* all the Government publications, from the Northern * ' Sin Sus the N, ee writing the above, we regret to observe the following announcement from ew York Herald :-— servedly Re IaFON THE ORNITHOLOGIST.—John James Audubon, the de- Tesidence on the res nae died in New York, on the 27th of January, at his © of seventy-ci S of the Hudson river, in 155th street. He had arrived at the “tong the ne “tx, and has gone down to the grave, leaving a name distinguished ‘entific men of every nation, a name earned by a steady perseverance ™ the beauti dgmen eta field of Ornithology, the cultivation of which demands fancy, taste, ih nea general love of nature.” ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. Zoology of Richardson and Swainson, to the Zoology of the Erebus and Terror, improperly permitted still to remain uncompleted; Fraser’s Zoologia Typica; Gray and Mitchell’s Genera of Birds; the extensive works of Mr, Gould, so successfully carried on for 4 long series of years, all these testify that patronage for works of this kind is not wanting while there are many other works of less pretension, which show us that a demand does exist, Still we con- sider the really working men are very limited; there are a, good many gentlemen scattered over the country who take an interest in Ornithology, particularly of any thing that may occur among our native birds, and there are a few sportsmen who preserve what occurs to themselves or their friends; but we mean, that there are very few who possess or are forming extensive general collections, or who, by keeping pace in their libraries or correspondence, are aware of the “ present state,” or what is daily adding to our knowledge. Lord Derby is an excellent patron of Ornithology, and whatever enters his large collection is at the service of science. Mr. Edward Wilson has made yery extensive collections for his brother in America, and which are kindly made available to before they leave this country. George Robert Gray continues suc cessfully to work out the resources of our great national collection ; but with Ourselves, Hugh E. Strickland, 'T. C. Eyton, and Mr. Gould, are almost if not solely, the only other persons actively engaged in this science. Three of the latter only, possess extensive and increasing general collections and libraries; but to these we hopé we may now add P, L. Sclater, of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, who has commenced his collection, and is now working out some groups with great exactness. Among the ornithological works now in progress, or that have been completed during the past year, those of John Gould may be stated as the most extensive and important. That gentleman com menced his career as an ornithologist many years since, and with the assistance of Mrs. Gould, an ornithological draftswoman of first rate eminence, completed the Birds of Himalaya, Birds of Eurep® the greater portion of the Birds of Australia, and several mon graphs, all in a style of excellence and completeness, that places them at the head of works of this class. During the present ye one of the previous monographs has been completed, another has been commenced, and an entirely new work has reached its se¢? 2 ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. part. The monograph completed by the publication of the third part, is that of the Odontophorine, or American Partridges, considered a few years since as forming a group of birds very limited in numbers, but which is found in the present work to con- tain thirty-five species, all of which are well figured and described on thirty-two plates, and at a price of eight guineas. The mono- graph which has been commenced, is that of the Trochilide or Humming Birds, of which one part only has been published. It is a subject of great extent, and at the same time of great interest. The figures which have been published are perhaps the most success- ful that Mr. Gould and his artist, Mr. Richter, have yet accom- plished, both in the delicacy of the drawing and the accessaries to the figures, and in the representation of the changing colours, which has been attempted by a particular process, both in the printing and colouring, The new work which Mr. Gould has undertaken, is the most important,in a general view, as it embraces the Ornithology of one of the quarters of the world, almost an entire zoological proyince, “The Birds of Asia.” ‘Tt is intended,” he writes in his prospec- tus, “ that the present work shall embrace the Birds of the Asiatic Continent only; to attempt to include in it the Ornithology of the Indian Archipelago, New Guinea, the Moluccas and the islands of the Southern Ocean, would be an act of temerity ; somewhere a line of demarcation must be drawn, and here the author will confine himself, not too rigidly, within the continental boundary. Many Species, common alike to India and Europe, and to India and Australia, have been already figured in his ‘ Birds of Europe’ and ‘Birds of Australia ;’ these of course will not be delivered to the Possessors of those works unless especially demanded at the close be less voluminous of the publication, and hence to them it will mK expensive than might be at first inferred from such a title as The Birds of Asia.’” two parts have been published during the past year, each con- taining seventeen plates, and in each a portion is more particularly devoted to the illustration of some particular genus, thus in Part I. Sitta is illustrated, in Part I. Nectarinia. The contents of these two parts are— ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. Parr I. Parr II. Falco jugger. Caprimulgus mahrattensts. Pitia nipalensis. Nyctiornis athertoni. cyanea. amictus. Pericrocotus solaris. Niltava grandis. —————-. erythropygius. sundara. Chrysophlegma flavinucha. macgregori@. Sitta formosa. Lophophorus impeyanus. cinnamoventris. Nectarinia ignicauda. castaneoventris. goalparensis. -—— leucopsis. ae vigorsit. himalayensis. — nipalensis. Cochoa viridis. Syrrhaptes tibetianus. purpurea. Pterocles exustus. Cissa pyrrhocyanea. — fasciatus. Fringilla burtoni. Glareola melanoptera. Yuna indica. Certhia nipalensis. Nucifraga multipunctata. C. himalayana. Of other illustrated works, the last part of the Zoology of Dr. Smith’s South African expedition, after a very long delay, has been published, and that work can now be obtained complete, the Om thology forming a thick volume, and a very important one to those working at species from that and other regions of Africa. We are sorry not to be able to announce the completion of another &0- vernment work, “ The Zoology of the Erebus and Terror.” ‘The plates to the wanting part of the Ornithology have been for 4 long time lithographed by Wolf, but we do not know what retards its publication. “A History of British Birds, by the Rey. F. 0. Monnis, BA» with an illustration of each species, accurately coloured,’ reached its ninth part. Each part contains four coloured plates, besides descriptive letterpress, the price one shilling. The “ Nests of Eggs of British Birds,’ upon the same plan, and by the same author, is also announced, so soon ag a sufficient number of sub- scribers have been obtained. rx, The concluding volume of the “Birds of Ireland,” by ipa Thomson, Esq., Belfast, will not come into the past year, though? is almost out of the printer’s hands. 4 4 ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. “A List of the Specimens of British Animals in the Collection of the British Museum, Part iii., Birds,” is one of those useful catalogues of the zoological contents of the great national collection, of which twenty-four parts have already appeared. This one, we are told in the introduction, has been prepared by Mr. George Robert Gray, the senior superintendent of the ornithological department, and a short extract from that portion of the work will best expla its objects, . “The principal object of the present catalogue has been to give a complete list of all the birds that have been recorded as found in Great Britain (should not and Ireland been added *), indicating at the same time those species that are contained in the collection, and pointing out those peculiarities as regards age, sex, habitat, and the source from which the specimens were obtained, which are mentioned after the specific name and its synonyma; while the localities of those species not contained in the collection are also tecorded.” From this catalogue we gain a knowledge of the extent of the collection of British Birds, the species admitted being under- Stood to be all British killed ; and we regret to learn from it, that there is a want of an instructive series of the different states, inci- dent to age and sex, while several of our common or easily obtained gs are nearly or altogether absent. As an example of this, ere is only one specimen of Sitia europea, Anthus arboreus, Muscicapa atricapilla, all easily procured. None of Regulus ‘IMcapillus or Anthus rupestris, the latter common around every Past of our shores, where the locality is suitable. Only a single Specimen of J'etrao tetriv, no female, No Uria ringuia, &., &e. a very trifling expense would easily render much more perfect this ‘partment of our ornithological collection.* re Birds and Wild Fowl, their Friends and Foes, by A. E. Knox, ia PLS. author of Ornithological Rambles in Sussea.— London, Sai dt its 1860,? Although not a book of Scientific Ornithology, ea hier this in our list of the year, as containing many notes in Taits of the manners of our natiye species ; and notwithstand- 8 that the habits of our British birds have been already pretty sgh : : alae habitat given for Scolopax brehmi, was “Jardine Hall,” and “ vicinity of : : len,” not “near Lockerby.” ; ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. strictly analyzed, something may now and then be gathered from new observers. It ig, however, more a book for the sportsman than for the ornithologist. “ Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, with Illustrations. Part u1., July to December 1849.” Three years since, it was thought, by the indefatigable secretary of the Zoological Society, that it would be for its welfare, and would tend also to relieve its “* trans- actions” from the mass of miscellaneous and shorter communica- tions that come before it, were its “proceedings” published in an illustrated form. The Proceedings of 1848 were accordingly pub- lished in three parts, including a notice of all that had come before the meetings between January and December in that year. They were illustrated by exceedingly beautiful plates, chiefly lithographic, and altogether formed a volume reflecting much credit upon 18 editor. The same plan was followed out in 1849, Parts 1. and Ul. being published in that year ; but Part 111. did not appear until the month of August, 1850, completing the second volume. For the year 1850, then, no Proceedings have yet at this date (February, 1851) been published.* Part of the Proceedings for 1849 having only come before the public in the by-gone year; we ought to notice. their contents, with the remark however, that a little exe! tion might have put us in possession of the papers communicated during the session of 1850. On New Species of Mammalia and Birds from Australia, by Joun Gout, E.B.S., F.ZS., &e., p» 109 See “ Ornithology of Section D of Contributions for 1850,” p. 92: A figure of both sexes of Ptilorhis victoric is given. Deserip- tion of Three New Species of Indian Birds, by Joun GouLp, F.RS. &e., p. 112, Ruticilla grandis, Yunx indica, and Sitta leucops —— On the Lorine genus of Parrots, Electus, with the Deseription of a New Species, Electus cornelia, by OuaRtns Lucian Prince Bo NAPARTE, F.M.L., F.ZS8., &e., &e., p. 142. Prince Bonaparte restricts Electus to three species, all from the Moluccan Islands —. puniceus, Gm., LE. grandis, Gm., and FE. cornelia, Bp. Specific descriptions, &c., are given of all; that for the last * * We have just (February, 1851), received Part L, January to April, 1850, of the Proceedings. his is exceedingly unfavourable to the Society. Names given to Oy species at their meetings in January 1850, and not ruBLisump until February 1861, cannot stand before those conferred in the interval, 6 ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. “Ei. coccineus, dorso alis caudaque purpureo-fusiscentibus ; margine alarum remigibusque apice cyaneis ; tectricibus inferioribus rubro cyaneoque variis ; abdomine erisso, et cande apice, rubris concoloribus ;” a figure is given, pl. x. Notice of « Hybrid Crowned-pigeon, hatched in the menagerie, by D. W. Mrrouetn, Sec. Z.S., &e., &., p. 170; figures of the young birds newly hatched are given. The Annals and Magazine of Natwral History, including Zoology, Botany, and Geology. Vols. v. and vi. Second Series, On the Occurrence of Charadrius virginiacus, Borkh. at Malta, by H. E. Srrickxanp, Esq., M.A., F.G.S., p.40. ‘The occurrence of this species in Malta is given on the authority of letters from Captain Drummond, 42d Regiment, in 1846. The specimens were afterwards seen by Mr. Yarrell, who considered them identical with C. virginiacus, which has almost a cosmopolite distribution, while C. plucialis is restricted. The for- mer is not mentioned in the latest accounts of the Ornithology of Malta, Sicily, or Greece. Natural History of Ireland, Birds, Vols. i. and ii., by Wini1am Tomson, Esq., Belfast, a review of, p. 218. — Descriptions of some New Species of Birds of the Family Caprimul- fide, by Joun Cassin, p. 30. An Extract from the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, vol. iv. P. 236. The species described are Hydropsalis limbatus and segmen- talis; Anthrostomus seviceocoudatus, all from South America. In "oceedings of Zoological Society, of a date nearly twelve months Previous (February, 1849), printed in this volume, we have De- “ription of a New Species of Parrot, Psittaous (it is a@ Pionus) rippellii, p. 77, —* Uniform dark-bronze colour, with the lesser and under wing-coyerts bright yellow; the feathers on the thighs, orange-yellow; length, 9.6; bill from gape, io; wing, 5.6; tail, sh tarsi, 6. Habitat, river Nunez.” Description of a New Pectes of Nuteracker, Nucifraga multipunctata, by Joun Gourd, F.R.8.L., ca P- 134, It is from Simla in India, and is described from a Pitas in the Museum of Philosophical Society of York. itm of a Peculiarity of Structure observed in the Aorta of the Wild th ‘an, by Joun Davy, M.D., F.R.S.E. and L., p. 139. Under © title “ Ipswich Museum,” p. 147, is given in the substance of a Setar delivered by Professor Owen, at the anniversary meeting, On Gigantic Birds of New Zealand, and Geographical Distribution “i Animals, — On a new species of the genus Glareola, G. nuchalis, ‘ « ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. also on a new species of the genus Oultriodes, C. rujipennis, by J.R. Gray, F.LS., &e., p. 224. The only original ornithological communication in vol. vi., eX- clusive of a notice or two in the Miscellanea, is Supplementary Notices regarding the Dodo and its Kindred, No. 9, by H. E. Srrickianp, M.A., F.Z.S., p. 290; these notices forming a sup- plement of the information received from various sources since the publication of the work on “ The Dodo and its Kindred,” by Mr. Strickland and Dr. Melville, haye been printed in “ Contributions for 1850,” p. 123; and copies on thin paper have been distributed by post in quarters abroad, where information may be expected to be derived. The Zoologist, a popular miscellany of natural history, 0 ducted by Epwarp NewmaN, F.L.S.,Z.S., &c., has reached yolume eighth, and contains many ornithological notices, particularly of the occurrence of the rarer species of this country. They are in fact 5° numerous, that nothing short of an index could give an idea of them; but the subjects in the yolume haye the advantage of being class fied, and the departments therefore are easily looked over. In the “Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of Lot don,” edited by the Assistant Secretary, we have “ Notice of ihe Remains of the Dinormis and other Birds,” recently collected by Mr. Walter Mantell, in the Middle Island of New Zealand, by Gipron A. Mantent, Esq., LLD., &., yol. vi. p. 319. The state- ment which Dr, Mantell made to the British Association in Bdit- burgh, of the probability of a skin of one of the supposed extinct birds forming part of a collection dispatched by his son (Contrib. 1850, p. 87), caused its arrival to be watched with considerable interes On the arrival of the collection, the existence of the Notornis ¥%* proved to be correct, a skin of the bird having been procured by Mr. W. Mantell from some sealers in Dusky Bay, who perceiviN its tracks upon the snow, had pursued and captured it alive wi the assistance of their dogs. It was kept alive for some days, 2” afterwards killed and eaten by the crew, Mr. Mantell being fort” nately in time to rescue the skin. Since its arrival in this count’: -it has been exhibited before the Zoological Society, and identified bY 8 ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. Professor Owen with the supposed fossil bones formerly described by that anatomist; and Mr. Gould has made a lithograph figure of the size of life, which will be published almost immediately in anew number of the ‘* Jcones Avium.” Dr. Mantell would not trust the specimen out of London, and we therefore at the time mnissed the opportunity of examining the skin; but Mr. Gould has permitted us to make an outline from his plate, which will con- vey some idea of the form; this is mechanically reduced to one- fourth the size of the original. Twenty pounds were offered for the skin by the British Museum, and afterwards twenty-five by a private Individual, but both were refused, and the specimen is now stuffed, and placed in a glass shade in Dr. Mantell’s drawing-room, where he kindly allows it to be seen by visitors. We had the satisfac- tion of seeing the specimen a few days since, and can speak to the accuracy of the figures we have reduced, with one exception. The form and texture of the wing is the remarkable character of the seius. ‘This, as represented, is short and much rounded, and it was Stated to be of a soft texture. So far as we could observe, without handling the specimen, the quill-feathers are soft, loose and flexile, they would be scarcely capable of raising or sustaining a bird of so heavy a form, and could only aid the running powers, which Were mentioned to be very swift, and are a remarkable carry- tg out of the wing-structure of the New Zealand birds. In the figure, this flexile texture is not sufficiently expressed, and neither Mr. Gould’s plate, nor our reduction from it, convey the idea of that structure. We have great hopes that some of those other Sigantic birds, hitherto considered as only fossil, will still be dis- Covered. All our information tends to show, that at a compara- tively very late period, these birds have existed ; and we do not know | ow lately whalers and sealers may have been feasting on the last of these remarkable creatures, without any one near to rescue ven a mutilated bone or feather. The following extract from the ardeners’ Chronicle of last year bears upon this subject. “ We find the following in a recent number of the Sidney Herald. If t. Taylor can be relied on, this bird may probably be still dis- “overed alive, as Europeans advance into the southern island of New Zealand. In the second number of the New Zealand Magazine, and in a paper by the Rev. R. Taylor, on the Geology of New Zealand, is the following statement :—‘ Mr. Meurant, employed by ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. the Government as native interpreter, stated to me, that in the latter end of 1813, he saw the flesh of the Moa in Molyneaux Harbour. Since that period he has seen feathers of the same kind in the natives’ hair. They were of a black or dark colour, with a purple edge, having quills like those of the albatross in size, but much coarser. He saw a Moa bone which reached four inches above his hip from the ground, and as thick as his knee, with flesh and sinews upon it. The flesh looked like bull beef. The slaves, who were from the interior, said that it was still to be found inland. The natives told him, that the one whose flesh he had seen was a dead one, which they had found accidentally. That they had often en- deavoured to snare them, but without success. A man named George Pauley, now living in Foveaux Straits, told him he had seet the Moa, which he described as being an immense monster, standing about twenty feet high. He saw it near a lake in the interior. It ran from him, and he also ran from it. He saw its footmarks before he came to the river Fairi and the mountains, Thomas Chapeland, the man who interpreted for Meurant, was well ac- quainted with the Maori language. He also saw the flesh, and at first they thought it was human,’ ”’ ‘As our acquaintance with the birds of the southern hemisphere and with the less known islands increases, we shall in all probability gain more information respecting the “ wingless birds” as they have been termed, and be able better to trace the modifications of that remarkable ornithic deviation, where the important and charac teristic organ is either abortive or rendered incapable of its fun¢ tions by a peculiarity of structure. The attention of the Linnza? Society was lately called by Mr. Westwood to the existence of 4 _* wingless bird” on Lord Howe’s Island, situate between New Holland and Norfolk Island. Here Captain Poole, of the East India Company's service, discovered the bird in question. It 8 about the size of a rail, and was considered good eating by the settlers, A note from Mr. Westwood, since received, states, that specimens had reached Sydney, and might soon be expected in this country. If we except the Notornis already mentioned, and the singular bird from Africa lately described by Mr. Gould, under the name ° Baleniceps, there has been no great additions made to our ornitho- logical knowledge or collections during the past year. Some very 10 wot eed : CO a ia ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. interesting and beautiful species were procured by the Rattlesnake, on her surveying voyage around the north coast of New Holland, and these have been noticed in our account of the Ornithology of Section D, of British Association (Contrib. 1850, p. 85); so also in our last part was Menura alberti described (Contrib. 1850, p. 142-18). We have mentioned the traces received of the existence of a wingless bird in Lord Howe’s Island, and the existence of a large bird in the interior of Madagascar has almost been proved by the exhibition of its egos at a recent scientific meeting in Paris. “At yesterday’s sitting, M. Geoffrey St. Hilaire presented the bones and eggs of a huge bird, a native of Madagascar. Two of the egos are entire but the other is broken. It is calculated, from the measurement made, that each of them can contain eight litres of liquid, or as much as six ostrich eggs, or 148 hen eggs. M. Feofirey St. Hilaire supposes this gigantic bird to be a perfectly distinct genus. He has given to the genus the name of Zpyornis, and to the species that of maaima. The remains exhibited yes- terday were last year obtained at Madagascar, by a merchant “aptain, named Abadie, and by him sent to the Isle of Reunion ind thence to France.” — Galignani.* The remarkable bird described by Mr. Gould under the name of eters red, was procured by Mr. Mansfield Parkins, during an othe a to the White Nile, along with a considerable collection of rds, which have been placed in Mr. Gould’s hands to describe. Saye an opportunity lately of examining the specimen con- daar to be a male (both sexes were procured), and noted down rye Owing description. The accompanying outlines will give © idea of the form and proportions of the bill. (See Pl. 68.) © Specimen is, above, uniformly of a brownish-gray, of a i and bluer tint on the scapulars, secondaries, quills and sie ibe: the tint is much paler, the feathers on the breast Pie and darker in the centre, and those of the flanks having mature iy ins and conspicuous. The specimen certainly is in im- full te not perfectly full plumage, and it is probable, that in the coloutin e dress, the upper parts will a good deal resemble the ina : ‘. 0 Ardeola virescens and its allies. On the occiput, which dee ieee furnished with a comparatively short tufted crest, ‘rs of a darker and fresher bluish tint are making their eep . We sh; * uu all print the entire account given in the Comptes Rendus in our next part. ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. appearance; on the lower part of the neck and back, new lanceo- late feathers are appearing of the dark bright reflected green of A. virescens, bordered with a clear narrow pale margin. Some of the scapulars are coming in of the same colours, and we have little doubt, that the whole back, when in a perfect state, will exhibit this plumage. The seapulars are broad but lengthened, reaching nearly to the rump; the secondaries are long, slightly exeeeding the quills, and at the ends pliant and hanging over; the quills are heron-like, the third longest, and are of that opaque (both above and below) gray so peculiar in the family; extreme tips of quills black; the entire wing is that of a heron, but with an infusion of crane-like structure in the secondaries and covers. ‘The tail exhibits nothing peculiar, is square and as in the Herons, it indicates by the young feathers that it would also be of the dark green colour of the adult upper part. Underneath, the plumage does not present any peculiarities; but upon the breast where the feathers are lanceolate, we have many new ones appearing, haying a dark centre and broad pale edges, which would exhibit a more variegated plumage when perfected than that which now clothes it. . The very extraordinary bill which has influenced Mr. Gould in his views of its affinity, slightly recedes upon the forehead, the mandible has a very strong central keel, projecting in the fore part upo” the inside of the palate, and terminating by a very powerful hook, evidently intended as a formidable weapon in seizing its prey. The sides of this part are dilated, and though externally showing 1° inequality, are found on the inside to be strengthened by 4 strong eleyated rib, bordering each side a short distance from the edge. The nostrils are high, nearly close to the edge of the keel, covered with a membrane or skin, not situate in the groove by He side of the keel as in the Pelicanide; a bare space extends from the base to’ the anterior edge of the eye, and to the gape. me maxilla is formed of two powerful rami, the cutting edges shea ing in the mandible. ‘The tongue unfortunately had been remoy” The wide space between the rami of the maxilla would seem at * to indicate a pouch; but we do not perceive or consider that there is any, or any power of dilitation or distention beyond what We" be warranted by their wide form, certainly none such as We de in the true pelicans, or in Sula or Carbo. In the true Eehiow n also, the opening of the larynx is far advanced upon the palate, ! 12 ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. Baleniceps it must be beyond the line of the base of the bill, as it had been cut away. ‘The legs are not long in proportion to the size, but the toes are lengthened and are completely destitute of ay connecting web or membrane; the hind toe is articulated on the same plane as the others, and rather upon the inside or inclin- ing inwards, which Mr. Gould considers as indicating the pelicanoid form of a grallatorial foot. Entire length of specimen . —. ‘ 2 52. Of wing to longest quill . . ¢ oe Bill to extremity of gape . F . 9.8. »» to base or division from bare facial skin 9.3. » to eye, centre of F ' j ; 10. Depth of upper mandible at base j : 3.5. Depth of bill at base of ramus of under maxilla 5. Breadth of bill above at widest part ¥ 4.3. Entire length of leg from knee to plane of toes 25.5. ‘Bare part of tibia, outside ’ J : 5. sd ” inside . > . . 6. Length of tarsus : : ; F : 155. Of toes, outer. : ; \ j : 6.3. » centre . ; : j ; - 8. » inner . j i . : 3 To. \ “ehmdy )s : ‘ 4 ; ; 5. Tn our own country, to judge from the pages of the Zoologist, Mee Tare visitants have occurred. Among these, it seems ascer- ined, pp. 2650 and 2734, that the American Gray Shrike has ven killed in Warwickshire and one or two other places. The ae Smith, Monquhitter, mentions a specimen of the Pied Fly- vs er killed near Brackly Castle, Aberdeenshire, and of the Wood- ; i oS the Plantations of Duff House in Banfishire— this being reaig ze Roticed occurrence in Scotland. Another curious subject which ed im the same yolume, is the unusual number of Waxwings Ssh *ppeared in 1849-50. The direction of the flights was from trictg nae and the principal localities the eastern or coast dis- Suffolk z urham and Yorkshire on the north, and of Norfolk, ae ssex and Kent on the south. They were observed from z er, 1849, to March, 1850, January haying been the prin- ¢ ORNITHOLOGY IN 1850. cipal month of their appearance, and during which no fewer than 429 are recorded having been killed; while during the whole time they were observed, 586 specimens were known to have been ob- tained—a most useless slaughter. We are glad to observe the form of the tail in the Snipes is beginning to attract attention; and we shall ascertain soon what is the extent of the variation, and whether S. brehmi is a good species, The bird mentioned, p. 2073, only differed in the proportion of the length of the tail-feathers, and is not stated to possess sixteen as S. brehmi should do. 14 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. By H. E, STRICKLAND. I. ON AN HITHERTO UNNAMED SPECIES OF DACNIS. DACNIS MELANOTIS, Strickland. Tus Species was long since figured in Buffon’s Planches Enlu- minées, pl. 669, but has never yet received a specific name which can be logically retained. By older authors it was regarded as a Variety of their Certhia or Dacnis cayana. Mr. Gray was the first ‘0 distinguish it specifically; but he erroneously applies to it the imhean specific name cayana, and has moreover figured its head. under the name of D. cyanocephala, The two species may be thus distinguished no 1. Daenis cayana (Linn). Ph cayanensis coerulea, Briss. Orn., vol. iii. p. 534, pl. 28, Blue Manakin, Edwards’ Birds, pl. 263, fig. inf. Pines cayana, Linn, Syst. Nat., vol. i. p. 336. ylvia viridis, Briss. Orn., vol. iii. p. 581, pl. 28, fig. 4. Aotacilte cyanocephala, Gm. Syst. Nat., vol. i. p. 990. ringilla ceerulea, Koelruter in Nov. Com, Petr., vol. xi. p- 434, vi 15, fig. 6, ah cyanomelas, Gm. Syst. Nat., vol. i. p. 924. vd h arinia bicolor, Becklemichew in Nouv. Mém. Soc. Mosc., "1: p. 878, pl. 23, aenis bicolor, Gray, Gen. Birds, sp. 5. ectarinia cyanocephala, Swains. Zool. Ul., ser. i. pl. 117. fig, so cyanocephala, Gray, Gen. Birds, sp. 2 (nec plate 34, 15 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. Daenis cyanater, Less. Traité Orn., p. 458. Blue; front, chin, throat, upper back, wings and tail, black; remiges and wing-covers edged with blue. Habitat. Brazil, Cayenne (?) 2. Dacnis melanotis, Strickland. Pitpit bleu de Cayenne, Buff., Pl. Enl. 669, figs. 1, 2. Sylvia cayana, y., Lath. Ind. Orn., p. 546. Dacenis cayana, Gray, Gen. Birds, sp. 1. Daenis cyanocephala, Gray, Gen. Birds, pl. 34, fig. 2. Blue; front, cheeks, ear-covers, sides of neck, upper back, wings and tail, black; middle of belly and lower tail-covers, white. Habitat. Cayenne (?), Demerara. GOLDANA CAPISTRATOIDES. ConrTriB. Orn. 1849, p. 128. Tuts bird should have been called Drymocotaphus capistratoides. It is incorrectly stated that the bird “ belongs to Mr. Blyth’s genus Goldana,” whereas the latter word was not coined by Mr. Blyth, but by Mr. G. R. Gray, in the first edition of his “ List of va Genera of Birds,” 1840, p. 25, as a synonyme of Brachyptery Horsfield, on the alleged ground that the latter word was pre occupied in entomology. This, however, was a mistake, the name Brachypterya not having been repeated in any other department ° zoology, if we may trust Agassiz’s Nomenclator Zoologicus. - [ Gray seems to haye perceived this error, as in his two later editions of the “ Genera of Birds,” he restores the name Brachyptery” ag omits his name Goldana altogether ; consequently the latter pame should not have been applied to the species nigrocaptiata 0 capistratoides, which belong to a distinct generic type from ar chypteryx montana, and I would therefore substitute the gener name, Drymocotaphus, which Mr. Blyth has proposed —4- a fEEL “LOT Beer nee PEELS ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. Nouvelle Classification des Picinées ow Pics, devant servir de base a une Monographie de ces Oiseaua Grimpeurs, accompagnie de planches peintes. Par M. Alfred Malherbe. 8yo. Metz, July, 1850. ATER several years devoted to the study and classification of the family of Picidee, M. Malherbe has issued the above pamphlet as a kind of Prodromus to the monograph which he intends to publish of the entire family. He here gives us his definitions of the genera, and the names and synonymes of a few illustrative species of each genus, and adds such critical observations as appear necessary. Before referring to the arrangement of M. Malherbe, we must make afew remarks on his nomenclature. And here we regret to find, that in a work intended as a permanent authority for the study of Picidee, the author should have boldly discarded the whole of the Seneri¢ names previously established, except two, and substituted an entirely new terminology of his own. He says, “ To avoid the confusion caused by the creation of new genera, which are perhaps too numerous in Ornithology, I have thonght it useful to adopt a termination which has the great advantage of reminding us of the lmn@an genus, of which these genera are subdivisions. Thus, all NY genera of Picidce, with four toes, are indicated by the termina- i Picos or picus, and those with three toes, by the termination Prcoides,” 3 At the time — some eighty year's ago — when naturalists first began to add to, or to subdivide the genera of Linneus, it might ‘ve been worth considering whether the principle adopted by M. alherbe was attainable in practice, and whether the memoria technica which it afforded, was sufficiently valuable to justify the nae 2. Such sesquipedalian words as it would frequently produce. ut it is vain to hope for any such symmetrical system of nomen- ee now, when some 20,000 generic names have been introduced rice ee ; and if it cannot be uniformly adopted throughout the ceptio animal kingdom, why are we to be expected to make an ex- n In favour of one family of birds? The only safe principle to , the ose W in zoological nomenclature, is the law of priority, rigidly ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. carried out. Hight years ago, the British Agsociation issued a code of rules based upon this great principle. These rules have since been translated, discussed, and substantially adopted by the most eminent naturalists of France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Ame- rica, and it is therefore to be regretted, that so meritorious a 200- logist as M. Malherbe should have departed from them. For some reason which he does not explain, the author spoils the uniformity even of his own nomenclature, by using in some cases the termination picos, and in others picus. The termination picos cannot, in any case, be used in zoology ; Jjirst, because there is n0 such word in the Greek language as noc; and, secondly, because, if there were, it would become picus when adopted into the Latin form employed in zoology. The rules for Latinising Greek words are. short and simple, and had the author followed them, he would not have issued such a word as Phaiopicos, but would have written it Pheeopicus ; still less would he have given us a word half French and half Latin, in the case of Colombpicus, when it might have been so easily made into Columbpicus. It will be useful to enumerate the nineteen genera of Picide adopted by M. Malherbe; and we will at the same time add the Synonymous generic names which are equivalent to his, and which, on the ground of priority, ought to be retained. In thus making a concordance between his system and that of others, we do not imply that the previously formed genus is in each case exactly coincident in extent or in definition with his a but merely that the Malherbian genus includes the type-speci © the previous author, whose generic name must therefore be regard as synonymous with it, and be retained accordingly. 1. Megapicos, Malh. = Campephilus, Gray, 1840. Type, @ pr cipalis (Linn.) 2. Dryopicos, Malh., Section I. = Dryocopus, Boie, 1826. TyP® D. martius (Linn.) 1837 » Section II. = Hemilophus, Swains., Type, H. mackloti (Wagler.) ‘of 3. Picus, Linn., Malh. = Picus, Linn., 1735. Type, P. ™4 (Linn.) F 4. Picoides, Lacep., Malh. = Picoides, Lacep., 1799- il P. tridactylus (Linn.) 18 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. 5. Micropicos, Malh. = Hemicercus, Swains., 1837. Type, H. concretus (Temm.) 6. Celeopicos, Malh. — Celeus, Boie, 1831. Type, C. flavescens, (Gm.) 7. Phaiopicos, Malh. = Meiglyptes (more properly Miglyptes), Swains., 1837, Type, M. tristis (Horsf.) 8. Dendropicos, Malh. = Dendrobates, Swains., 1887. Type, D, fulviseapus (Licht.) 9. Mesopicos, Malh. — This is an original genus of M. Malherbe’s. The type-species is MZ. goertan (Gm.) This genus is included by Swainson and Gray in Dendrobates, but M, Malherbe separates it on the ground of its having the external toes nearly equal (in his Dendropicos, the hinder one is commonly longest), the fourth, fifth, and sixth remiges longest (in Dendropicos, the third, fourth, and fifth are longest), and in the plumaye being plain olivaceous (in Dendropicos it is spotted or banded). These characters seem to ws barely sufficient for generic separation. 10. Indopicus, Malh, = Chrysocolaptes, Blyth, 1843. Type, 0. sultaneus (Hodgs.) ll, Brahmapicus, Malh. = Brachypternus, Strickland, 1841. Yee, B. aurantius (Linn.) r 12. Chloropicoides, Malh. — Tiga, Kaup, 1836. Type, T. tri- aetyla, (Swains.) : 13. Chloropicos, Malh., Sections 1, II. = Geeinus, Boie, 1831. Ye, G, viridis (Linn) 1837 Sa Section IIL. = Chloronerpes, Swains., 4 Type, ¢. rubiginosus (Swains.) mae Chrysopicos, Malh., Section I. Campethera, Gray, 1841. 3Pe, C. brachyrhyncha (Swains.) 183] pet Oe Section II. = Chrysoptilus, Swains., : " 6 ype, C. punctigula, Bodd. 5s ‘olombpicus, Malh. = Leuconerpes, Swains., 1837. Type, a mintcanus (Vieill.) Type, yf mnevicos, Malh., Sect. I.— Melanerpes, Swains., 1831. 7a: erythrocephalus (Linn.) Section IL. = Tripsurus, Swains., 1837, abs é flavifrons (Vieill.) 's Zebrapic " rai , Tolinug (Linn) us, Malh. = Centurus, Swains., 1837. Type, C. ca- 19 _— Sees: ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. 18. Linneopieus, Malh.— An original genus, of which L, her- minieri (Lesson) is the type. It seems closely allied to Melaner- pes, especially to M. torquatus. The following are the characters assigned to Linneopicus'— “ Beak long, pointed, and a little curved; the sides compressed. Lateral grooves hardly visible on the upper mandible. Chin covered with small hair-like feathers, as far as the symphysis , (échanerure), which extends half the length of the beak from the rictus. Fourth and fifth remiges longest and almost equal; sometimes the fourth or fifth exceeds the other, but very slightly; the third differs little from the two last mentioned. Tail long, graduate. Anterior outer toe longer than the posterior outer toe. No crest. Quills of remiges and rectrices blackish. Neither sex has any moustache or band on the lower jaw.” 19. Geopicos, Malh., Section I. = Colaptes, Swains., 1827. Type. C. auratus (Linn.) Section II. = Geocolaptes, Swains., 1837. Type, G. olivaceus (Lath.) From the above summary, it appears that though M. Malherbe has introduced seventeen new generic names, only two of these are new or original genera. All the remaining generic groups had “pape long since recognised by other authors, their definitions drawn "P with more or less exactness, and their type-specics permanently determined. But though the chief generic subdivisions of the Picil” were thus already prepared to M. Malherbe’s hand, this gentlema"* labours are not the less to be commended, for the diligence As which he has investigated and generalized the characters of a groups, and determined the generic position of the numerous spec of this family. — H. EZ. 8S, 20 ON SOME NEW SPECIES OF CALLISTE. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, Esa. I Have been lately attempting to form a collection, and arrange 48 complete a synonymy as lay in my power, of the Tanagride, of which family a vast number of new species have been recently described ; and particularly of the genus termed, not inappro- Priately, Calliste, the most splendidly coloured group of the whole *eries. Among these I find three unnamed species, very closely allied to the Tanagra punctata of Linneus, and forming with that a small section of the genus Calliste, which I now proceed to describe. The whole number of species of this genus that I am now ac- uainted with is about forty-four, including certain aberrant forms, denominated Procnopis by M. Cabanis, but which I cannot at pre- =o determine to be sufficiently distinct to warrant generic separa- on, Mrs. Strickland has been go kind as to draw figures of two of the new species here described ; of the third I shall attempt as clear a ‘eseription as possible, giving at the same time, for the sake of com- nid the specific characters of the only previously recognised Species of the group. ; CALLISTE PUNCTATA, Liyy. T Re ke: mee Viridis indica punctulata, Brisson, Orn. vol. iii. p. 19, Tanagra punctata, date Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 316; Desmarest, Hist. Nat. des Tang. pl. 8 and 9, — iste punctata, Gray's Genera; Edwards, pl. 262; Pl. Enl. 133, fig. 1. se Calliste supra viridis, nisi in dorso inferiore, nigro punctata ; Mirai: ; Pennis caudaque nigris viridi limbatis ; subtus flavescenti- A gutture pectoreque nigro punctatis, rostro pedibusque nigris. ON SOME NEW SPECIES OF CALLISTE. Long. tota, 4.5; penne, 3.5. $ Minor, punctis minoribus et levioribus. Long. tota, 4.1; penne, 3.3, Habitat in Cayana et Demerara. 3 Above, green; head, neck, and upper back, spotted with black; lores black; wings and tail, black, edged with green; -beneath, yellowish white; throat and breast spotted with black; beak aud feet black. Whole length, 4.5; of wing, 2.5. 3 Smaller; spots smaller and lighter. Whole length, 4.1; of wing, 3.3. Inhabits Cayenne and Demerara. This bird, of which I give a description for the purpose of com- parison with the following three, newly described, was first noticed by Brisson as “ Tangara viridis indica maculata.” Linnas; quoting this description, and associating with it Edwards’ figure of the “ Parus maculatus,” formed hence his Tanagra punctala. Buffon’s figure, Pl. Enl. 133, fig. 1, also represents this spect’: and Desmarest has figured both sexes in his Histoire Naturelle des Tangaras. It appears to be a common bird in Cayenne and Dem’ rara, from which country I have seén many specimens. CALLISTE VIRESCENS, Scrater. Pate xix. Fie. 1. Tangara tacheté de Cayenne, Pl. Enl. 301, fig. 1. : seek P HLM re Calliste supra subtasque ‘viridis, maculis paucis nigris pect? et gutture notata; dorso medio viridi-cceruleo ; alis caudaque ig eodem plumbeo-ceruleo limbatis ; -rostro pedibusque nigrescentib® Long. tota, 4.6; penne, 9.23. Habitat in Cayana. sh a Above and below green, slightly spotted on the breast faint black medial speck on each feather; middle of the bs” between the wings, greenish blue, which also forms the “ee of the otherwise black feathers of wings and tail; bill and blackish, 22 ON SOME NEW SPECIES OF CALLISTE. Whole length, 4.6; wings, 2.23. Inhabits Cayenne. I believe the bird figured Pl. Enl. 301, fig. 1, and which has hitherto been confounded with the true C. punctata (Linn.), to be of this species, of which I have two specimens, bought at a London dealer’s, There is a similar one at the British Museum, and I have also seen one other. 1 believe them all to be in a somewhat imma- ture state, from the general appearance of their plumage. I should suppose that the adult bird would show more yellow beneath. The present bird may be readily distinguished from the three affine species, by the comparative absence of spots, the leaden-blue of the back, wings, and tail, and the smaller size of the beak. It is the smallest of the four species here described. CALLISTE XANTHOGASTRA, Scrater. 3 Calliste supra viridis, nisi in dorso inferiore, nigro punctata ; loris atris; caudd, pennis, et spatio inter alas nigris, laté corules- centi-viridi limbatis; infra flavo-viridis, maculis in pectore nigris ; Ventre medio flayo, lateribus virescentibus; mandibula inferiore albicante ; superiore pedibusque nigricantibus. Long. tota, 4.6; ale, 5.43. Habitat Rio Negro. uneeet green, spotted on head and neck with black ; lores black ; Weer wings, and space between them, black, the feathers black Y margined with bluish-green. Below, yellowish-white, with ish. Spots on the breast; belly in the middle yellow, sides green- > Upper mandible and feet black, lower whitish. hole length, 4.6; wing, 2.43. Inhabits Rio N wen 4 Fe Pes wo to Mr. Edward Wilson for the loan of this bird, With othe Verreaux of Paris received from the Rio Negro along allied vo new and rare species of the same genus. It is closely co el the following species, C. chrysophrys, Sclater, but the we ae beneath is bright yellow instead of white, and the black aha aiken less conspicuous. The colour which lines the wing = eathers is also more of a bluish tinge, and not so bright as ON SOME NEW SPECIES OF CALLISTE. in C. chrysophrys ; and there are no traces of that golden hue on the front and superciliary feathers, whence the latter species takes its name, CALLISTE CHRYSOPHRYS, Scrarer. PuaTe LxIx. Fig. 2. Spotted Emerald Tanager, Lath. Gen. Hist. vi. p. 19. Calospiza punctata, Wiegm. Arch. 1844, p. 286.? . » y Tschudi, Fauna Peruana, p. 203.? Calliste supra leté viridis, capite summoque dorso nigro maci- lata; loris atris; fronte, genis, superciliisque aureis ; remigibus secondariis tectricibusque nigris, late cwruleo-viridi marginatis ; primariis caudique nigris yiridi limbatis ; subtis cerrulescentt- candicans, punctis rotundis in pectore nigrig; ventre medio criss0- que flavicantibus, lateribus yirescentibus: cauda infra cerulescente, pennis fuscis; pedibus et rostro nigris, mandibulé inferiore albo notata. Long, tota, 5.6; ale, 3.8, : Habitat in Columbia, Venezuela, et insula Trinidad. Above, golden green, passing into golden-yellow on front and supercilia, spotted, principally between the wings, with black ; ai black ; secondaries and tertials broadly edged with bright greenish- blue; tail black, edged with the same green as the back ; breast bluish-white, with conspicuous round black spots ; belly yellowish: sides green; tail below bluish, wings dusky; feet and beak black; lower mandible crossed with a white stripe. Whole length, 5.6 ; wing, 3.8, Inhabits Columbia, Venezuela, and Trinidad. | I have little doubt that I am correct in quoting the wae synomyme as belonging to this species, though M. Tschudi does " say any thing of the golden yellow of the front and supercilil™, which are very bright in the adult birds. The specimen here aie was sold to me by Mr. Cuming, as having been brought from an by Mr. Bridges, but I believe it nevertheless to be a Venezue™ ¢ E : H “og froul specimen, from its resemblance to another skin of this spectes 24 / Cilleitde viedcens, Jelalee. 1p.59 © Callisto eberysophiys Jelater- ON SOME NEW SPECIES OF CALLISTE. that locality. I have likewise skins of the same bird from Trinidad and Santa Fé de Bogota, and Mr. E. Wilson has lent me one from Anolaima; itis also from New Grenada. In the British Museum are examples brought by Mr. Dyson from Venezuela. The Bogota and Anolaima birds are not quite so long in the wing as the Venezuelan, and there is not quite so much golden colour on the head, but this is probably owing to age or sex. The Trinidad skins agree very closely with the Venezuelan, except in the wings being 2 shorter.* It may be distinguished from Oalliste punctata (Linn.), by the " purer white of the breast, the golden colouring of front and head, and the broad blue edges of the secondaries and tertials, which in 0. punctata are of the same green as the rest of the body above. a ae the Plate of CO. chrysophrys was engraved, the Prince of Canino has et ant species under the name of ©. guttulata, which is probably the same, Cc gh his expression, “ eroupion jaune,” seems hardly applicable to it. See omptes Renpvs, Jan, 20, 1851. 25 MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. —_—— We have received an important work just published in Holland — “Monographie des Lowiens par Cu, L. Bonaparte et H. Scunment ; ouvrage accompagné de 54 planches coloriées, Lithographiées apres les dessins de M. Badeker et autres naturalistes— Leiden et Dusseldorf, 1850, 4to., pp. 72.—The authors enter at length into the affinities and arrangements of the Lowiade@ ; and although we do not agree with all their views, we consider the observations and information contained in the introduction of so much interest, that we have printed that portion of it entire. The work itself is indispensable to every ornithologist, and the plates of. all the Species are executed with great fidelity and distinctness. In the Catalogue of Willis, the price is entered at £4, 7s. 6d.; in that of- Williams é& Norgate, at £3, 15s. “Les Auteurs sont peu d’accord quant aux limites de la Famille deg FRINGILLIDES, quwils étendent plus ou moins pour y comprendre arfois, non seulement tous les Conirostres granivores, mais méme plusieurs Dentirostres comme les Tanagrides, des Subulirostres “omme les Alouettes, et qui pis est jusqu’ & des Votucres, tels que les Phytotomes a bee dentelé, et les Colious qui n’ont absolument vende commun avee nos oiseaux. Quant & nous, aprés l'avoir *estreinte de plus en plus au fur et & mesure que nous |’étudiions {NS seg rapports, nous en sommes venus & en exclure, non seulement *S Alouettes, les Tangaras et ces autres Oiseaux qui n’ont avec elle (ue des rapports éloignés, mais méme les Plocéides qui en sont Certainement beaucoup plus proches. Notre Famille des Plocéides, # le type se retrouye dans les différents genres de Tisserins qui oon, nt le noyau normal de la Famille, sous le nom de P loseens, se mo €n outre de la Sous-famille des Veuves (Viduinae), et d'une et die me que nous nommons Estreldine, composée de ces nombreux ba petits Passereaux connus généralement sous les noms de MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. Bengalis, Sénégalis, etc., qui vivent tous en Asie, en Afrique ou dans l’Océanie, et que la conformation de leur bec organe anquel on a coutume de donner beaucoup trop d’importance, a fait jusquiici ranger parmi les Fringilliens, malgré leur premiére remige courte et les autres traits qui les distinguent, Les Plocéides en effet different des Fringillides précisément comme leg Sturnides des Ictérides. Tandis que les Plocéides, tous étrangers & 1'Europe, sont confinés dans les parties chaudes de I’ancien continent, les Fringillides se trouvent répandus par toute la terre, mais plus spécialement attachés & Vhémisphére boréal; c'est & dire quiils appartiennent plus proprement a notre Europe, @ la Sibérie, all plateau central de I’ Asie, et 4 l'Amérique septentrionale. Quoique nous I’ayons ainsi circonscrite, cette Famille ne laiss? pas que d’étre encore fort riche en espéces, n’en comptant pas moills de 450, réparties en presque cent genres dans les six Sous-familles des Emberizine, Spizine, Geospizine, Pitylinee Fringilline, et Loxiine, Ces deux derniéres, plus intimement liées peut-étre 4"? les autres, forment pour ainsi dire le centre de la Famille, tant pa" le nombre, qui excéde celui de toutes les autres ensemble, que pa” la conformation plus normale des espéces. “La premiére Sous-famille, celle des Hmbériziens, est bien cara” térisée par la contraction de la mandibule supérieure, par cela pls étroite et s’emboitant dans l’inférieure, et par le tubercule du palais (appelé grain dorge) plus ou moins développé, mais toujours wit pour que le palais soit convexe on plane pour le moins, au lieu dt" concave ou excayé comme dans les cing autres Sous-familles. Les genres Plectrophanes ayec ces cing espéces de Nord des deux mondes, Cynchramus avec son unique Européenne a plumage @’ Alouette, Schenicola avec ses trois A bee de forme varie, mals si semblables par la couleur, Fringillaria dont deux seulement des donze espéces Africaines s’égarent pour ainsi dire en Europ? © Emberiza composent &% eux seuls ce premier groupe. Vingt espects au moins, toute d’Kurope ou de |’ Asie septentrionale, appartienne” encore a ce dernier genre quoiqu’ ainsi restreint. “ La seconde Sous-famille, celle de nos Spiziens qui se attache @un cété aux Hnberiza et se perd de l'autre dans les vrais Pinsow: parait étre essentiellement Américaine, car non seulement elle 4 sol siége principal dans l’Amérique du Nord, mais elle s’étend dans f méridionale, domain exclusif des Z'angarides, tandis quelle ® ee 28 MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. représentée que par quelque espéces perdues en Europe et dans le Nord de l’Asie. Outre la transition déja notée des Huspiza avec les Embériziens, et celle non moins évidente des Struthus eb des Paroaria qui sont presque des Pinsons, avec les Fringilliens, il existe des rapports directs avec les Pityliens, voire méme des points de contact (sans l’intermédiare de ceux-ci) avec les véritables Tana- griens ; le genre Spiza surtout, trop anormal peut-étre pour donner le nom & la Sous-famille, en ayant jusqu’ aux couleur brillantes. “ Nous établissons ainsi la série: % 1. Euspiza avec sept espéces dont deux Américaines, deux Asiatiques, et trois Européennes. 4 2. Oriturus, Bp., nouvean genre a bec conique, alongé, a queue trés longue et trés étagée: il se compose de deux espéces, Vune & plumage varié du Méxique (Oriturus mevicanus, Br.), Vautre de la Sibérie (Oriturus wrangeli, Br.) & plumage uniforme. “se 3: Melanodera, Br., aussi formé pour deux espéces, mais de "Amérique méridionale si semblables aux Verdiers qu’elles leur avaient été réunies sous les noms de Chlorospiza wanthogramma, et melanodera. - 4. Gubernatrix avec son unique espéce du Brésil, Gubernatrix cristatella. ts aes Sw., pour une espéce également huppée de l Asie a : mberica lathame ou erythroptera. a an, ophospiza, Br., petit groupe formé par nous pour d'élégants ie peu connus de Tl Amérique méridionale, rangés inconsidé- parmi les Bruants et les Linottes, et confondus avec des Ghagriens qui en ont en quelque sorte le plumage. Cog " Paroaria, Bp., réuni & Spiza, mais en outrageant la nature. ce Sabir ta des Spiziens sont au nombre de six, qu’il faut chercher a es Auteurs parmi les Lowiens, les Moineaux et les Tangaras, ton 2 Cependant leurs couleurs font rapprocher a Ja premiere vue ? — bien que l’étude la plus approfondie de leur structure bares curs meurs. Ce n’est pas d’eux qu’ou pourra dire ane sae ie est trompeuse!... mais bien & propos d’eux que l’on ‘ répéter qu’un peu de science est pire que l’ignorance la plus ompléte, 1 eee Sw., ayant pour type la Fringilla ornata, Wie, bare EMM.), du Brésil, a laquelle on a réuni des Oiseaux . contrées et méme d'autres Sous-familles. MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. “9. Poospiza, Cawanis, genre formé pour les Chipius d’Azara, si mal placés avec les Pipilo : nous en connaissons cing espéces dont une nouvelle, “10. Phonipara, Br., comprenant six a sept petites espéces des Antilles et du Mexique, aussi pétulantes que jolies: son type est la Lowxia canora, GM., 3 face et poitrine noires, & sourcils et gorge jaune d’or,* “11. Volatinia, Ruicuens., formé pour le Tanagra jacarini, L., qu’ils ne faut pas confondre avec la Fringilla splendens, Vint, seconde espéce du genre, beaucoup plus noire et & epaulettes blanches, et encore moins ayee le Combassou (Hypochera nitens, Br.), qu appartient 4 la famille Africaine des Veuves. *© 12. Spiza, Br., Ces Spiziens-Tangaroides qui égalent et sur passent méme en beauté les Tangaras, par le Pape du moins, appele pour cela Non-pareil, auquel se rattachent deux espéces du midi et de Vouest des Etats-Unis (Fringilla cyanea et ameena), et deus autres encore plus méridionales (Spiza versicolor et leclancheri.) “13. Struthus, Br., Ce nom est celui que son type portait commun chez Boie avec les yéritables Pinsons, et qu’ Audubon, n'admettant pas sans doute de pareilles restrictions, pourtant © convenables, a changé depuis en Néphaw, Ces Oiseaux nous offrent un bec de Pinson encore plus que les Paroaria, et un plumage blanc et noiratre: nous en connaissons quatre espéces, une de I’ Amérique méridionale, une du Mexique, une troisiéme de la céte ouest de l’ Amérique septentrionale qui se retrouve pour le moins dans les iles qui relient l’ancien au nouveau continent, et le hyemalis, si commun dans toute la partie orientale de T’ Amérique du Nord et qui, «7 * qualité de Danoise, mais du Groénland, a été peu judicieusement admise dans l’Ornithologie Européene. “14, Tei pourrait se placer le singulier Pinson bicolore, ToW* END, de Amérique du Nord la plus occidentale, noir & tectrices * The bird here alluded to, is the Fringilla lepida, Linn. Syst- 2 2 (Emberiza olivacea, Linn, Syst. p. 309; Spermophila olivacea, Grays” Birds, App., p. 18.) The true Lowia canora of Gmelin is a distinct Las figured by Brown, Ill. Zool., pl. xxiy. f, 1. His original specimen is still : * served in the Newcastle Museum. The cheeks are brown, surrounded PY semicircle of yellow, extending from the chin to the temples. The crow" ‘i F olive gray, the back greenish olive, or as Brown describes it, “a pale a green.” —H, E. Strickland. 30 MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. moyennes des ailes blanches ainsi que les bordures étroites des rémiges et des rectrices, dont les trois extérieures portent en outre une tache blanche A la pointe. Ses habitudes nous 1’ont fait regarder comme le type d’un genre sous le nom de Calamospiza, tandis que presqu’en méme temps M,. Audubon, frappé aussi par la conformation de son ongle, l’appellait Corydalina. “15. Phrygilus, Capants, pour une dizaine espéces de I’ Amérique du Sud la plus méridionale, telles que Fr. alaudina, Kirrurrz, Fr. gayi, Evevoux, et Fr. diuca, Molina qui pourrait méme former u genre & elle seule. “ Suivent les genres. “16. Passerella, Sw., de ’ Amérique du Nord, dont nous connais- sons cing espéces & plumage grivelé, mais bien distincts par leurs bees. “17. Zonotrichia, Sw., qui nous en offre une douzaine presque toutes de l'Amérique septentrionale, parmi lesquelles Fringilla co- inata, Wisp, d'un gris brun & plumes bordées de blanc-rousatre : les Joues d'un blane cendré: le sommet de la téte, la face et la gorge ca le dessous du corps blanc, mais les plumes cendrées a la base : © bec jaune: la queue trés alongée a rectrices égales, la derniére *eulement de chaque cété se montrant plus courte. aa Chondestes, Sw., détaché non sans raison du précédent & Sretaas sa queue cunéiforme. A son type de l’ouest de l Amérique ‘edi Tionale (Pringilla grammaca, Say), figuré dans l’Orn. Amé- take, viendront peut-étre s’adjoindre deux autres espéces des “ “4 Passerculus, Br., avec deux espéces. . J Coturniculus, Br., avec six. ' kine Peweea, Aupus., avec deux, toutes de Il’ Amérique septen- 19 Te Ho ~ ardivola, Sw. (Leptonyz, Sw., Emberizoides ou Chlorion, die Sua oryphaspiza, GR.), comptant trois espéces dans I’ Amérique AK, dont / mb. melanotis, Tuxm., est la mieux connue. comme : Crue ine dr: — ayec ses douze espéces, rappellant mais ap mauvais nom l’indique, et les Bruants et les Tangaras, « op partenant aux Spiziens. deux ieee finalement, Ammodromus, Sw., ayec sept espéces des ela quae dont le bee est beauconp plus effilé et les pennes céden ee (qui affectaient déja cette tendance dans les genres pré- le ut-a-fait pointues. Ce caractére si exagéré dans le Do- MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. lychonia oryzivorus a fait donner & divers Ammodromes le nom spécifique de caudacutus, soit qu’on les ait rangées dans le genre Fringilla, ou méme dans Oriolus. “ La troisiéme Sous-famille est celle des Géospiziens, singulier groupe de Pinsons terrestres, dont on ne connait que quinze espcces toutes propres aux iles Gallapagos, toutes 4 plumage sombre, et non moins bien circonscrit par ses caractéres zoologiques et ses menrs, que par la région géographique dans laquelle il se trouve confiné.* Jamis hommage, d’autant plus éclatant qu’il est inyoluntaire, n’a été rendu suivant nous au Systéme naturel et au parallelisme de ses bonnes coupes, qu’d propos de ces Oiseaux. Les Ornithologistes qui, adop- tant une Famille des Coccothraustiens enti¢rement basée sur le caractére empirique de la grosseur du bec, y placent tous n0s Géo- spiziens ensemble, ne peuvent se décider 4 les separer les uns des autres, quoique les huit Geospizae & bee de Coccothraustes, les tro Camarhynchus % bec pour ainsi dire de Loxie ou de Perroquet, different parla bec des trois Cactornis et surtout de la Certhidea encore plus que les Chardonnerets des Gros-becs. Avouons dont tout hant et explicitement que les Gros-becs ne sont que des chao gilliens & bec épais, comme la Certhidea n’est qu'un Géospizien * bec effilé: les Geospiza, des Géospiziens & gros bec, comme 4 Chardonnerets des Fringilliens 2 bec mince, Toutes les formes 4° bec (qui varie en grosscur dans le méme genre), se retrouvent don’ dans chacune des Sous-familles; et celle dont nous traitons est s! évyidemment naturelle, que nul jusqu’ a présent n’a osé y porter ls main, ni méme pensé A la démembrer. “ Notre quatriéme Sous-famille, celle des Pityliens, a été le souvent rangée en grande partie, l’on ne sait trop pourquoi, ave Tanagrides dont nous n’avons pas A nous occuper ici. Bien Join en effet de leur appartenir, ils nous semblent méme ne représenter parm les Fringillides que les Pyrangas, qui s’éloignent le plus du ty? Tanagrien! Aucun Pitylien ne se trouve dans l’ancien monde, “d fort peu méme dans |’ Amérique du Nord: ils abbondent en révanche dans la partie Sud du nouveau monde, “Tes genres Arremon avec ses vingt espéces, et Saliator ed moins nombreux, les relient avec les Spiziens: tandis que Pip” quoique intimément lié avec Arremon par quelques unes de ses : espéces (beaucoup plus qu’avee Poospiza qu’on lui avait réuni!), § id * Camarhynchus is, we believe, also found upon the continent of South Ameri® 32 plus ¢ les MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. éloigne davantage, et se rattache au célébre Habia dont Cabanis a fait son genre Lamprospiza, et méme & Bethylus dont on connait maintenant deux espéces rangées parmi les Pies-griéches. Nous avont isolé sous le nom de Psittospiza* l’élégant Saltator reifiert de Boissonneau, et avec le Dr. Scurrr de Francfort nous appellons Pyrrhulagra wn nouveau genre dont Fringilla noetis, L.+ est le type, et qui contient deux au trois espéces semblables par la couleur si non parle bee. Ce nouveau genre qui par P. portoricensis indique le passage vers ceux a formidable bec nos conduit droit au genre Spermophila, Sw. Nous sommes ainsi bien aises de débarasser les vais Fringilliens de ces innombrables espéces de prétendus Bouvreuils americains ! “C'est & um petit démembrement de ce grand genre que nous ré- servons le nom Sporophilus, Cabanis, resté sans emploi: son type est la Pyrrhula nigra du Brésil, espéce qui se rapproche le plus des Bouyreuils, rh le genre anormal Psittirostra, qui n’a rien de commun avec xiens, est véritablement un Fringillide, ce dont nous doutons senalemnands c'est ici que nous placerions son unique espéce des iles andwich, “we oe oe moins Whésitation que nous y rangeons le singulier un cing 7 loornis, GouLD (Bathyrynchus, ou Heteromorpha), et oe i dont deux an moins montrent une forte analogie aux « Pap en et méme, ne fiit ce que par les moeurs; aux Mésanges. vétité Neale de Sat bee, le Cardinalis sinuatus, BPs, qui a la rere constituer un genre a part (Pyrrhulowa ?) que les geure rei oi faire inclure parmi les Loxiens, rattache ici le celle dn wy is, Bp., dont la ptilose peu serrée ressemble aussi & dat genre Paradoxornis, et qui comprend deux autres especes 4 ~ ein senate douteuses. Ment jotés a ayaa le genre Gasinnen a deux Oiscaux parfaite- aS0Cier A ants © meme moule, que l'on ne saurait ni désunir ni 18, Fr, pun es. L’um est la, belle Lowia ludoviciana, L., (rosea, nocepheala, § ive Gu.) des Etas-Unis: l'autre, la Guiraca mela- aii du Mexique, que l’on a placé sans raison dans le w dee “9 a regu successivement les noms spécifiques de ‘a, canthomascalis, et epopaed. * ‘aracter| y t Lowogitia ya a Reichenbach under the title of Chiorornis. 33 ‘Deen applied generically by M. Lesson (1831) to I’. noctis, LINN. MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. “Nous y rattachons le nouveau genre Cyanolowia, Br., dont le type Lovia cerulea, L., a été aussi considéré comme une Guiraca, mais a laquelle nous réunissons trois au quatre autres Pityliens bleus inextricablement confondus, et ballotés dans les genres Loaia, Frin- gilla, Guiraca, Coccoborus, Pyrrhula, et peut-étre méme T'anagra. “C'est la Lowia grossa, L., qui restera le type du genre Pitylus, comme I’a en effet voulu Cuvier son fondateur, tandis que les trois espéces vertes, cayennensis (nommée canadensis! par la perpétia- ‘ tion d’une faute typographique), episcopus, Lic 7., et atro-olivaceus, Larr., dont Pitylus personatus, Luss., P. poliogaster, Duss, P. flavo-cinereus, Cassin, ne doivent étre que des synonymes, ¢ol- stituent le genre Caryothraustes, “ REICHENBACH a aussi I’intention de constituer le genre C7ssu- rus pour la Fringilla gnatho, Licut., dont ne differe ni le P. ati chalybeus, JaRdD., ni Verythrorhynchus, Sw., ni Vardesiacus, Sw, la femelle: mais il est impossible de séparer cette espéce de Low grossa qui ne s’en distingue que par sa gorge blanche. C'est encore a ces Pityliens que tient de prés le genre Periporphyrus, REICHEN® contenant la Lowia erythromelas, GM., de Cayenne, et la non moms brillante espéce voisine du Méxique nommée Fringilla celeno pa LicHEnstE, Pitylus atropurpuratus par LAFRESNAYE et, |’ pourra 4 peine le croire, Pyranga ! mexicana par LESSON. “ Avec Cabanis nous limitons le nom de Coccoborus a quatre espéces assez semblables, telles que notre Guiraca magnirostris ( i ne font pas confondre avec celui de Swainson), le Pitylus aure ventris, LAFR., et le chrysopeplus, Vic. C'est par elles que 20 terminons la série des Pityliens, car ce n’est pas seulement pat Tent gros bec, mais méme par leurg couleurs qu’elles se rattachent aux Hes périphones et aux Coccothraustes, les premiers des Fringilliens- “5, Les Fringilliens, type et centre de la Famille, sont com? nous l’avions déja dit, de beaucoup les plus nombreux: et c'est py degrés encore plus insensibles qu’ils ménent au Loaiens dont trait? notre ouvrage. Il est donc nécessaire de jeter un coup-d’eil pli approfondi sur cette sous-famille qui se lie plus intimément ave’ celle dont nous nous occupons. Les Lowiens typiques se fondent a effet pour ainsi dire avec les Bouvrenils, tandis que les Lowen’ montifringillacés, dont deux espéces (constituant chacune un s0* genre) n’ont pas méme de rouge, tiennent encore plus étroitemen aux Pinsons: et que, sans leurs teintes rouges, les Loaiens linotac® 34 MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. (a la vérité boréales) ne pourraient guére étre séparés des Serins, des Tarins et des Chardonnerets. C'est par le genre Mycerobas, Cabanis, qu’en quittant les Pytiliens dont on faisait aussi des Gros-becs, nous commengons la série des Fringilliens. Ce genre toutefois ne se compose pour nous que du seul Coce. melanoxanthus, Hopes., au fortirostris, LAFR., & l’énorme bee, car les autres espéces Asiatiques se rattachent plut6t 4 notre second genre Hesperiphona, quoiqu’il ait pour type la Fr. vesper- tina de ’ Amérique septentrionale, et puisque le prétendu Mycerobas papa des iles Bonin est pour nous le type d'un genre a part qui, quoique anormol parmis les Loxiens, n’a rien a faire avec les Frin- gilliens en question. Sans parler du prétendu Guiraca abeiliii, Luss, du Mexique, les quatres espéces Asiatiques intermédiaires entre Mycerobas et Hesperiphona, et toutes modelées sur le méme type, quoiqu’elles se rapprochent de plus en plus de Coccothraustes suivant ordre ot nous les nommons, sont: H. icteroides de I Hima- laya, la plus anciennement connue; l’occidental C. speculigerus, BRaypr, presque Européen, et dans l’extréme Orient le melanurus de la Chine, et le personatus du Japon. : j Suit immédiatement dans le Systéme le Coccothraustes, BRISSON, msl 4 notre espéce d’ Europe et a sa trés légére variété du Japon. a “ ous avons aussi dii former un genre que nous appellons Calla- “nthis avec ReicuEns., pour la réception de cette belle espéce de Asie centrale dont GouLp, guidé par les couleurs et se souciant Se “ia ih du bec, avait fait un Carduelis, et dont il vient beau- ot us ralsonnablement de faire une Fringilla dans ses Birps OF toujour Outre qu'il s’est évidemment rapproché de la nature, il yaut tion! ne ic laisser une espéce dans son ancien genre que de par- wariser dune maniére fautive ou méme douteuse. ajaan ne connaissons que cing espéces & laisser dans le genre iringilla) neta les deux d'Europe (Fr. coelebs et Fr. monti- ihe Ahh une de nord de l'Afrique (Fr. spodiogenis, Br., caalebs ifevont ERBE) tout aussi typique, de sorte que les trois espéces ne ToUusges « AA que par la couleur de leurs joues, grises, noires ou gille aa ft mx des iles Canaries, dont une encore normale (F'rin- et Pautre Bocas VIEILL., ou Fr. tintillon, WEBB et BERTHOLLET) sts ". tedia, WEBB) que l’on a réuni ayec les Moineaux, rappelle =, ani les meurs ni le bec; et dont la femelle surtout i . celebs. Son bec est seulement plus fort et beaucoup Maig MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. plus allongé. Il est impossible de ne pas conserver & ce petit genre si bien circonscrit le nom de Fringilla, L., quoique Cuvier lait dans un temps nommée Celebs, et que Boie en ait fait son genre Stru- thus. Depuis longtemps les Oiseleurs reconnaissent deux races dans Pespéce commun du Pinson qui sert en ce moment d’exercise 4 un GEOFFREY St. HrnaireE de la troisiéme génération. Puisse-t-i marcher sur les traces de son pére et de son ayeul! neus ne saurions exprimer de yoeu plus amical et en méme temps plus digne d'etre exaucé ! “ Les Moineaux franes (Pyrgita Cuv., mais mieux PassER, BRIS. et de toute le monde) non moins que les vrais Pinsons, sont tous de Yancien Continent; et les premiers méme montrent, surtout dans leur mode de nidification, une grande analogie, je dirai pres(l affinité, avee les Plocéides. Nous comnaissons plus de vingt espéce* ou races de Moineaux francs qui auraient besoin d’une bonne Mono- graphie, et d’études approfondies faites d’aprés le vivant et sur les croisements ! ‘ “ Le genre Petronia suit le genre Passer avec lequel on le réumit souvent, mais que nous croyons tout autant rapproché des Verdiers: il ne compte que deux ou trois espéces fort voisines dont Jes nol velles, par leur bec moins fort, se rattachent au nouveau gente Xanthodina, SUNDEVALL, qui porte comme lui une tache jaune sur la poitrine. Nous connaissons cing espéces de ce groupe en Afrique et en Asie, dont quelques unes sont les Gymnornis du Mayo" Hopeson. Quant au genre Pyrrhulauda, SMiTH, ou Coraphiie Cabanis, qui a aussi quelque affinité avec les Moineaux, il appartien cependant a la Famille des Alouettes, comme le prouvent les col vertures de ses tarses. , « Nous soutenons notre genre Chlorospiza, le nom de Ligure rappellant par trop d'autres Fringilliens, tout en le limitant a qu ou cing espéces de l’ancien monde ; les prétendus Verdiers del seit rique, malgré leur ressemblance de forme et de couleur, n'étant ¥e des Spiziens dont nous avons constitué notre genre Melanoie” Nos espéces de ces yéritables Verdiers sont la Fr. incerta, BIS at que yous yenons encore de revoir & Génes vivante et parfaitem? i adulte, chez le Marquis Cartes Durazzo; le Verdier pit? (L. chloris, L.), la novelle espéce si voisine, plus petite et P ; jaune, de Syrie (Fr. chilorotiea, EurEns.), et les deux du 58 ; Fr. kawariba major et minor, SCHLEGEL, dont la derniere nom 36 MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. Fr. chlorion par TEMMINCK, ne semble pas différer de la Ir. sinica, L, C'est aprés avoir désiré depuis bien des années de pouvoir exa- miner la derniére que nous venons enfin de la retrouver dans les Magasins du Muséum de Paris, envoyée de Macao par les Mis- slonaires, “C'est par le Carduelis spinoides de Vigors, du plateau des Indes, non de TeMMincK du Japan qui ne differe pas de notre Chr. spinus, dont le gros bec rappelle encore celui des Verdiers, que nous entrons dans le genre Chrysomitris, Bois (Spinus, Bruum.). Cet oiseau aes wa ni les formes ni les couleurs du Chardonneret ne saurait étre tistrait du joli groupe des Tarins dont nous connaissons dix-sept ey Quinze réparties dans toutes les parties du monde, moins POcéanie (une d’Europe, deux d’Asie, et douze d’Amérique), sont ton seulement typiques, mais souvent peine différentes ; c’est a dire 2 hp au Ohr, spinus si commun en Europe et qui s’étend par me i ‘e ila regu le nom a Fr. sinensis, Gu, jusqu’ au Japan ies ian on en puisse dire, l’espéce est la méme; tandis que deux digi: it Carduelis cucullatus, Sw., et FR., cube, Gurvats (si whe en elles différent entre elles) 8 éloignent des autres, par leurs wii NA sig troisiéme espece, d’Asie, est nouvelle et se inden, "9 ibérie te est Hr, pistacina, Kvers., plus petite que a tes ty vert pistache plus roussdtre et marqué de blanchatre tag ate des ailes et de la queue ot l’espéce commune I’est de ‘eed pi ne Vavons trouvée qu’au Musée de Berlin. Les Tarins figuré in aac sont—1. Chr. stanleyi, de la Californie supérieure, Stivants re ee dont le bee beaucoup plus forte que dans les ong wanes eun Dea celui du spinoides. 2. Chrys. pinus dont ndes los 5 la livrée sous laquelle il enyahit du nord en grandes cPoptenns aa ou Wison Va fait connaitre. 3. Chr. ma- mais Sianeiane du Mexique, espéce si semblable & la précédente, Bintig Mela distinete par ses ailes plus longues et plus amples qUe nous a fait oré, et agi ses grands pieds. 4. Le Che, atratus edontile Reid Snare d Orbigny, propre a l Amérique méridionale, elle coulenn “yea si bien le plumage noir, contrastant avee la Pemnes iinsten oe du ventre, du double miroir et de la base des eantha, mtg caudales. 5. Chr. meawicanus, Sw., ou Fr. melano- essus, ais + figurée par AupusBon sur sa planehe 427; noir ne en dessous : la base des rémiges et les rectrices laté- Tales p] ane. Tints . % ates. of 37 hes. C'est a cette espéce essentiellement Méxicaine et MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. qui est le Ligurinus mexicanus niger de BRIsson, si non son Ligu- rinus meaicanus (le Cacatototl si non Ul’ Acatechichictli vp’ Hur- NANDES) que le nom spécifique de mewicanus doit étre conservé; car l’oiseau auquel GRAY voudrait exclusivement l'appliquer (Hm- beriza non pas Fringilla mexicana, L.,) n’est point un Fringillien, mais un Spizien & téte jaune capturé a bord d’un vaisseau! et celui p’AvupuBON figuré a la pl. 433-4-5, est une espéce nouvelle quill a depuis appelé Chr. yarrellii. 6. Chrysom. magellanica que VIEILLOT, a figuré le premier dans ses Oiseaux chanteurs et dont Victerica, Licuv., et le campestris, Sprx, ne semblent pas différer, est tout aussi typique que les autres. Le genre Sparagra de REICHENBACH repose sur un Plocéide pris pour cette espece améri- caine. Sa téte est entiérement noire, et son bec plus robuste que dans notre Tarin. 7. Chrysomit. notatus dont nous deyons la con- naisance au Baron Dusus, excellente espéce quoiqu’ établie sur un caractére exceptionnel, comme son auteur nous l'a lui meme démontré. Elle est trés semblable & la précédente, mais son bec est beaucoup plus long et plus effilé, ses couleurs sont plus vives; le noit de la gorge descendant plus bas, couvre la poitrine; le miroir de Vaile est fort grand et d’un beau jaune d’or qui ressort d’autant plus que les couvertures des ailes et les rémiges sont enticrement noires, étant privées des bordures jaunes que porte sur les couvertures ot les tertiares le Chr. magellanicus. Sa patrie est le Mexique ¢ a est plus que probable que c’est elle qui se montre parfois dans quel- ques parties des Etats-Unis, quoique les descriptions et les figures publices dans ce pays soyent évidemment prises sur le yéritable magellanicus. 8. Chrys. psaltria est le joli petit Fringillien que nous devons & Say qui l’a rapporté de l’expédition du Major Long aux montagnes rocheuses, que nous ayons figuré dans notre Con- tinuation 8 WILsoN, et qui a depuis été retrouvé au Mexique- Chr. spinescens se trouve au Musée de Berlin qui l’a regu de St. Fe da Bogota: il est trés semblable & notre Tarin, mais plus petit: le noir du sommet de la téte, des ailes et du bout de la queue est plus intense, et manque entiérement A la gorge, tout le dessous étan jaune, sens les stries ni le fond blanchdtre du ventre, comme as notre espéce d’Europe. 10. Le Chrysomitris marginalis, Br» . semble encore plus, si c’est possible, au Tarin d’ Europe, mals il Ee plus grand, a le noir a la gorge encore plus foncé, le front mals i . . . e e les sourcils jaunes : les rectrices brunes depuis la base, ¢t le 38 MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. beaucoup plus courte et robuste, presque de Serin. C'est Ini qui se trouve indiqué comme var. 4. du Fr. spinus par GMELIN, mais non pas comme yar. yy. (noveboracensis) que n’est autre que C. tristis en plumage d’hiver: il provient du Chili et se voit & Berlin et & Paris. 11, Chrys. yarrellii, AuDUB., que cet auteur avait d’abord appelé Fr mewicana, et qui se trouve aussi dans la partie occiden- tale de l'Union, ressemble au Chr. tristis, mais a les bandes des ailes d'un bean jaune, et non blanches comme lui. 12. Le joli Chryso- mitris tristis enfin, ce véritable Goldjinch est, par ses habitudes surtout, intérmediare entre les deux genres Chrysomitris et Car- — duelis, “ Nous ne connaissons que trois véritables Chardomnerets, tous de l'ancien continent : notre commun, [orientalis qui est en méme temps la Fr. subulata, Inu1G , et le caniceps, Vie. de l’Himalaya. “ C’est ici que nous placerons, ne sachant od le mettre plus con- Yenablement, le singulier petit genre Hypolowias, Licur. (Loxops, Cazan.) dont le male est rouge et la femelle verdatre, qui rappelle les Bees-croisés et se lie peut-étre au genre Psittirostra! C'est bien gratuitement qu’on en a faite une Linotte! ... et que par une bie inexplicable on I’a confondu avec Linaria brevirostris! ! ‘Deux petits genres intermédiares aux Serins doivent aussi trouver iei leur place: ce sont Awvipasser, Br., et celui qu’ayec le : ". Scorn de Francfort nous apellerons Poliospiza, Le premier lean type la Fringilla lutea, Licur., & laquelle on doit associer, rhe apr la charmante espéce nouvelle d’Abyssinie J’. 8 Sih et l’on peut y placer comme espéce anormale la Fringilla Mplex, Licur., de Nubie (qu il ne faut pas confondre avec la vrai th nt de ce nom). Par son bee turgide et surtout par sa colora- Ps Zs bet xia une grande affinité avec les Hrythrospiza. Le nile petit genre, remarquable par son plumage lache et ses courtes .? ae renferme jusqu’a présent que la seule Fr. tristriata de UPPELL, ake (Citrinella alpina) toujours confondu avec le VENTURON coe aewitinisli), véritable SERIN, est pour moi le type du Soe egal appelé depuis Dryospica : il est impossible den MAN a Evunetlontes d' Abyssinie, et la Lowia totta Spar- oubliée sie ee représentée avec le bec trop fort par cet auteur, RAY dans la laborieuse liste de son magnifique Genera of Birds , a et reproduite par Lesson sous un nom nouveau. Peut- MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. étre aussi faudra-t-il lui adjoindre quelques autres espéces Africaines intermédiares entre elles et les Serins, telles que Fr. nigriceps, canicollis. “ Eta propos des Serins fesons remarquer |’inconséquence de ceux qui, tout en admettant une foule de genres moins tranchées élévent la voix contre celui si naturel de Serinus et placent son type si connu de tout le monde, le Serin des Canaries (Pringilla canarid, L., Serinus canarius, Br.), dans le genre Crithagra sous la famille des Bouvreuils (Pyrrhuline), tandis qu’ils insistent avec raison sur Vimpossibilité d’éloigner la Serinus meridionalis des yéritables Fringilliens: séparant ainsi, pour les placer dans deux Familles différentes, deux oiseaux que le groupe le plus réduit ne peut man- quer de comprendre! Ce seul fait suffirait pour condamner irrévo- cablement la Sous-famille des Pyrrhuliens qui est aussi artificielle que sont naturels les petits groupes biens composées tels que Serinus, Chrysomitris, etc. Nous proposons au reste d’appeler par ce nom de Serinus les nombreuses espéces de l’ancien continent, laissant le nom de Crithagra aux Américaines qui ont une certaine affinité avec les Spiziens et dont plusieurs sont encore plus jaunes que les Serins eux-mémes, comme Hmberiza brasiliensis, Gm., et Fr. fla veola, L.* Tl en est aussi de vert grisitre en dessus comme Fr. luteiventris, Mayen; et de presque tout gris comme Jr. xan thorrhoa, BP., qui ne se trouve pas dans l’ouvrage de GRAY; et manque dans presque tous les Musées. “ Le genre Serinus, principalement Africain, est encore un eX emple éclatant du peu d’importance que l’on doit accorder a la forme et & la grosseur du bec. La (Lowia sulphurata, L.) en effet, malgté son formidable bec tout aussi gros que celui du Coccothraustes 0c qu'un véritable Serin (Serinus sulphuratus, Bp.), et nous trouvons toutes les dégradations par 9, butyraceus et plus d’une douzaine autres espéces Africaines jusqu’a Linaria gularis, Serre, Serim® striolatus, Br. (Pyrrhula striolata, Riivr., Carpodacus striolatus, GR.) qui montre en effet le bee d’un Carpodacus dont il a méme tout Vapparence : mais ce n’est qu’un Serin & bec de grosseur moyenl® que Riipretn s’étonne de ne point voir prendre de rouge seulement * Crithagra was originally (1827) formed by Mr. Swainson, having C. sulphurat? for the type, and it cannot now be changed at the will of any ornithologist to another group; besides the F. flaveola, Liyy., has been generically characterized by Boi’ in the Isis, so far buck as 1828, under the name of Sicalis. 40 MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. 4 cause de l'idée preconcue que ce soit un Bouvreuil ou Oiseau-rouge, nonobstant sa tendance évidente a la’couleur verte! Parmi les vingt espéces qui nous sont connues, nous ne signalerons plus que les deux Asiatiques nouvelles et les deux d’Enrope. Notre Serinus syriacus, recueilli par Hempricu & Bischerra ressemble au Venturon, mais il est un peu plus forte, de couleur plus claire et plus jaune, sur les ailes surtout: les pennes latérales de la queue sont blanchatres sur leur moitié intérieure. Le Serinus loucopygos, ainsi nommé par le savant LicHENstEin dans le Musée de Berlin, vient aussi de |’ Asie mineure: il est cendré, blanchdtre en dessous, avec des flamméches obscures, et le croupion blanchitre sans taches. Peut-étre n’est il pas adulte. Nous ne parlerons du Fr. serinus, L., auquel les noms Specifiques de flavescens, meridionalis, hortulanus, et bien & tort bru- malis, ont été imposés, que pour confirmer que le prétendu Serinus tslandious n’est qu’un exemplaire plus forte que l’on supposait venir d'Islande, comme Faber lui-méme s’en est depuis convaingu. Les marchands au reste continuent & en fournir aux amateurs! Nous terminons la série des Serins par le Serinus pusillus qui par sa tache d'or an front nous méne au genre Catamblyrhynchus, Larr. (Beta- montia, Br.), composé d’une seule espéce de |’Amérique du Sud (Cat. diadema,* Larr. ou B. capitawria, Br.), qui nous méne droit ‘ux Bouvrenils. Plusieurs espéces pourraient fort bien se trouver Confondues sous le nom de Fringilla pusilla, va que Voiseau de Pat- hey provenant du Caucase ou de |’ Altai, aurait, & en juger par 4 Mauvaise figure de sa Zoographia Rosso-asiatica, les tarses beau- comp plus longs et plus gréles que les nombreux exemplaires (Serinus curifrons ?+ Burra) que nous recevons depuis peu de |’Himalaya et qui ont aussi le jaune du front beaucoup plus vif, si non plus etendu, Ale véritables Bouvreuils se réduisent & six espéces en comptant € pour telles les deux races d'Europe qui ne different guére que ee la taille, et la Pyrrhula epauletta, Hopeson, du Népal, dont on orme le genre Pyrrholeptes. Les trois autres sont Pyrrhula orien- Bh de la Faune du Japan, plus petite que les nétres et & dos et oenBe Yougedtres ; Verythrocephala, Vic., de |’Himalaya figurée par Pe a ' Gotan will be found to be essentially Tanagrine, and to range not far from t ‘ - : ‘ : of Hq peevina® aurifrons. Blyth Journ. As. Soc. xvi. p. 476. Specimen in collection ; Strickland, from Siberia, agrees with Blyth’s description. MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. GouLp, dont tout le sommet de la téte et la nuque sont rouge dans le male et roux-jaundtre dans la femelle; P. nepalensis enfin, pareille- ment du Népal, est d’une plus grand taille, a téte jaune-olivatre dans le male, brun-cendré chez la femelle, et se fait remarquer par s queue longue et échanchrée. * C'est pour former la sixiéme et dernicre Sous-famille que nous réservons le nom de Lowiens. On a pu voir par la rapide énuméra- tion des genres et espéces des cing premiéres que, nous dépouillant de toute idée précongue et en vogue jusqu’a ce jour, nous la com- posons d’une maniére toute différente de nos devanciers. En effet nous y groupons autour des Becs-croisés (Lozia), non seulement les Dur-becs (Corythus) qui en different & peine, et les genres Uragus Carpodacus, Erythrospiza, démembrements du genre artificiel Pyrrlala, mais, outres quelques genres anormaux, les Linottes elles-mémes ¢ leur proches parents, les Montifringilla, qui, quoique intimément hiés avec les Erythrospiza le semblent encore plus avec les véritables Pinsons, dont on a grand peine & les séparer. On a vu par contre que nous en ayons exclu les véritables Bouvreuils pour Jes range? parmi les Fringilliens, et les Paradowornis ainsi que le singulier gent Psittirostra qui sont tout au plus des Pityliens! La teinte, bien plus que la couleur rouge est de rigueur pour nous faire admettre wl Fringillide parmi les Loxiens, non que nous la considérions comm? caractére essentiel, comme on s’est plu A le dire et & le répéter, mas parce que ce caractére en représente d'autres moins difficiles & saisit qu’a énumérer et qui rendent notre Sous-famille éminemment natt- relle. Du reste la Fringilla incerta prend aussi une teinte orangée sur le front et n’est qu'un Verpmer (Chlorospica), tandis que Fr. pusilla, Patuas, & front tout a fait orange, est un yéritable Serm (Serinus). Les Cardineaux bien plus rouges que presque tous 1% Lowiens sont des Pityliens : d'autres Fringillides marqués de Tous les Cardinaux dominicains (Paroaria), sont des Spiziens; les fam boyants Pyrangas enfin et les Ramphocdles, des TaNaGRIDES ! “C'est par les Uragus, dont nous admettons deux espéces 04 races principales (U. sibiricus et sanguinolentus, que nous commeng™’ . série des Lowiens, tout en reconnaissant que ce petit genre asse2 wi caracterisé lie les Corythus avec les Carpodacus; et que dans manicre de dérouler la série, le genre Corythus dont le bec affecte forme de celui du Bouvreuil et se fait remarquer par sa large , ven A i vrait suivre, non précéder les Becs-eroisés. Les deux especes &2 efi 42 4 MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. qui le composent, et qui ont donné lieu a 1’établissement de deux genres, celle de |’Himalaya Corythus subhaemachalanus, Hopeson, se rapproche presque autant des Carpodacus que la typique des Bees-croisés. Cette derniére se retrouye dans le nord des deux hémis- phéres, et I’on serait tenté de considérer les individus d@’ Amérique comme appartenant & une espéce distincte pour laquelle les noms de canadensis, americana, splendens, ont déja été employés. Mais les exemplaires du Kamtschatka que nous avons examinés tout récem ment semblent trancher la question en sens contraire, puisqu’ils nous offtent des teintes tout aussi brillantes que ceux d’Amérique. La Lovia flamengo, SPARMANN, n’en est qu'une variété albine. “Sept Becs-croisés, en y comptant la Lowia rubrifasciata, seront appréciés par nos lecteurs. Malgré son trés gros bee différemment conformé et sa couleur écarlate de Pyranga et de Cardinal plutot qua teintes de Lowien, Vexcellent genre Hamatospiza, BiyTu, ne Peut-étre éloigné des Becs-croisés et des Corythus, surtout & cause de oe verte & croupion jaune. Sa seule espéce, le Sipahi ODGSON, que l'on a voulu rapporter, je ne sais trop pourquoi, & = beetamensis, Larxam, et qui pourrait aussi bien étre rapportée "seca indica, GM., est certainement Lowia fulgens, Larr., comme Venous de la yérifier @aprés son type. II serait intéressant de a identifier également la Loaia carlsoni, Daupty, base sur la gure de SPARRMANN.* aa, attendant que ses mours et ses affinités soient mieux con- Tinea ici que Pon doit intercaler, quoiqu’il brise évidemment la Git aids plus que le précédent, notre nouveau genre Chawnoproctus . ties ur type le Fringilla papa, Kirrurrz, ou ferreirostris Vic., placé he aes les earn et réuni plus seb oninanee sae Seoveteenty ememasemnean crenata POU note deux mille ans, @ une époque ou 1 “L papal oiseau. que Sacer: Carpodacus si peu compris des Ornithologistes avant stituions nindiqua son affinité avec les Linottes et que nous le con- sous le nom Erythrospiza, offre lui méme plusieurs petits *In¢ : . thos he collection of H. E. Strickland there is a Crossbill distinct from any of ea ; i enumerated, and differing in all its proportions from LD. americana, ae cana, SrRICK,— colours nearly as in L. americana ; entire length, 6.3. — of Mack 3.8.—of bill to base, i.— depth of bill at base, i—Hab. near the city 0. 43 MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. groupes dont quelques uns ont été élevés au rang de genres, et qui pis est, disséminés dans différents groupes suivant la forme et la grosseur du bec des espéces. Le plus grand des Loxiens qui nous soit connu L. rubicilla, 00 C. caucasicus; le C. rhodochlamys de la Sibérie occidentale ; notre Carp. sophia de Himalaya ; et méme le Passer roseus, de PALLas, forment le petit groupe des Rubicilla, Leur bee quoique fort mest nullement renflé, et ressemble plutét 4 celui du Pinsons ou du moms du Verdier, qu’a celui des Bouvreuils. } « Fringilla rhodopepla, V1G., Carpodacus thura, Bp., et Fr. rhodocroa, Vic., par leurs ailes courtes et leurs becs de Pinson constituent le sous-genre Propasser, Honas., propre aux régions Himalayennes. « Par ses couleurs sombres, ses pieds gréles, ses ailes longues, et son petit bec comprimé, encore plus gréle et droit, caractéeres qu Vont fait ranger parmi les Linottes, le Carpodacus saturatus ménite détre isolé comme Procarduelis, Hopason. Cabanis a méme ete jusqu’a V’éloigner des autres espéces pour le rapprocher des vrais Pinsons comme type de son genre Pyrrha. F “ Notre Carpodacus puniceus (rubeculoides, Hovas.), & bec allonge; a teintes différemment distribués, le rouge de sa gorge etant plus cramoisi, mieux défini et plus restreint, a aussi donné lieu au genre Pyrrhospiza, Buyra., ou Propyrrhula, Hopes. Mais sa femelle est tout-a-fait semblable a celle de C. rhodopepla: V’unique individu qui se voit au Musée de Leyde offre une singularité dans le bec dont la mandibule inférieure est. coupée par une carnéne transyersale ale moitié de sa hauteur! Ces femelles noiratres et grivelées dont le plumage contraste tellement avec la pale livrée d’un gris uniform? et presque isabelle des espéces plus méridionales, rappellent un peu les Etourneaux. ’ “ Quoiqu’il en soit, c'est aux Pyrrhulinote, p’Hopeson, qu'il con vient de conserver plus particuliérement le nom de Carpodas: Cette petite division comprend le Carpodacus purpureus, des parties septentrionales et orientales de l’Amérique du Nord, que son bee Pinson et sa couleur rouge a la fois plus rose et plus sombre; fait parfaitement reconnaitre ; le frontalis des parties occidentales © méridionales, le vhodocalpus, Cazanis, du Mexique, ne nous " paraissent que le jeune. Son bec es court et bombé, son 7008” cramoisi est mieux circonscrit, son ventre toujours strié. D2 thrina type du genre, sans parler de notre Europe ov elle s’avanc? 44 MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. plus ou moins de l’Orient, se retrouve depuis la Perse ou elle se montre avec des teintes plus pales jusqu’au Kamtschatka ov elle les a plus vives et d’un rouge qui ne tire ni au rose comme en Perse, ni au cromoisi comme dans le Nord de |’Europe. Elle est trés com- mune dans I’'Inde oa elle a regu plusieurs noms, parmi lesquels il faut ajouter & ceux régistrés dans le corps de V’ouvrage celui de rubriceps, CuvIER, que nous venons de vérifier sur son type dans les magazins du Jardin des plantes. Encore plus pale que les exem- plaires persans de la précédente s’offre & nous comme derniére espéce la Fringilla synaitica, Licur., de l’Arabie, dont la femelle est méme de couleur isabelle. Par ses teintes done cet oiseau a couleur du désert fait le passage au genre Erythrospiza, mais c’est le seul trait qu’il a en commun ayec ce petit groupe méridional, car pour le bee et pour la forme des ailes et méme par la disposition de la teinte Tose, cette espéce du sud de |’Asie se rattache & celles du Nord des deux continents. n& Le genre Evrythrospiza comme nous |’ayons restreint, par ses ailes longues et aigués se montre intermédiare aux Carpodaques et er Montifringilles. Nous en connaisons trois espéces, l’obsoleta, la a et la phenicoptera. Leur bee plutot de Bouvreuil a une San toute particuliére, quoique plus au moins fort, et leurs cou- 2 Ts Se retrouvent aussi les mémes, bien que plus ou moins vives. wm phenicoptera qui est en méme temps la Pyrrhula rhodoptera de TouT., eb la Fringilla sanguinea de Gouxp, se trouve en Syrie et en oe et se fait de suite reconnaitre & sa grande taille et & ses 2 we a pennies slegatnnapisl lisérées de rane? LE. githaginea ou te e de l'isle de Malte n’en est qu'une pale miniature ; il n’est rep aes ss nom de payreudeni qui lui fut donné dans le grand bias 5 e l'Expédition d’Egypte ne doive avoir la preférénce ; .. Ss qué sa nature essentiellement méridionale nous fait douter de i d 4%, : entité de la prétendue githaginea de Sibérie signalée par BRANDT Yee notre espéce, 77 En rée Ois i Nar Mege eee et fesant une Revue générale de tous ces Rrente a $8 de rouge l’on parvient & les reconnaitre rien qu’a la ae iets: des plumes de leurs dos! En effet sans parler de denects Heomachalanus qui les a couleur de brique, nous les voyons faa care rubicilla dun gris de cannelle: dans rhodochlamys rose- he 3 sophia a ses plumes sombres entourées de rose et de gris: aaeen de C. roseus est teint de rose; celui de rhodopepla de MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. pourpre ; de thwra d’olivatre; celui de rhodocroa de bai-roux: dans saturata il est noiratre; dans punicea fuligineux; C. frontalis, qui ofire le rouge le plus cramoisi, a cependant le dog gris: erythrina l’a bran: purpurea mélangé de rougedtre et de brun; synaitica de rose-nankin: Erythrospiza pheenicoptera de jaune ; githaginea de gris-brun de cendre trés clair ; obsoleta de gris isabelle.* “ Les Pinsons de neige beaucoup plus rapprochés que les précé- dents des Fringilliens auxquels ils tiennent par les vrais Pinsons,. encore plus que ceux-la. par les Bouvreuils, forment trois sous-gentes dont les deux derniers n’ont qu’une espéce chacun. Le premier Leucosticte, Swanson, qui avait reconnu sa parenté avec les Linottes tient encore du moins comme celles-ci aux Erythrospiza par quelques bordures roses, et compte cing espéces: le tephrocotis de 1 Amérique boréale, et les quatre espéces plus ou moins confondues, sous le nom de Passer arctous, en partie débrouillées par Branpr qui a appliqué successivement & deux le nom de Fr. gebleri ayant d’ayoir bien étudie leurs changements de plumage et de coloration du bec! et dont la plus grand est la fois Linaria griseinucha, Brannt, Leucosticte grisei- genys, Goutn, et Montifringilla pustulata, CaBaNts. . “ Le second genre Fringalauda, Hovas., nous montre une analogie avec les Moineaux du moing par le plumage, et se rapproche comme son nom |’indique, non seulement des Fringilliens, mais des yéritables Pinsons: l’on ne connait que la seule espéce, Fr. nemoricola, de Y'Himalaya, qui émigre par grandes bandes comme ces Oiseaux. “Le genre Montifringilla propre, établi pour la Fr. nivalis et plutot un Fringillien qu’un Loxien; étant aux Pinsons ce que Plee- trophanes est aux Bruants, mais il ne peut étre éloigné des Linottes des Erythrospiza et surtout des groupes précédents. “ Nous terminons la Famille par les deux genres de Linottes; Linota, Br., et Acanthis, Brena, restreint, leur appliquant ces nows plutot que ceux Cannabina et Linaria qui appartiennent a la Bo- tanique.t Ils tiennent aux Serins, aux Tarins et aux Chardonneret® comme les Montifringille aux Pinsons, les yrais Loxiens et la P' miére Section des Loxiens aux Bouvreuils, Parmi les premieres ou véritables Linottes & bec court, plutot fort, et A narines découvertes: * Plate 22, Oarp. rhodopeplus, and Pl. 23, Carp. thura, are one species — PI. %, Carp. sophia & and Pl. 25, Carp. rhodochlamys P ave 6 and P of same species: t bi a agree to this separation, the forms are essentially the same. 4 MONOGRAPHIE DES LOXIENS. nous énumérons la Linota cannabina si commune par toute |’ Europe, dont la L. fringillirostris, Br., de l'Inde différe & peine par son bec de Pinson et par ses teintes plus douces mais plus vives; ef comme troisiéme espéce la ZL. montium que quelques-uns veulent étre la Fr. favirostris de Linne. Ce nom est trop incertain pour pouvoir le lui conserver: Bream V’a transporté & un Sizerin; et nous l’ayons trouvé appliqué dans le Musée de Paris, peut-étre justement, & la Montifringilla arctoa en hiver, lorsqu’ en effet elle a le bec jaune. Quant & la Linota brevirostris, GOULD, de notre Liste comparative des Viseaue d'Europe et & Amérique, ¢’est avec I’ Ornithologiste anglais que nous avions decidé en 1837 d’appeler ainsi une Linotte de la Perse occidentale qu'il s’était reservé de décrire, mais que nous n’ayons pu tetrouver ni dang ses écrits, ni dans ses collections. Au reste les Linottes de ces contrées ont en effet le bec plus court et les teintes plus claires, se montrant intermédiares & la cannabina et a la frin- gillirostris, comme elles le sont géographiquement. pe Le genre Acanthis, Brena, contient la Sizerins a bec droit et “gu comme celui des Tarins et des Chardonnerets, mais toujours plus courte, & narines cachées par de petites plumes rigides qui 8 avancent sur Je milieu du bec. Plusieurs espéces, races, ou yariétés “xistent, bien difficiles & fixer parmi les nombreux individus sur les- ips parvient alsciment a Stanim des especes nominales en prenant a) S aux extrémités de la série et choisissant les nains et les 8 de chacune, comme a fait Bream. Nous n’en signalerons Pas moins, “L Acanthis rufescens, Fringilla linaria, ou Linaria rufescens, ViEtut.., favirostris de Brena, “ , 2. Acanthis linaria ou Linaria borealis, ViIEiuu. m at OP ane Araniale Tenia Brum, & bec puissant. x8 ae = ces memes: sa ou races que se rapportent les aware bee dary betulorum indiquées par SUNDEVALL comme ayant, Vune ate Arent de plumes simplement . la base, avec le noir de petit bes tendu et les freins noirs ; ] fate comme ayant le bee Paice ert de plumes au dela de la moitié, avec le noir de la gorge “ sis et les freins roussitres. Bia) Pa wie Gout barealse, Tremo., hornemanni, Hoi- ongue quer “ and, plus facile a distinguer que les autres par sa » &t son croupion blanc.” 47 SYNOPSIS OF THE TANAGRINE GENUS CALLISTE, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES. By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, B.A. 3 2 Prince Canino, in a paper in the Comptes Rendus de [Aca- démie des Sciences, for January 20, 1851, has divided this genus into “everal others, and M. Reichenbach forms two or more of it. But ‘ome of the names proposed cannot be used, having been previously “mployed in different senses; and I am unwilling to establish new ones in their places, secing, in the first place, that Ornithology is “ready overburthened with the multitude of new genera, and se- RE because there appears absolutely no difference of structure & : forty-eight birds hereafter named, sufficient to warrant generic “Paration. They, however, divide themselves naturally into groups, oe Thave given names, not as genera or subgenera, but merely © sake of greater convenience of arrangement, hese are as follows :— Sectio A Calliste tALAONES. .cueceeesececs 2 species B Callister typice s.c.cecccserevees 8 C Callistee punctiger.........++- 6 As ‘ Callistee procnopides.........18 48 Callister flaver .v.cccccscerseseee aa F Callistee lampre...eeeceeses 356 G Callister gyrolee..seeeee B im H Callistee coorulece ...scesceveeess 4 oe SYNOPSIS OF THE For those who use minor subdivisions, the genera embraced in Calliste, as here considered, will be Tatao, Bp, (1851) = Aglaia (Sw.) Reich. T. paradisea, Sw.; Tanagra tatao, Linn. Sp. Typ. Calliste, Boié, 1826 = Calospiza, G. R. Gray (1840.) C. tricolor (Gm.) Sp. Typ. Proenopis, Cab. (1844.) P. atro-cerulea, Cab, Sp. Typ. (2) Calliste, Bp. (1851.) —(?) eayana — Tan. cayana, Linn. Sp. Typ. Gyrola, Bp. (1851.) G. chrysoptera, Sw.; T. gyrola, Linn. Sp. Typ. —_————_ (?) Callospiza (Bp.), 1851. — (?) brasiliensis (Linn.) = Call. barbadensis, Bp. Sp. TyP- A.—CALLISTA TATAONES. 1. CALLISTE TATAO (Liny.) Tanagra tatao, Linn. Syst, Nat. i, p. 315, — Aglaia paradisea, Sw. Class. Birds,” p. 286. —— Calliste tatao, Gray’s Gen. p. 366, No. 13. 3 Supra crissoque atra; yertice lateribusque capitis viridissims; dorso postico flavissimo, rubro notato; subtds humerisque viride ceruleis, gutture purpureo. 2 Mari similis sed coloribus minis vividis. : Junr. dorso postico toto flayo, gutture humerisque vix purpwe* Habitat, Cayenne; Demerara (Rich. Schomburgk) ; Brazil, o Rio de Janeiro (D’Orbigny)? Anolaima, New Granada? Figured, Desm., Tan., pl.1. $. Edwards, pl. 349; Pl. Enl- gh fig. 27; fig. 1 (fig. pessima —tail supplied from some other br Kitt. Kupf. Vog. pl. 31, fig. 3. Hayes, Osterly Park, p. 32: The Anolaima specimens differ from the Cayenne —jirst, 7 larger, the wing being 3. i instead of 3.7; secondly, in the gt™ : the head descending half way down the nape, while in tent specimens it only reaches to the top of the crown. They have io less purple on the breast, and a greater amount of- blue lesser wing-coverts. Should they prove distinct, which I think ™ 50 peing TANAGRINE GENUS CALLISTE. unlikely, there being no other other Calliste common to Cayenne and New Granada, I propose to call the New Granadian bird Calliste ccelicolor. 2. CALLISTE YENI (D’Ors. anp Larr.) Aglaia chilensis, Vigors, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1832, p. 3.— Aglaia yeni, D’Orb. and Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837, p. 31, — Calliste yeni, Bp. Consp. Av. p. 234. $ Similis C. tatao, sed dorso postico ruberrimo, Habitat, Yungas and Yuracares, Bolivia (D’Orb.), Eastern Peru (Tsch.), Rio Negro (Verraux). Figured, D’Orb. Voy. Am. m. Ois. pl. 24, fig. 2.; Jardine and Selby, Ilust. of Orn., N.S. pl. 26. B.—CALLISTZ TYPIC. 3. CALLISTE TRICOLOR (Gm.) Tanagra tricolor, Gm. Syst. Nat, i. p. 891.—'Tanagra tatao, Pr. Maz. Beit. zur. Nat. iii. p. 459. —— Calliste tricolor, Gray’s Gen. p. 366, No. 1. 3 Subtis capiteque caerulea; cervice remigumque marginibus externis cum yentre imo viridissimis; fronte, gula, mento, dorsoque medio atris; dorso postico flammeo; humeris purpureis. Long ale, 3.8. g Coloribus obscurioribus; dorso postico flayo, nec flammeo. Pea Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Cabo Frio, and Guira-pina. (Pr. ax.) ; Rio de la Plata. Py aa Desm. Tan, pl. 36; Pl. Col. pl. 215, fig. 19; Pl. Enl. ig. 1; Kitt. Kupf. Vog. pl. 31, fig. 1. 4. CALLISTE FESTIVA (Suaw.) Tan ' Mies ee Var. 8, Gm. Syst, Nat. i. p. 392, Tanagra festiva, Shaw, Nat. Viel, No tas Tanagra tricolor, 9 Desm. Tan. pl. 4. — Tanagra cyanocephala, bisa hi I ict. @H. N. xxxii. p. 425; Enc. Method. N, xxvi. p. 780.— ae ricollis (Temm.), Max, Beit. zur Nat. iii. p. 456.—— Tanagra trichroa, erz. der Doubl. p. 30. ——Calliste festiva, Gray's Gen. p. 366, No. 2. $ Su ‘ nae capite btis, dorso postico, remigibusque externé viridibus ; summo orso gulaque purpureis; cervice omnind rubra; fronte, mento, ahi humerisque atris, his aurantio marginatis. SYNOPSIS OF THE Long. al, 3.5. Obscurior, dorso medio viridi, nigricante marginato. Habitat, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Guira-pina (Pr. Max.) Figured, Desm. Tan. pl. 4 6; Pl. Enl. 33, fig. 23; Pl. Col. 215, fig. 22; Nat. Mise. pl. 537; Swains, Orn. Draw. pl. 5 3; Kitt. Kupf. Vog. pl. 31, fig. 2; Donov. Nat. Rep. pl. 23. 5. CALLISTE FASTUOSA (Lusson). Tanagra fastuosa, Less. Cent, Zool. p. 184. — Calliste fastuosa, Gray’s Gen. p. 366, No. 20. & Fronte pectore summo dorso medio que superiore atris; capite et vitta circa summam cervicem pulchre czruleo-viridibus ; tec- tricibus alarum minoribus thalassino-viridibus ; uropygio seconda- riorumque marginibus externis aurantiis; remigibus rectricibusque nigris purpureo marginatis ; subtis purpurea, yentre summo di- lutior ; rostro pedibusque nigris, Long. ale, 3. 6. Habitat, Brazil (Lesgon). The only examples I have ever seen of this species, are in the British Museum, labelled (1839) 12, 18, 26, Figured, Lesson’s Cent. Zool. pl. 58. 6. CALLISTE CYANOVENTRIS (Viert.) ¢ (1819) Tanagra cyanoventris, Vieill. Nov. Dict, dH. N. xxxii. p. 426, — (1820) Tanagra elegans, Pr. Maz. Reise n. Bras. i. p. 187. — Tanagra citrinella, Temm. Pl. Col. 42, fig. 2. & Supra aurea, dorso medio nigro striata; remigibus rectricibus- que externé yiridibus ; fronte gulaque nigris, subtus cyanea. Long. ale, 2.7. 2 Coloribus minus vividis. Habitat, Brazil, Espirito Santo (Pr. Max.) _ Figured, Pl. Col. 42, fig. 2 $; Sw. Orn. Draw. pl. 6 3. 7. CALLISTE AURULENTA (Larr.) 6 Tanagra (Aglaia) aurnlenta, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 290, — Callospiza pa Tschudi, Wiegm, Arch. 1844, p. 285. —Calliste durulenta, Gray’s Gen. APP: P”’ $ Aureo-flavissima, dorso medio nigro-maculata ; fronte, auribu®: ne re ; 3 + ep ygqule rectricibus, remigibusque atris; harum secondariis tectricibusd! aureo-viridi marginatis ; subtus aureo-castanea, 52 TANAGRINE GENUS CALLISTE. Long. alee, 3.0. ? Mari similis, sed subtus flavior. Habitat, New Granada, Santa Fé de Bogota. Figured, Tschudi’s Faun. Per. pl. 18, fig. 2. 8. CALLISTE ARTHUSI (Lesson). Tanagra arthus, Less. Illus. Zool. pl. 9—Calliste arthus, Bp. Consp. Av. p. 235. 6 C. aurulente, simillima, sed subtds brunneo tincta; gula, sicut caput supra, aureo-flaya ; abdomineque medio citrino-flavo. Habitat Venezuela, Curiana near Cariaco (Dyson). Figured, Lesson, Ill. Zool. pl. 9. M. Lesson states this bird to be from Mexico, but the skins I have seen have been Venezuelan; and Mr. Dyson informs me, he a it on the estate of Curiana, near Cariaco, 2000 feet above le sea, ' 9. CALLISTE ICTEROCEPHALA (Br.) Puate LXX. Fie. 1. Calliste icterocephala, Bp. Compt. Rend. de l’Ac. Se. Par. 1851, p. 76. " é Supra subtisque flavissima ; dorso summo alarumque tectricibus nigro striatis; pennis caudique nigris, viridi limbatis; gutture et “rculo cireim collum argenteis ; rostro pedibusque nigris. Habitat, Ecuador, Punta Playa (Bourcier). This beautiful species, which is figured pl. lIxx., seems to come nearest to Calliste aurulenta, though the Prince Canino compares t with Calliste zanthocephala (Tsch.) It may be distinguished from all other species of the genus by the peculiar bluish silver- tke colour of the throat; which is continued round the back of the irs and forms a complete collar. M. Bourcier found this species rs E. valley of Punta Playa, south of Quito. The specimen figured sie I Sil of Mr. Edward Wilson—one other is in the Pari- . Collection. SYNOPSIS OF THE 10. CALLISTE THORACICA (Txmm.) Tanagra thoracica, Temm. P1, Col. pl. 42, fig. 1—-Calliste thoracica, Gray’s Gen. p. 366, No. 4. 3 Supra infraque leté viridis, supra nigro striata; vertice orbitis que eyaneis; fronte et macula gulari atris; pectore, tectricibus alarum mi- noribus mentoque aurantiis; abdomine medio crissoque flavescentibus. Long. alew, 3.8. Coloribus minis yividis, macula thoracicé minus atra. Habitat, Brazil (Temminck); Rio de Janeiro. Figured Pl. Col. 42, fig. 1. C—CALLISTA PUNCTIGERA. 11, CALLISTE SCHRANKI (Sperx.) Tanagra schranki, Spiz, Av. Bras. vol. ii. p. 38—Aglaia melanotis, Sw, Av. in Men, p. 355——Calliste schranki, Gray’s Gen. p. 366, No. 17. $ Viridis, supra nigro striata; fronte et regione opthalmica atrls; vertice aurulenta ; uropygio et corpore medio subtis flavis. Long. ale, 9.72. 2 Coloribus mints yividis. Habitat, Yuracares, Bolivia (D’Orb.); Eastern Peru (Tsch.) Rio Negro (Verraux.) Figured Spix. pl. 51, vol. ii.; D'Orb. Vog. Am. m. pl. 24, fg! 12. CALLISTE CHRYSOPHRYS, Scrarer. 5 ta, ? Callospiza punctata, Tschudi, Wiegm, Arch. 1844, p. 286——? Calliste sea Bp. Compt. Rend. Ac. Sc. Par. 1851, p. 76.——Calliste chrysophrys, Sclaters Orn. Cont. 1851, pt. i. pl. Ixix. fig, 2, F sc gerues age CMON ip med : ida S Supra viridis, nisi in uropygio nigro maculata; infra a : : : ae _flavis. precipue in pectore nigro punctata; fronte orbitisque aure? fia Long. ale, 3.8. Habitat, Venezuela (Dyson); Trinidad, New Granada; Santa Fé de Bogota and Anolaima. Figured, Orn. Cont. pl. Lxix. fig. 2. Jeu i I am still uncertain whether the Prince Canino’s species 38 . : : : he : ime tical with mine. His description was taken from a single spe 54 TANAGRINE GENUS CALLISTE. brought by M. Bourcier from the valley of Mindos, north-west of Quito, and placed by him in the Museum of the Jardin des Plantes. 13. CALLISTE PUNCTATA (Liyy.) Tanagra punctata, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 316. ——Calliste punctata, Gray's Gen. p. 366, No. 12. 6 Similis C. chrysophryi sed minor, orbitis flavis carens, punctis minoribus. Long. ale, 3,5, % Minor, punctis pané obsoletis. Long. ale, 3.3, Habitat, Cayenne and Guiana. Figured Edward’s pl. 262; Pl. Enl. 133, fig. 1; Desm. Tan. PL 8 4, pl. 9g, 14. CALLISTE RUFIGULA (Be.) Tanagrella rufigula, Bp. Compt, Ren. Ac. Sc. Par. Jan. 20, 1851. Supra nigra; interscapuliis alisque virescente marginatis, uro- fie virescente immaculato; subtis gula crissoque rufis; pectore Mibusque virescentibus nigro punctatis ; abdomine medio albido. abitat, Calacali, north of Quito, Ecuador, Bourcier. Igura nulla ! a bin Canino considers this a Tanagrella, but it appears styl . form one of the Calliste punctate. In form and general the i colouring it approaches yery near the last species. Indeed, ae er surfaces of the two birds present an entirely similar ap- 0 er with the exception of the rufous throat and crissum of “rufigula; and although in the plumage above the upper half of ‘TUfigula is clouded oyer with black, the feathers are still minutely bo ‘ dered with green as in C. punctata. 15. CALLISTE XANTHOGASTRA, Scrarer. Calliste xanthogastra, Sclater, Jard. Orn. Cont. 1851, part i. C. simi}; ‘ : Sr C. punctata ; sed minor, rostro minore, ventre flavo. ng, alee 3 ay 52.44, SYNOPSIS OF THE Habitat, Rio Negro (Verraux, No. 8622.) Figura nulla! 16. CALLISTE VIRESCENS, Scuarer. Calliste virescens, Sclater, Jard. Orn. Cont. 1851, part i. Supra infraque herbaceo-virescens ; punctis paucis minutis in capite et pectore nigris; alis caudaque nigris cerulescente limbatis ; yentre medio crissoque flavescentibus. Long. ale, 2.23. Habitat, Cayenne. Figured, Jard. Orn. Cont. 1851, part i. pl. Ixix fig. 1. Since I described this species, I have obtained another specimen, apparently more adult, which however only differs from the one figured in the absence of the bluish band between the wings. D—CALLISTH PROCNOPIDES. 17. CALLISTE NIGROVIRIDIS (Larr.) Tanagra nigroviridis, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 69. —~ Calliste nigroviridis Grays Gen. p. 366. No. 23. 3 Atra; corporis subtis, capitis, cervicis, uropygiique plumis cyaneo terminatis ; alis caudaque nigris czeruleo limbatis. Long. ale, 3.6. $, Minor, coloribus minus splendentibus. i Habitat, Venezuela (Dyson); New Granada, Santa Fé de Bogot; Calacali, Ecuador (Bourcier). Figured, Mag. de Zool. 1843, pl. 43, Mr. Dyson, who has kindly furnished me with some Tanagers, observed by himself in South America, informs me, the he found this species in company with Calliste chrysophrys ¥ atricapilla (Lafr.), near La Colonia di Tovar, in the province ° Caraccas, 8000 feet above the sea. It is common in collections ee Bogota. The Prince Canino says, in describing this specie . brought from Ecuador by M. Bourcier, ‘ Pectore nigerrim ast does not agree with the true C. nigroviridis, which has the bre é localities of TANAGRINE GENUS CALLISTE. feathers pointed with cyanean blue; so if the description is right, the species is probably different. 18, CALLISTE THALASSINA (Srrickuanp). Calliste thalassina, Strickland, Ann. Nat. Hist. xiii. 1844, p. 419. — Aglaia wilsoni, Lafr. Revue Zoolog. 1847, p. 71. Capite gulaque cyaneis ; regione auriculari cum marginibus alarum thalassinis ; pectore dorsoque summo atris ; dorso postico lateribus- que ventris leeté czruleis; abdomine medio crissoque albis. Long. ale, 3.7, Habitat, Guaunco, Peru (Lafr.); Rio Negro (Verraux, No. 8616.) Figured, Icon. Orn. pl. 56, fig. 2. My specimen seems to be New Granadian. 19. CALLISTE CYANOCOLLIS (D'Or. and Larr.) (1837) Aglaia cyanicollis, D’Orb. and Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837, p. 33. —— (1838) Aglaia exeruleocephala, Sw. An. in Men, p. 356. Atra ; capite toto, guld et remigibus externé czruleis; dorso Postico, alarumque tectricibus, vividé aureo-viridibus, ong. als, 5.6}. Habitat, Yuracares, Boliyia (D’Orb.); Eastern Peru (Tschudi) ; Anolaima, New Granada. Figured, D’Orb. Voy. Am. Mér. pl. 25, fig.1. * 20. CALLISTE LABRADORIDES (Borss.) Aglaia labradorides, Boiss. Rev. Zool. 1840, p. 67. — Calliste labradorides, Gray's Gen. p. 366, No. 25. Metallieo-v; ; } funn ieo-virescens ; fronte, lined lata a vertice ad dorsum me- “Criss Temigibus rectricibusque nigris, his carulescente limbatis ; 880 rufescente, Bae ale, 2%, i Santa Fé de Bogota. — Voy. de la Venus, Ois. pl. 5 fig 2. SYNOPSIS OF THE 21. CALLISTE XANTHOCEPHALA (Tscuup1). Callospiza xanthocephala, 7'sch. Wiegm. Arch. 1844, p. 285. —— Calliste xanthocephala, Gray’s Gen. App. p. 17. Leté viridis; fronte, loris, gula dorsoque summo nigris; dorso medio alisque nigris viridi marginatis ; ventre medio crissoque pallide rufis ; capite toto aureo. Long. ale, 3.4, Habitat, East Peru (Tschudi.) Figured, Tschudi Faun. Per. pl. 17, fig. 2. 22, CALLISTE RUFICERVIX (Ft. Prevost). Aglaia ruficeryix, Fl. Prev. Voy. de la Venus, Ois. t. v. fig. 1. . A+ abdo- Atro-cyanea; capite purpurascente, nucha rufo-castanea ; abd mine medio crissoque pallidé rufescentibus. Long. ale, 2.7, Habitat, Santa Fé de Bogota. Figured, Voy, de la Venus, Ois. t. v. fig. 2. 23. CALLISTE LEUCOTIS, Scrater. Calliste ruficervix, Bp. Compt. Rend. Ac. Sc. Par. 1850, p- 77 & Plumis basi plumbeis; abdomine crissoque pallidé rufescenti- bus; capistro loris et fascid transyersali verticis nigris; front? posticé cerviceque atro-cyaneis ; nucha rufo castanea ; macula aril que auriculari, tectricibus alarum minoribus, plumisque axillariba albis. Habitat, Ecuador (Bourcier). mee The above specific character is Prince Canino’s description ° g Calliste, brought from the Republic of Ecuador by M. shee and which the Prince Canino identifies with CO. rujicerviv (Fl. is vost), But it appears to me to be a different, though nearly @ i species, as Calliste rujicerviv has no white on the ear-coverts : aie gs } howe wings. I have therefore given it the name of leucotés. Upon’ 58 TANAGRINE GENUS CALLISTE. ing to M. Bourcier a specimen of the true ruficervix, he informed me, that the one he had brought home, which Prince Canino had described, was decidedly different, having white ear-coverts. 24, CALLISTE ATROCRULEA (Tscuup7). Procnopis atrocwrulea, Z'sch. Wiegm. Arch, 1844, p. 285.—— Calliste atrocerulea, Gray’s Gen. Supp. p. 17. Supra atra; capite colloque viridi-ceruleis, sincipite macula dilute stramined nitente; dorso nigerrimo; uropygio ceruleo ; alis nigris ex yiolaceo eseruleo marginatis; tectricibus superioribus ceruleig resplendentibus, subtis cerulea, gutture cinereo layato. Habitat, Eastern Peru (Tsch.); Bolivia (Bridges). The only two specimens I have seen of this species are in the Knowsley collection: they were brought from Bolivia by Mr. Bridges. The species appears to me to come very near Calliste ruficervin ; indeed, the Prince Canino (Compt. Rend. Ac. Sc. Par. 1851, Jan. 20), states them to be synonymous; but the present Species may be distinguished by its black back, and want of the pale rufous colouring of vent and crissum. 25. CALLISTE ATRICAPILLA (Larr.) 7; . oe (Aglaia) atricapilla, Lajr. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 290. —— Calliste atricapilla, Bp. Consp. Av. p. 235, No. 26. ' 4 N ttde griseo-czerulea, capite nigro ; pectore toto gulaque glau- Inidibus ; pennis caudaque nigris griseo-ceruleo limbatis. Long, alee, 3.9, media lico-viescens pectore mari similie sed obscurior ; ventre Hi crissoque griseo-albescentibus. sat abitat, New Granada (Lafr.); Popayan (Mus. Derb.); Vene- a, La Colonia di Tovar (Dyson). 1gura nulla ! 59 SYNOPSIS OF THE 26. CALLISTE ARGENTEA (Tscuvp1). Procnopis argentea, Tsch. Wieg. Arch. 1844, p. 285. —— Calliste argentea, Gray’s Gen. Supp. p. 17. Supra e ceruleo cinerea, splendore argenteo, pileo nigerrimo; alis nigris é cxruleo limbatis ; subtus nigra, gutture stramineo-fusco, hypochondriis dorso concoloribus. Habitat, Wood Region of North and Middle Peru (Tsch). Figured, Faun. Per. pl. 14, fig. 2. This species I have never seen. The description agrees tolerably well with the last species, except the expression ‘ gutture stramineo- fusco.’ The throat in C. atricapilla, both é and ¢ is bright green. 27. CALLISTE VASSORI (Botss.) T. (Huphone?) vassorii, Boiss. Rev. Zool, 1840, p. 4.——Aglaia diva, Less. Echo du M.S. p, 57.——Calliste vassorii, Gray’s Gen. p. 366, No. 26. & Vividé cerulea; fronte, loris, cauda, alisque nigris; harum tectricibus cruleo marginatis. Long. ale, 3.9, Griseo-cineracea, subtus clarior. Habitat, Santa Fé de Bogota. Figured, Mag. de Zool. 1841, pl. 23 6. 28. CALLISTE MELANONOTA (Vi=rL1.) : ra (1819) Tanagra melanonota, Vieill. Noy. Dict. d’H. N. xxxii. p. 407.—— Tanag vittata, Temminck, Pl. Col. 48. S Lzté cerulea; dorso medio nigrescente ; alis caudaque et ceruleo limbatis; yitt& lata oculari cum fronte atra; infra levite brunnea. Long. ale, 3.6. 2 Mari similis sed supra nigrescens ; capite uropygioque centibus. ai) Habitat, South Brazil; Paraguay (Azara); Maldonado (Dar) Figured, Pl, Col. 48, fig. 1 6, fig, 2 9. 60 ¢ sor ules- TANAGRINE GENUS CALLISTE. 29. CALLISTE CASTANEOVENTRIS, Scrazer, Sp. Noy. Supra fusco-cerulea, pennis caudAque nigris fusco-ceruleo lim- batis ; loris et regione oculari atris ; infra brunnco-castanea ; pedibus mascillaque nigris, mandibula brunnescente. Long. tota, 6.4; ale, 3.1. Habitat, Bolivia (Bridges). This new species is closely allied to the preceding; but may be distinguished by the lengthened form of the beak, as well as by the uniform dusky blue of the upper surface, and deep chesnut brown of the lower. It is well provided with rictal bristles, as C. melano- nota, I haye seen only one specimen, which is in the collection of the Earl of Derby, to whose kindness I am indebted for an oppor- tunity of examining and describing it. It was brought by Mr. Bridges from Bolivia. E.—CALLISTH FLAV 4. 30. CALLISTE FLAVA (Gmet.) Tanagra flava, Gin. Syst. Nat. i, p, 896——Tanagra chloroptera, Vieill. Nov. Diet. TH. N, xxxii, p. 407. 'Tanagra formosa, Vieill. Enc. Meth. p. 773.—— Calliste flava, Gray's Gen. p. 366, No. 15. $ Pallidé fulvo-flava, subtis rufescentior ; yitta lata a mento ad medium ventrem atra ; alis caudaque nigris cerulescente limbatis. Long, ale, 3.83. 2 Ochraceo-yirescens ; infra albescentior ; ventre imo crissoque Tufescentibus, Habitat, Brazil, Pernambuco (Swains.); Rio de Janeiro, Para- Suay (Azara). Figured, Sw. Zool. Ill. N.S. pl. 8S. N. o 31. CALLISTE RUFICAPILLA, Scuarer, Sr. Nov. S Virescens ; loris capitisque lateribus nigris ; pileo ferrugineo ; Subtids aliqudt czrulescens; ecrisso testaceo ; maxilla pedibusque n u f ” ° “Be mandibula albicante. SYNOPSIS OF THE Long. ale, 3.0. 2 Infra non cerulescens; abdomine medio albido. Habitat, New Granada, Santa Fé de Bogota. Figura nulla 32, CALLISTE CHRYSONOTA, Scrater. ? Tanagra cayana, Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 315.——? Fringilla autumnalis, Linn, Syst, Nat. i. p. 320.—Tanagra cayana, Desm. Tan. t. x. (Oert).—— Calliste chrys~ nota, Selater, Jard. Orn. Cont. 1850, pl. li. 3 Pallidé nitido-flava pileo in ferrugineum trahente ; fronte, iam et regione auriculari nigris; guld purpurascente ; pennis caudique nigris czruleo limbatis. Long. ale, 2:73. : Junior, pileo ferrugineo carens; supra fusco-viridis ; wropy2" subtisque pallidior ; ventre crissoque rufescentibus ; Calliste flav @ simillima, sed minor. Long. alz, 2.53, Habitat, Cayenne and Demerara. ; Figured, Desm. Tan, t. x. $ (haud adult), Orn. Cont. 1850, pl fi 3 (haud adult). Felt Believing the previous species, which I have now named Cal a rujicapilla, to be the true cayana of Linneus, I gave the it one the name chrysonota; but having obtained more agree find that this is the common Cayenne bird of the group; ay the previous one is its New Granadian representative ; and we thereby induced to believe, that the present is probably ae 44 which ought to bear the name cayana. Yet it is so difficu vi reconcile Brisson’s description, from which Linnzus enact species, with either, that I think it less likely to create fur fi confusion, to keep for the present the new name chrysonola this species. sige It may be distinguished from C. rujicapilla by its sma e ak black front, and peculiar pale buffy yellow colouring of the ait? The specimen figured in the Contributions last year was a ie adult. The adult 6 has a deep purplish blue on the throa bluish edges to the wing and tail-feathers. 62 TANAGRINE GENUS CALLISTE. 33. CALLISTE CUCULLATA (Swars.) Aglaia cucullata, Sw. Orn. Draw. pl. 7.——Calliste cucullata, Gray’s Gen. p. 366, No. 9. $ Viridescens, infra rufescente mixta; pileo nigro-cinnamomeo ; pectore-ceerulescente. 2 Coloribus minds letispectore non ccerulescente. Long. ale, 3.83. Habitat, Brazil 2 Figured, Orn. Draw. pl. 7. 3 T have only seen what is apparently the ? of this species —it is in Mr. Strickland’s collection. It may be distinguished from its a by the dark cinnamon of the head and larger size of the eak, 34, CALLISTE CASTANONOTA, Sctater. Tanagra gyrola, Pr. Maz. Beit. zur. Nat. iii. p. 471. 3 Supra castanea; oculorum ambitu lorisque nigris; alarum tectricibus dorsoque postico pallidé flayis; pennis caudaque nigris cerulescente limbatis; infra nitidé viridis; ventre summo czrules- °ente, imo medio albicante; crisso tibiisque rufis; rostro nigro ; bedibus fuscis, Long. tota, §.5.; ale, 3.12. Mari similis; sed dorso nigro, alarum tectricibus virescentibus hee flavis (Pr. Max.) Habitat, South Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul (Pr. Max.) Mr Gray refers Prince Maximilian’s bird to Calliste perwviana, ; *smn., which it resembles very closely; but the back in the latter none is of a fine glossy black. ‘The description given above for : female of the present species would in that respect suit Calliste Peruviana $3; but Prince Maximilian describes his 7. gyrola ? as ‘ing the wing-coverts green, whereas in Calliste peruviana } they ob the same pale yellow as in the present species. The above iption is taken from a specimen in. Mr. Strickland’s collection ; ps Seen others in the Brussels and Liverpool Museums. SYNOPSIS OF THE 35. CALLISTE PERUVIANA (Desm.) Tanagra peruviana, Desm. Tan.'pl. 11.— Aglaia melanota, Sw. Orn, Draw. 31, 43. ——Calliste peruviana, Gray’s Gen. p. 366, No. 8. 3 Loris interscapuliisque aterrimis ; capite castanco; dorsi dimi- dio postico alarumque tectricibus pallidé flavis; infra lete viridis, tectricibus caude inferioribus rufis. Long. ale, 2.9, 5 ? Interscapuliis nigrescenti-viridibus nec atris; dorso postico alarumque tectricibus viridibus nec flavis; capite subtusque minus leetis; ventre medio flayescente albido. Habitat, Peru (Desm.)? South Brazil, Rio de la Plata. Figured, Desm. Tan. pl. 11 6; Sw. Orn. Draw. pl. 31 4, pl. 439. F.—CALLISTHA LAMPR&. 36. CALLISTE CYANOPTERA (Swarns.) z 1. Aglaia cyanoptera, Sw. Orn. Draw. pl. 8— Tanagra argentea, Lafr. Rey. Zoo! 1843, p. 69. — Calliste cyanoptera, Gray's Gen. p. 366, No. 10. Calliste argenteo-virescens ; capite toto, gula, alis, caudaque at's; remigibus rectricibusque czruleo limbatis. Long. ale, 3.0. Habitat, Venezuela. Figured, Sw. Orn. Draw. pl. 8. 37. CALLISTE LARVATA (Dv Bus). 847, Calliste larvata, Du Bus, Esq. Orn. pl. 9. — Aglaia fanny, Lajr. Rev. Zool. } p. 72. pectores é Calliste capistro, loris, collo inferiore, interscapulio, homers alis et caudd supra nigerrimis; fronte, genis, temporibus, am et epigastrii lateribus nitidé azureis; occipite nucha et later? capitis poné tempora virescenti-stramineis ; gula rubiginos4; rie uropygio, ventris lateribus et tectricibus alarum minoribus pony in glaucum vergentibus ; epigastrio albo ; ventre et crisso fulve 64 . Callette “é Meroceprhela, Lon. ps ie lumiyeue, Shafer TANAGRINE GENUS CALLISTE. centi-albidis; remigibus, tectricibus alartim mediis et majoribus, et rectricibus virescenti aureo extis marginatis. — (Du Bus). ? Coloribus minus vividis. — (Du Bus). Habitat, Tabasco, Mexico (Ghiesbrieght); Veragua, Central Ame- rica (Warzewickz.) ; Chamalican River, Spanish Honduras (Dyson). Figured, Esq. Orn. pl. 9; Icon. Orn. pl. 56, fig. 1. The only examples I have seen, were brought from Chirique in Veragua by M. Warzewickz. 38. CALLISTE LUNIGERA, Scuatsr, Sp. Nov. Pratt LXX, Fie. 2. Tanagra, Verraua’s Catalogue, No. 8620. Capite et regione oculari auricularique pulcherrimé aureo-citrinis ; dorso Superiore, fronte, gula loris, pennis, caudaque, et macula lunari utringue post aures atris; dorso inferiore, alarumque tectricibus inoribus, nitidé eeruleo-viridibus ; secondariis tertiariisque tenuitér ceruleo marginatis ; pectore nitidé yirescente; ventre omniné et 1880 rubescenti-brunneis ; rostro nigro; pedibus pallidé brunneis. Long, tota, 5.2.; penne, 2.73. Habitat, Rio Negro (Verraux). This bird was received by Mr. Edward Wilson from M. Verraux ; aioe only individual I haye seen of the species. I am much bted to Mr. Wilson for the loan of this and many other rare ‘Pecies described in the present paper. it 39. CALLISTE LAMPROTIS, Scuarzr, Sp. Noy. oat summo yividée rubro aurantio regione oculari cum gula = “ae pone atris ; regione auriculari flavissima ; interscapuliis alis et ca mugtis ceerulescente-viridi limbatis ; dorso postico pectore re eis ventris pure carulescenti-viridibus 4 ventre medio crisso- ha b érufescentibus ; rostro nigro; pedibus fuscis. 8: tota, 5.3.; alee, 3.9, Habitat, Bolivia (Bridges). aa Species is without doubt very nearly allied to the last, but : € differences between them sufficient to prevent their being SYNOPSIS OF THE considered as merely varying from sex or age. The whole side of the head, which in the last species presents the well-defined black marking whence the bird derives its name, is in the present species covered with a patch of the most brilliant king’s-yellow. The general size of the two species is nearly the same, but in C. lam- protis the bill is smaller, the orange of the head is of a more red- dish tinge, the eye is entirely surrounded by black, and the whole of the wing-feathers, including the primaries, are lined with green. The only specimen I have seen is in the British Museum. For an opportunity of examining and taking a description of it, I am much indebted to Mr. G. R. Gray. It was brought from Bolivia by Mr. Bridges. 40, CALLISTE PARZUDAKII (Larr.) ss ? Tanagra parzudakii, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 97.——Calliste parzudakii, Grays Gen. p. 366, No. 27. Capite supra aureo; lateribus cum fronte ruberrimis ; loris, galt, macula subauriculari, interscapuliis, remigibus, rectricibusque atris; tectricibus alarum, uropygio, subtdsque aurato-viridibus, corpor? subtis rufescente tincto, Long, ale, 3.23. Habitat, Santa Fé de Bogota. Figured, Mag. de Zool. 1843, pl. 41. This species may be distinguished from all others of the genus: by the brilliant red of the front and sides of the head. 41. CALLISTE CHRYSOTIS (Du Bus). Calliste chrysotis, Du Bus, Esq. Orn. pl. 7- Nitidé viridis; capite, loris, caudAque atris ; pennis interscapy” liisque atris nitido-viridi marginatis; fronte et regione opthalm fulvo-auratis ; ventre medio crissoque rufo-castaneis. Habitat, Peru (Du Bus), Rio Negro (Verraux). Figured, Esq. Orn. pl. 7. 66 TANAGRINE GENUS CALLIS TE. G.—CALLISTZ GYROLSA, 42, CALLISTE GYROLA (Linn.) Tanagra gyrola, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 315. Aglaia chrysoptera, Sw. An. in Mon. p. 356. —— Calliste gyrola, Gray’s Gen. p. 366, No. 5. 3 Leté viridis; capite mentoque rufis; macula flexurali aurea ; Yentre ceerulescente. Long. ale, 5.7, Junior, viridis unicolor, capite rufo carens. Habitat, Cayenne and Demerara. Figured, Desm. Tan. pl. 6 8; Pl. Enl. 133, fig. 2 6; Edwards, Pl. 23; Desm, Tan. pl. 7 (avis junior ?) 43, CALLISTE GYROLOIDES (Larr.) it : . ( 8 Aglaia peruviana, Sw. An. in Men. p. 356. —— Aglaia gyrola, D’Orb. and - eee de Zool. 1847, p. 32,— Callospiza gyrola, T'sch. Wiegm. Arch. 1844, Ae, oe Calliste cyanoventris, Gray’s Gen. p. 366, No. 19,——(1847) Cass pean & Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1847, p. 279.——Calliste gyroloides, Bp. Similis @, gyrole, sed uropygio etiam cerulescente, alis longioribus. Long, ale, 3.13, “ Habitat, Peru (W. Hooker); Wood region of North and Middle ru (Tschudi) ; Yuracares, Bolivia (D’Orb.) ; New Granada, Ano- uma, and Santa Fé de Bogota. ‘ Igura nulla | 44. CALLISTE DESMARESTI (Gray). T “Gent S¥r0la, Swans, Zool. I, N. 8, pl. 28.— (1844) Calliste desmaresti, Gray's P. 366, No. 6. — (1847) Aglaia viridissima, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1847, p. 27. Omnino viridis ; capite mento tibiisque leté rufis. ong. alee, peg : oe Trinidad ; Venezuela, Caraccas (Hartlaub). pie Sw. Zool. Ill. N.S. pl. 23. SYNOPSIS OF THE H.—CALLISTAZ CHRULEO-NIGR&. 45. CALLISTE BRASILIENSIS (Liyy.) Tanagra brasiliensis, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 316. —(?) Tanagra barbadensis, Kuti. Ind. ad Pl. Enl, p. 3, —(?) Calliste albiventer, Gray’s Gen. p. 366, No, 1.— Calliste brasiliensis, Gray’s Gen. p. 366, No. 11.— Callospiza barbadensis, Bp. Comp. Rend. 1851, p. 30. & Diluté cyanea; occipite, dorso medio, rectricibus, remigibus- que atris ; harum primariis cyaneo marginatis ; yentre medio, cTiss0, plumisque axillaribus albis. Long. ale, 2.33. 2 Coloribus minis intensis. Long. ale, 2.63. 6 Junior, tectricibus alarum minoribus albis. Long. ale, 2.3. Habitat, Brazil generally (Pr. Max.). Figured, Pl, Enl. 179, fig. 1; Pl. Enl. 155, fig. 1? . The bird figured Pl. Enl. 155, fig. 1, to which Kuhl gave the specific name “barbadensis,” and Mr. Gray “ albiventer,” is probably this. It may however be = C. flaviventris 2, as Seba, the original authority for the species states it to be “ ea insulis Berbicensibus, which Brisson mis-copied into “ Barbadensibus.” Hence the nan” “ barbadensis.” I cannot imagine why the Prince Canino sho have preferred this name, giving a wrong locality as it does, % the older Linnean and most correct specific designation of + OFM, siliensis.” 46. CALLISTE NIGRICINOCTA (Br.) 2 oe y's Aglaia nigricincta, Bp. Proc. Zool. Soc. 1837, p. 121. —— Calliste nigricincta, ih Gen. p. 366, No. 16. Shi BE? : Z : ude Similis C. brasiliensi; sed minor, rostro minore, capite et ca tectricibus virescente tinctis. Habitat, Peru (Von vidt). Figura nulla ! 68 TANAGRINE GENUS CALLISTE. 47, CALLISTE FLAVIVENTRIS (Vre111.) Tanagra mexicana, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 315. — Fringilla tricolor, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 323. — Tanagra flaviventris, Véeill. Nov. Dict. @H. N. xxxii. p. 411. 3 Intensé cyanea; occipite, dorso, alis, caudaque atris; macula flexurali thalassin4 ; abdomine et crisso flavis. Long. alx, 2.9. ? Abdomine flavescente-albido. Habitat, Cayenne; Trinidad; Barra do Rio Negro (Wallace). Figured, Desm. Tan. pl. 5; Pl. Enl. 290, fig. 2. Edwards, pl. 350, [have not retained the Linnzan name mexicana, because it in- dicates a wrong locality. 48, CALLISTE BOLIVIANA (Bon.) Aglaia mexicana, D’Orb. and Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837.—— Tanagra flaviventris, D Orb, Voy. VAm. m. p. 270.——Callospiza boliviana, Bp. Compt. Rend. Ac. Se. Par, 1851, p. 80. Minor ; nigricans; fronte tantim, genis, gula, pectore, lateribus, wWwopygio humerisque cyaneis; yentre flavissimo (Bp-) Long, ale, 3 7h. : Habitat, Guarayos and Yuracares, Bolivia (D’Orb.) ; Lucia (Mus. Derb.) A skin received from Mr. Wallace, at Copiu, near Para, July, 1849, may belong to this species. It differs from the pre- ceding only in the want of the thalassine flexure-spot and shorter Wing, But it is singular, if this is so, that on the other hand from Barra do Rio Negro, high up in- the interior, Mr. Wallace has "emitted the Cayenne species. Specimens in the British Museum marked (1843) 5, 24, 94, are said to be from Lima. 69 ON TWO NEW SPECIES OF EUPHONIA, Dzso., ALLIED TO £. CHLOROTICA. By H. E. STRICKLAND. Tae genus Huphonia (so named by Desmarest, but erroneously written Euphone by some authors) has been much entangled with the genera Calliste and Tanagra, by those who have overlooked its true characters. It is, however, a very strongly marked genus of the great family Tanagride, and presents no indications of a tran- sition into other genera, The remarkable and unique anatomical Structure of the intestines, which are wholly devoid of a stomach (that organ being represented by a minute tubercle), proves a wide Physiological separation from the other Tanagride, The denticu- lations of the upper mandible, yarying from two to four in number m different species, but neyer, I believe, reduced to unity, afford a Convenient external character for determining the genus. Thaye before me five species of Huphonia, all of which agree in having the throat and upper parts glossy black, the front and lower Parts being yellow. From this similarity in plumage, they have *en more or less confounded under the specific name of chlorotica, Which belongs to one of them. Specimens of all these species occur ™ Mr. Sclater’s collection and in my own. 1. EUPHONIA CHALYBEA, Mixan. T 2 +, 4gra chalybea, Mikan, Del. Faun. Bras. pl. 3. Euphone enea, Sundevall, in ee Acad. Handl. 1833, pl. xi. fig. 4. ——Euphone pardalotus, Lesson, in Ficho . Say, Ren greenish black above; mandibles tumid; primaries nar- wly margined with yellow externally; no white on rectrices ; Wing, 3.8, Habitat, Brazil. Note, Prvhtonan recisy has made a new genus of this species from its tumid bill, i .S. ON TWO NEW SPECIES OF ZEUPHONIA. 2. EUPHONIA CHLOROTICA, Lanny. Tanagra cayanensis nigro-lutea, Briss. Orn. vol. iii. p. 34, pl. 2, f. 3. —Tanagra chlorotica, Linn. Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 317. — Tanagra violacea, 8 Lath. Ind, Om. p. 430. —— Euphone chlorotica, Sundevall, in Vetensk. Acad. Handl, 1833, 11) es gue toate a Purplish black above ; yellow front extending to the summit of the eye; lower parts, tail-covers included, pure yellow; basal half of inner web of all the remiges, white, with a nearly transverse termination; a post-medial square white spot on the inner web of the external pair of rectrices. Beak moderate, whitish at base; wing, 2.1. Habitat, Cayenne (Brisson), Brazil (Sundevall). 3. EUPHONIA TRINITATIS, Srricnzann, Sp. Nov. Bluish-black above; yellow front extending behind the ey¢ lower parts, tail-covers included, deep yellow; margin of inner web of all the primaries white, for two-thirds their length, the os extending across the web on the secondaries; a large medial er white spot on the inner webs of the two external pairs of rectrices: Beak moderate, whitish at base; wing, 2.2. Habitat, Trinidad, Cumana, Venezuela, St. Thomas (Sclater): 4, EUPHONIA STRICTIFRONS, Srrickzanp, SP. Noy. Golden Titmouse, var. ‘Edw. Birds, vol. v. p. 113, dese. 2. Small ; head purplish-black, back blnish-black ; yellow ftom © tending only to the fore part of the eye; lower parts pure ye gis lower tail-coyers white; margin of inner web of all the pee ahs white, for two-thirds their length, the white extending across of web on the secondaries ; inner webs of the three external aA te, rectrices medially white, their base and tips black. Beak m0 whitish at base. Wing, 1.9. Habitat, Surinam (Edwards), Cayenne (Sclater). 72 ALLIED TO £. CHLOROTICA. On this species Mr. Sclater remarks, ‘ Cabanis has described a bird in Schomburgk’s Reise nach Guiana, vol. ii., which he calls Euphonia minuta, and which he describes as very like the female of Huphonia chlorotica, but smaller, and probably $ of a smaller species. Therefore I think it not unlikely, that your Z. strictifrons- is the male of this species.” 5. EUPHONIA XANTHOGASTRA, Sunpevatu. Golden Titmouse, Edw. Birds, pl. 263, f. sup. — Euphone xanthogaster, Sundevall, in Vetensk. Acad. Handl. 1833, pl. x. f. 1. Purplish black above; lower parts, tail-coyers included, and front to behind the eye, orange-yellow ; two or three first primaries wholly black, the basal half of the inner webs of the remaining remiges white, with an oblique termination; a postmedial oblong White spot on the inner web of the external pair of rectrices. Beak moderate, wholly black. Wing, 2.4. Habitat, Brazil (Sundeyall), Surinam (Edwards). It is impossible to say whether the Luphonia afinis, thus vaguely oe by Lesson, Revue Zoologique, 1842, p. 175, belongs to Present group, and whether in that case it forms a sixth species, e IS synonymons with one of the above: “ Capitis dimidia parte, orace, abdomine, tectricibusque inferioribus aureis; sincipite, collo, gula, dorso, alis cauddque cyaneo violaceo tincto; alis totis ugerrimis; rostro nigro, pedibus rufis. —Hab. Realejo.” This Most careless of writers has not told us which half of the head is eae but from the sinciput being violaceous, it would appear to te! Posterior half. I suspect, however, that Lesson meant to and ese for sincipite, in which case the front would be yellow, of € general coloration of the bird would agree with the group ore us, though its red legs and Mexican habitat probably indicate distinct: species, fo + ee remarks, “I believe Edwards’ figure to be intended maitia lorotica vera, and not for this species, which is not from mi, but from N. Brazil and New Granada. DESCRIPTION OF SOME NEW SPECIES AND A NEW GENUS OF DENDROCOLAPTINE. By T, C. EYTON, Esa, F.L.S. Dendrocolaptes multistrigatus, Kyton. D. rostro parim arcuato valdé depresso cultrato; gula, maculis tiangularibus capitis yittAque postoculari flayo, rufis; singulis pen- Ms pectoris laté, colloque superiore angusté medio eodem colore Strigatis ; abdomine pectoreque imo flavo-rufis singulis pennis qua- tuor Striis angustis atris et transversis notatis; illis pectore atro marginatis ; dorso brunneo-olivaceo, inferiore parte uropygio re- tigibus rectricibusque leté cinnamoneo rufis his apicibus brunneo vidi vix tinctis ; rostro mandibulé superiore atro inferiore ad basin corneo. Long. corp. 10.5.; rost. 1.6.; tar. i. , This Species of Dendrocolaptes approaches nearer to D. platyros- ae Spix, in the form of the bill than to any other species, but has more slender, not so broad at the base, but at the same time more Reais The specimen from which the above description is taken n Lord Derby’s Museum at Knowsley. Picolaptes validirostris, Eyton. ee valido, areuato, cultrato, ad basin palidé breaneo'; capite higno- fis ro, Pettis singulis in medio rufo-flavo Tate strigulatis et a Siete bas striis colli mediis statura inter illos capitis th medie gula genisque sordidé albis ; pectore abdomineque pennis We parte eodem coloris fusco leviter fimbriatis; uropygio DESCRIPTION OF SOME NEW SPECIES remigibus rectricibusque leté cinnamoneo-rufis, remigibus externis apicibus brunnis yiridi pareé tinctis; pedibus brunneo-corneis. Long. corp. 8.5.; ros. fron. i.5,; tarsi, 9,; ale, 4.5. The above may be easily distinguished from the other species of Picolaptes, by the greater length and strength of the bill. The specimen is in the Knowsley Museum. Picolaptes atripes, Kyton. EP: precedente similis sed pennis medio parte leté albis nigro fimbriatis, rostro breviore et gracillioee, et pedibus atris. Long. corp. 8.5.; ros. fron. i.5,; tar. 9,; alee, 4.7h. This species approaches very nearly to the preceding one, but may be at once distinguished from it by the superior length of the wing, the slenderness of the bill, the black or very dark brown feet, and by the centre of the feathers being pure white instead of dirty white. A specimen is in Lord Derby’s Museum and another 1 mY own, DENDREXETASTES, N. G. Generic Character. Rostrum validum, arcuatum, parim cultratum, haud altior qual latum, naribus magnis vix ovalibus. hesct Pedes tarsique validi, cauda duabus rectricibus mediis longissim: Dendreaetastes capitoides, Eyton. D. capite, dorso abdomineque brunneis, pectore, gula — posteriore, pennis medio parte laté albis, atris, dein brunne? ae briatis, gulaque brunneo solummodo fimbriata ; uropygio, a: remigibusque laté rufo-cinnamoneis illis apicibus brunneo-vi" teriore latere prepillatis. : bt Long. corp. 93 TOs. fron. i.3,; tar. 11; ala, 4. ie za From the form of the bill in this curious genus it might ae -sight be supposed to be related to the Capztonnic ; but being des ‘ of bristles at the base of the bill, and also the toes being oe three in front and one behind, point out its true position to bea 76 AND A NEW GENUS OF DENDROCOLAPTIN4:. the Dendrocolaptinee. It also agrees with the latter family in the structure of the tail and in the style of the plumage. The specimen from which the above description is taken is in the Knows- ley Museum, and was purchased from Mr. Leadbeater, the locality isunknown. I cannot conclude this paper without expressing my thanks to Lord Derby for the facilities which he has always afforded me in exploring the riches of his Museum. : $ » HO AY ig Sty Sa ct Rh oeadg : Ft pia Ay f Tees ik rete ; ' 45 Wages tals rasyiee ; ASS ; Paes i WETS, pe SEBS SAN ob Peeh add VT vet d eee ob eee npiahine, tb 97: Trochites verticeps. Could, May 1851. TROCHILUS (THALURANIA) VERTICEPS, GouLp. Tuts Humming Bird was sent by post from Quito to Mr, Gould, by Professor William Jameson, March, 1851, but without remark. Mr, Gould considers it new, and has sent us the following descrip- tion. It is similar in every respect to 7’. columbiana, except that it is capped with green instead of blue, and that it is a trifle larger in size. “Forehead and anterior part of the head occupied by a round spot ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. Aprin, 1851, Pu. LXXI. of-shining green; throat and breast also shining green ; back of the head, neck, back, rump, and upper tail-coverts, dark glossy green, washed with bronze on the back of the neck; shoulders metallic blue passing into green; wings purplish-black ; tail greenish-black, and considerably forked; abdomen dark glossy blue; under tail- coverts greenish-blue margined with white; tarsi clothed with gray- ish-white feathers; bill black ; feet fleshy-brown.” Total length, 43 inches; bill, }; wing, 23; tail, 1]. 79 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. TURDUS AURANTIIROSTRIS, Harriavs. Puats LXXII. Turdus aurantiirostris, Hartl. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. ii. 1850, p. 158, —— Catharus immaculatus, Bonp. Conspect. p. 278 (Auct. Haritl.) M. Harrnavs of Bremen has kindly forwarded to us a drawing of a thrush from Venezuela, which he last year described in the Revue et Magazine de Zoologie. Our plate is lithographed from this drawing, and we add below the observations which accompanied it. A bird is described by the Prince of Canino in his Conspectus, from the Caraccas, which M. Hartlaub refers to this, and of which the Prince constitutes a new genus, though to judge from the drawing now received, we would have considered it a true Thrush. “T formerly described the bird from a very fine specimen, freshly imported from Caraccas. It had then the beak and the naked skin round the eye of a lively orange colour. When I saw the same speci- men about one year later, all this fine colour had vanished, and. the same parts were of an obsolete yellow. Bonaparte’s generic sepa- ration is to be adopted, at least I adopt it with great pleasure. He says in his generic character ‘cauda brevis,’ This is not quite correct, and I would propose to put for it cada breviuscula.” 80 Turd a B aurantiirostris , Hart. Reeve & Nichols, imp SYNOPSIS OF THE GENUS ZLUPHONIA, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, May, 1851. Tue Prince Canino separates this genus, which is a very natural one, taken as a whole, into several others. None of the divisions appear to me to deserve that high rank, being founded chiefly on the style of plumage. I have used his names for the sections in the following paper where they can be adopted, but prefer keeping Euphonia as a generic name for all the species. Szctio Im EUPHONTIA. A Ceeruleo-cephale (Cyanophonia, BP.)..+.+++ 3 species. B Chlorotice RS C Violacece (Buphonia, BP.) .sesssereceseres 3 D Nigrite 38 Srotro Il CHLOROPHONIA, Bp. AP apes PAU Ml ssehe cans scecesseoesenss 5 species. B EL. Serrivostres .scccsssessseseosnsesseereccereereees eta ee Srcrro Ils PYRRHOPHONIA, Be. 2 species. AE. Tumidirostres ..cccccscsecsvseetonees RyEien. ae 81 SYNOPSIS OF THE GENUS EUPHONIA, Sectio Ima HUPHONIA. A.—EUPHONIAZ CH RULEOCEPHALSE. Subtis, nisi gutture, flavee ; capite ceruleo. 1. EUPHONIA MUSICA (Gmet.) Pipra musica, Gimel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 1004.—— Emberiza flavifrons, Sparm. Mus. Carls No. 92. 9 Euphonia ceruleocephala, Sw. Class. Birds, ii. p, 286. —— Eo- phonia musica, Gray’s Gen, ii. p. 367, No. 1.—— Cyanophonia musica, Bp. Rev. Zool. 1851, No. 3. $ Violaceo-atra; capite ceruleo; frontali vitt& flavissim4 nigro marginata ; gula atra; subtis cum dorso postico brunneo-aurantia. Long. ale, 3.5. ? Olivaceo-yiridis, subtis levior; gula flavescente ; capite ceri- leo; vitt& lata frontali flavissima, nigro marginata. Long. ale, 2.4, Habitat, St. Domingo (Mus. Brit.) ; Cayenne ? Figured, Pl. Enl. 809, fig. 14; Desm. Tan. t. 19 $—20 2: Sparm, Mus, Carls. pl. 92; Vieill. Gal. des Ois. Supp. pl. 8. N., 6 and 9. There are two skins of this species in the British Museum, which Mr. George Gray has kindly allowed me to examine, receiyed from San Domingo, to which island Buffon attributes his “ Organiste,” whence Gmelin formed the name “ Pipra musica.” A 9 in my own collection is apparently from Cayenne, This is curious, as the Trinidad species is H. niyricoll's, of which I have several gs and 2s received from that island. The figures of Desmarest and Vicillot both give a yellow throat to this species ; but I believe Desmarest’s bird to have been in an immature state, as there are appearances of the black on each side of the neck, and Vieillot’s figure was probably merely copied from it. 82 WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES. 2. EUPHONIA NIGRICOLLIS (Vierit.) Puate LXXYV. Fie. 1. (1818) Pipra eyanocephala, Vieill. Nov. Dict. d’H. N. xix. p. 165 9?—— (1819) Tana- gra nigricollis, Vietll. Nov. Dict. dH, N. xxxii. p. 41. — (1823) Tanagra aureata, Vicill. Enc. Méth, p. 782.— Tanagra chrysogastra, Cuv. Reg. An, 2 ed. p. 366. —Enphonia musica, Maz. Beitr. Zur Nat. p. 443.—Euphonia, nigricollis, D Orb. and Lar. Mag. de Zool. 1839, p. 30. — Cyanophonia aureata, Bp. Rev. Zool. 1851, No. 3. 6 Violaceo-atra, capite ceruleo; dorso postico subtusque auran- tia; gutture et fronte aterrimis. Long. ale, 2.4, 2 Flayo-olivacea, subtus flavescentior; capite ceruleo; fronte angusté rubra. Habitat, Brazil, Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro (Pr. Max.); Cor- rientes and Rincon de Luna (D’Orb.) ; Rigen (Azara) ; Bogota ; Trinidad ; Ecuador (Verreaux). 3. EUPHONIA ELEGANTISSIMA (Bp.) Pipra elegantissima, Bp. Proc. Zool. Soc. 1837, p. 112. — Euphonia celestis, Less. Rey. Zool. 1839, p. 42, — Euphonia elegantissima, Du Bus, Esq. Orn. pl. 8. $ Supra cum gutture violaceo-atra; capite ceruleo; fronte nigro- castaneo, atro-marginato; subtis flavo-zruginosa. Long. alz, 2.7. Q Similis Z. négricolli 9, sed fronte castaneo latiore et intensiore ; gula rufescente. 4 Long. ale, 2.7. Habitat, South Mexico; Santo Pedro, near Oaxaca (Du Bus). Figured, Esq. Orn. 8, fig. 1 6, 2 . SYNOPSIS OF THE GENUS ZLUPHONIA, B.—EUPHONIA CHLOROTICA. Subtis, nisi gutture, cum capite flave. 4, EUPHONIA CHLOROTICA (Liny.) Tanagra chlorotica, Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 317.—— Euphonia chlorotica, Licht. Verz. der Doubl. p. 29. 3 Violaceo-nigra, capite dimidio subtisque aureis; rectricibus duabus extimis albo notatis. Long. ale, 2. 1, 2 Supra olivacea, subtus flavescens. Long. alz, 2.6, Habitat, Cayenne and Demerara. 5. EUPHONIA TRINITATIS, Sreickuanp. Euphonia trinitatis, Strichkl, Jard. Orn. Cont. 1851, p 72. 6 Ceruleo-atra, nec carmino tincta; capite toto subtisque, nisi gutture, flavis. . Long. tota, 3.6; alex, 2.2. Habitat, Trinidad; Venezuela, Cumana; St. Thomas. This species differs from the preceding, in being steel-blue-black without the carmine tinge on the back of the head and throat; also the whole top of the head is bright yellow. 6. EUPHONIA STRICTIFRONS, Sraicxranp. Enphonia strictifrons, Strickl, Orn. Cont. 1851, p. 72..— Euphonia pumila, Bp. Rey. Zool. 1851, No. 2. ; E. xneo-nigra, occipite ceruleo tincta; vitta frontali angusta, subtisque, nisi gutture, flavis; crisso albo. Long. tota, 3.6;- ale, 3.6, Habitat, Cayenne. May be immediately distinguished from others, by the narrowness of the frontal spot and white under tail-covers. I suspect 2. m7- nuta, Cabanis, of Schomburgk’s Reise n. Guiana to be the 2 of this species; which name, if this be so, will have the priority over Mr. Strickland’s, 84 WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES. 7. EUPHONIA CHALYBEA (Mian). (1820) Tanagra chalybea, Mian, Faun. and Flor. Bras, pl. 3.— (1834) Euphone znea, Sund. Kon. Vet. Ac, Hand. 1834, p. 309. Euphone pardalotes, Less. Echo de M.S. 1844. —— Euphonia chalybea, Strick. Jard. Orn. Cont. 1851, p. 71. é Supra cum gula nigro-wnea; fronte subtusque flavis ; rostro robusto, tumido. Long. ale, 2.8. 2 Supra olivacea; subtis corpore medio grisso; lateribus flaves- centibus. Habitat, Brazil (Mikan). 8. EUPHONIA XANTHOGASTBA (Sunpevat). Euphonia xanthogastra, Sund.So. Vet. Ac. H. 1833, t. x. fig. 1—— Euphonia brevi- rostris, Bp. Rev. Zool. 1851, No. 3. é Similis chlorotic sed major, rostro majore, pileo toto abdo- mineque fulyo-flavis nec aureis; rectrice und extima albo notata. Long, ale, 2.5. Habitat, North Brazil, New Granada, Anolaima. Figured, Sy. Vet. Ac. Hein. 1833, t. x, fig. 1d. M. Verreaux’s specimens of J. brevirostris, Bp., certainly belong to this species, though the Prince Canino’s short description is hardly sufficient for its identification. 9. EUPHONIA RUFICEPS, D’Ors. anv Larr. Euphonia ruficeps, D’ Orb. and Lajfr. Mag. de Zool. 1839, p. 30. F. supra cum gutture nigro-yiolacea; capite summo castaneo ; infra pectore abdomineque mediis rufescentibus, lateribus flavis ; und aut duabus extimis rectricibus albo notatis (D’Orb.) Habitat, Yuracares, Bolivia (D’Orbigny). Figured, D’Orb. Voy. de Amér. Mér. p. 22, fig. 2. Non vidi. 85 SYNOPSIS OF THE GENUS HUPHONIA, C.—EUPHONIZ VIOLACEAZ. Subtis omnino cum capite flave. 10. EUPHONIA VIOLACEA (Liyx.) Tanagra violacea, Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 315. —— Euphonia violacea, Licht. Verz. der Doubl. p. 29. 3 Nigro violacea; capite a fronte ad oculos subtisque flayis ; rectricibus 2 aut 3 extimis albo notatis. Long. ale, 2.3,— 2.4, 2 Olivaceo-viridis ; subtis corpore medio in flavum trahente. Habitat, Trinidad; Cayenne; Guiana (Schomburgk); Brazil, Rio de Janeiro. 11. EUPHONIA LANIIROSTRIS, D’Ors. anv Larr. Euphonia, laniirostris, D’Orb, and Lafr. Mag, de Zool. 1839, p. 30. E. similis £. violacea, sed wneo-nigra nec violaceo tincta ; capite summo subtisque flavissimis ; rostro robustiore. Long. tota, 4.5; ale, 2. 42. Habitat, Bolivia, Yuracares, Yungas, Guarayos, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra (D’Orb.); Brazil (Verreaux), No. 10,831; Chiriqué (Mus. Brit.) This species is blue-black without the purple tinge of E. violacea, and the yellow both on the head and beneath is much brighter. Specimens in the British Museum were brought from Chiriqué by Captain Kellett. 12. EUPHONIA MELANURA, Scrarer, Se. Nov. E. similis EZ. violacea, sed minor, pileo toto flavo; rectricibus omuind nigris, neque albo notatis. Long. tota, 4.6; ale, 2.3, 86 WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES. Habitat, Barra do Rio Negro (Wallace). Mr. Wallace has sent home many skins of this species from Barra, at the junction of the Rio Negro with the Amazon. They all agree in the absence of white markings on the tail-feathers, and greater amount of yellow on the head than in the common species. D.—EUPHONIA NIGRIT&. Supra omnino nigre. 13. EUPHONIA RUFIVENTRIS (Vie111.) Tanagra rufiventris, Vieill. Nov. Dict. dH. N. xxxii. p. 426. —— Euphonia rufiven- tris, Gray’s Gen. p. 367, No. 12.—Euphonia bicolor, Strick. Jard. Orn. Cont. 1850, part 2. E. nigerrima, ceruleo tincta; primariis fuscis, olivaceo-margi- natis; abdomine rubro-aurantio, lateribus flavescentibus. Long. alae, 2.3. Habitat, Peru. Figured, Orn. Cont. 1850, pl. 49, fig. 2; Vieill. Gal. des Ois., Suppl. 14. EUPHONIA PECTORALIS (Larz,) Pipra pectoralis, Lath. Ind. Orn, Supp. p. 57. —— Euphonia rufiventris, Licht. Verz. der Doubl. p. 30.— Euphonia castaneoventris, Viedd. Gal. Ois., Supp. —Euphonia umbilicalis, Less. Trait, d’Orn. p, 46 (9) — Euphonia pectoralis, Gray’s Gen. p. 367, No. 7. ; $ Supra, subtdsque ad imum pectus nigro-violaceo-cerulea ; abdomine toto brunneo castaneo ; pectoris lateribus leté flavis. Long. alee, 2. 43. ? Olivacea; nuchi pectore et abdomine medio griseis; ventre imo crissoque castaneis. Long. ale, 2. 4. ’ Habitat, Brazil, most provinces (Pr. Max.); Bahia (Licht.) Figured, Vieill, Gal. Ois. Supp. ¢. 87 . SYNOPSIS OF THE GENUS EUPHONIA, 15. EUPHONIA CAYANA (Layy.) Tanagra cayana, Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 11.— Tanagra cayennensis, Gmel. Syst. Nat. p. 894. —— Kuphonia cayana, Bp. Consp. Av. p. 233. K. tota atro-violacea; pectoris lateribus aurantiis. Long. ale, 2. 5. ; Habitat, Cayenne; Guiana (Schomb.) Figured, Pl. Enl. 114, fig. 3.3; Desm. Tan. pl. 26. Sectio II™® CHLOROPHONIA. A.—CHLOROPHONIZ VIRIDES. 16. EUPHONIA VIRIDIS (Vrzrr1.) Tanagra viridis, Vieill. Noy. Dict. d’H. N. xxxii. p. 426. —— Pipra chlorocapilla Shaw's Zool. vol. xiii. p. 255. Enuphonia viridis, Gray’s Gen. p. 367, No. 10. — Procnias viridis, Tschudi’s Fauna Per. p. 107. 3 Capite toto et pectore leté viridibus; dorso toto cum ciliis oculorum vividé ceruleo; infra citrino-flaya. Long. tota, 4.3; ale, 3.5. @ Collo postico tantim czeruleo, dorso toto capite concolore ; ventre medio flavescente, lateribus virescentibus. Habitat, Brazil, Santa Fé de Bogota. Figured, Pl. Col. 36, fig. 3. ee ms i ee a Tt, “if Qufiteonta niyucotls, feel, a ecm Hae et me a ite) ow ft! y WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES. 17, EUPHONIA FRONTALIS. Chlorophonia frontalis, Bp., Verreaux, Specimen No. 10, 583. Similis 2. viridi, sed fronte flava; uropygio colloque postico tantim ceruleis ; dorso medio viridi. Long. tota, 5.0; ale, 2.53. Habitat, Ecuador (Verreaux), A single specimen of this bird, in a collection just received by Mr. Edward Wilson from M. Verreaux, is labelled as above quoted ; but I am not aware that the name has been yet published. 18. EUPHONIA PYRRHOPHRYS, Scrater, Sp. Nov. Puate LXXV. Fie. 2. E. leté viridis; capite purpurascente-ceruleo, fronte superciliis- que rubris ; ventre medic flavescente ; lateribus virescentibus. Long. tota, 4.6; ale, 2.62. Habitat, Columbia ? A skin of this species has been some time in my possession ; the only other I have seen, is in the British Museum, No. (1844) 12, 29,°30. 19. EUPHONIA PRETREI, Larr. Tanagra (Euphonia) pretrei, De Lafr. Rev. Zool, 1843, p. 97. E. leté viridis; capite purpurascente-ceruleo ; torque pectorali vix apparente nigro-castanea ; ventre medio castaneo, lateribus et uropygio flayissimis. Long. ale, 2 . 6. _ Habitat, Columbia. Figured, Mag. de Zool. 1843, Ois. t. xliil. Specimens are in the British Museum, labelled, 1848, 2, 9, 14. 89 SYNOPSIS OF THE GENUS ZLUPHONIA, 20. EUPHONIA OCCIPITALIS, DuBus. Euphonia occipitalis, Du Bus, Esq. Orn. pl. 14. 3 Leté viridis ; semitorque vix apparente poné et vertice cxruleis ; vittaé pectorali nigro-castanea ; ventre crissoque flavis; lateribus viridibus. Long. ale, 2.38. Lucidé viridis; pennis nigris eodem viridi limbatis; macula occipitali et semitorque hand bené definito czruleis; infra abdomine medio flavescente, Long. ale, 3.8. Habitat, Mexico (Du Bus). Figured, Esq. Orn. pl. 14, 9. M. Du Bus describes and figures only the 9. A pair of this beautiful species, in the British Museum, were collected by De Lattre. They are numbered (1843) 6, 13, 27 6, — 28 9. B.—SERRIROSTRES. 21. KUPHONIA SERRIROSTRIS, D’Ors. ann Larr. Euphonia serrirostris, D’Orb, and Lafr. Mag. de Zool, 1839, p. 30. Euphonia supra oliyacea, ceruleo-griseo parum micans ; fronte usque ad yerticem flava; remigibus nigro-olivaceo limbatis ; rectri- cibus nigris, olivaceo marginatis ; tribus literalibus macula magna alba intus versus apicem notatis ; subtis aureo-flava; collo olivaceo ; maxilla quatuor minutis dentibus instructa (D’ Orb.) Habitat, Bolivia; Guarayos, Santa Cruz (D’Orb.) Figured, D’Orb. Voy. pl. 23, fig. 2. (Non vidi). The true position of this species seems rather uncertain. WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES. Sectio Ill PYRRHOPHONIA. 22, EUPHONIA JAMAICA (Linw.) Fringilla jamaica, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 323.—— Euphonia jamaica, Gosse Birds, Jamaica, p. 238. $ Supra schistaceo-cerulea, uropygio viridi tincto; gutture pec- tore et lateribus pallidé griseis; ventre flayo, crisso albido (Grosse). ? Mari similis, sed tectricibus caude superioribus cum tibiis flayescenti-viridibus, yentre flayo carens. Habitat, Jamaica (Gosse). Figured, Gosse’s Illust. Orn. Jam. pl. No. 59. 6 and @: 23. EUPHONIA CINEREA (Larr.) Euphonia cinerea, Lajr. Rev. Zool. 1846, p. 277. K. tota grisea, supra colore pallidé thalassino micans ; remigibus fuscis, griseo-albo tenuissimé marginatis; subtis dilutior, cineras- cens ; medio abdomine crissoque lateribus pallidé citrinis ; crisso et subcaudalibus pallidé ochraceis; caudé brevissima; rostro forti, alto, supra subtisque incuryo; maxilla propé apicem utrinque serrata.; mandibula alta, valdé sursim recurva (Lafr.) Habitat, Columbia (Lafr.) (Non vidi). I have inserted, in what seems to me to be their proper places, all the synonymes that apparently represent real species; I now add an account of such names as I cannot at present identify with certainty. (1.) Euphonia olivacea, Desm. Tan. pl. 27. K. supra olivacea, subtis flavescens, ventre subgriseo. Long. 3 pouces. 91 SYNOPSIS OF THE GENUS #LUPHONLIA, &c., Habitat, Cayenne (Desm.) This description seems to agree very well with (2). Euphonia minuta, Schomb. Reise n. Guiana, iii. 671, which M. Cabanis describes as follows— “ Very like EZ. minuta 2, but considerably smaller. The yellow-green of the upper surface is somewhat lighter, while the yellow on the front is entirely wanting. Throat, middle of the belly, and under tail-coverts white-gray. Upper mandible with three indentations near the tip.” This may be a good- species, but I have some idea that both descriptions may be intended for £. strictifrons, Strickl. 9, which would be like E. chlorotica, 9, but smaller; but as I have never seen the 9 of this species I cannot speak confidently on the subject. (3.) EHuphonia affinis, Lesson, Rev. Zool, 1842, p. 175. E. capitis dimidio, thorace, abdomine tectricibusque inferioribus aureis ; sincipite, collo, gulé, dorgo, alis, cauddque cyaneis violaceo tinctis; alis totis nigerrimis; rostro nigro; pedibus rufis. Habitat, Realejo, in Nicaragua. Mr. Strickland has made some observations on this description, which, as he says, is probably intended for a species affine to Z. chlorotica, but distinguished by its Nicaraguan habitat and red legs. Is it Huphonia hirwndinacea, Bp.?? Tanagre. desmaresti, chloro- cyanea, tephrocephala, Vieill. Nov. Dict. d’H. N. vol. xxxii., I can- not make any thing of. Mr. Gray refers them to this genus. Are btu types still existing in the museum of the Jardin des Plantes at aris ?? ORNITHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER. lL REMARKS ON PRINCE CANINO’S NOTE, «SUR LES TANGARAS,’ In the Revue et Magazine de Zoologie, March and April 1851. I HAVE just seen a copy of a paper, extracted from the Revue de Zoologie, for March of this year, which bears the title above given. Having paid much attention to the Tanagers, I have drawn up a few observations to correct what appear to me to be some of the chief errors in the synonomy of the paper, and to show how far the new species therein described are identical with those named by Mr. Strickland and myself in the last number of “Contributions.” If the Revwe Zoologique, No. III., for this year, was really pub- lished in March, or before the end of April, Prince Canino’s names have undoubtedly the priority over Mr. Strickland’s and my own, which were not published until April, in Part II. of the Contri- butions for this year. But certainly only one Number of the Revue has yet been received in this country, viz.—that for January last. I should mention, that in a box of Tanagers, sent lately by M. Verreaux of Paris to Mr. E. Wilson, are examples of several of Prince Canino’s new species, and I have had thus, through Mr. Wilson’s kindness, an opportunity of comparing them with my own Specimens. Oxrorp, May 12, 1851. P. 3. As Chlorochrysa has been already published and adopted as a generic name (See Compt. Rend., Jan. 20, 1851, p. 76) for 93 ORNITHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS these two species, it cannot now be changed into Calliparea. It is, moreoyer, an objectionable practice to change specific names into generic in this way, as it renders the use of the oldest specific name impossible. Figures of both species of Chlorochrysa are given in this year’s Contributions, pl. Lxxiii. P. 8. Tunagra melanota.— This name is more correctly written melanonota, as it was originally published by Vieillot, Noy. Dict. d@Hist. Nat. xxxii. p. 407. P. 10. Euphonia rufiventris. — Lately figured by Mr. Strickland as L. bicolor, Cont. Orn. 1850, pl. xlix. p.10. £. chrysogastra, - Cuy., is a synonyme of FE. nigricollis, Vieill., and not of this species. P.10. £. brevirostris, Bp., is E. xanthogastra, Sund, Sy. Ac. 1833, t. x. fig. 1. P. 10. EZ. pumila Bp. = E. strictifrons, Strickl, Cont. Orn. 1851, p. 72. P. 11. £. ewnea, “ chalybea,” Mikan, is the oldest synonyme of this bird. P. 33. £. wmbilicalis, Less., is the female of EZ. pectoralis (Lath.) P. 12. Chlorophonia had better have been written Chloreuphonia. The name Euphonia was originally a translation of Buffon’s name, L’ Organiste, and means “ beautiful-voiced.” Tt is rather absurd to call a bird “ green-voiced,” which Chlorophonia means. The same thing may be observed of Cyanophonia ; but although Ohlorophonia has a slightly different structure from Huphonia, there appears no- thing of the sort as regards Cyanophonia, except that it has a blue head. Besides, if the groups were separated, the name Euphonia must be kept for the blue-headed group, since E. musica is the type of Desmarest’s genus Huphonia. P. 13. The third species of blue-headed Euphonia, Pipra elegan- téssima, Bp., is here omitted, and the bird described as C. musica 9, is no other than C. nigricollis 9. P. 13. Calliste must be reserved for the group that contains Tanagra tricolor, Linn., that being the type given by Boié, when he established the genns. For those who consider this group, which I have called “ Calliste lave,” to require a separate generic appel- lation, I propose the name Huschemon, 1. Calliste vitriolina, Bp., is my C. ruficapilla, No. 31, in the synopsis of the genus, Orn. Cont. p. 61. Lichtenstein never published this species as “ witréolina,” and cannot therefore be the authority for the name. 4. C. peru- 94 BY PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER. viana—I believe 7. qyrola of Prince Maximilian, to be distinct from Desmarest’s Taunagra peruviana, and have named it Calliste castanonota, Orn. Cont. 1851, p. 63. P.16. Tatao coeruleocephalus, Bp.— This bird certainly belongs to the Chalcothraupis group; it is very nearly allied to Calliste thalassina, Strickland. P.17. Chrysothraupis frugilegus (Tsch.), I believe is merely the young of Tanagra striata (Gmel.) P.17. Lxothraupis chrysogaster is the same as Calliste wantho- gastra, Orn, Cont. 1851, parti. p. 23. This name has, I suppose, the priority over the Prince Canino’s, as he quotes the figure of C. chrysophrys in the Contributions, which was published along with it, under the head of the previous species. P. 18. Lzothraupis pusilla, Bp. = C. virescens mihi loco supra citato. Is Spix’s Tanagra graminea, pl. 53, fig. 2, intended for the female of this species ? P.18. Chalcothraupis must sink into a synonyme of Procnopis, since it contains P. argentea, which is the type species of the genus Procnopis. O. ruficervix, Bp., is Call. leucotis mihi nee Tanagra ruficervic, Fl. Prey. P. 19. Callospiza cannot be used in this sense, being coequal with Calliste. I propose in its place, for those who think the group worthy of a generic appellation, the term Huprepiste. P. 20. OC. cayanensis, Bp., is, I believe, merely the 2 of the suc- ceeding species. I append a list of the nine genera (so-called) into which Calliste has now been divided — 1. Tatao, Bp., 1851 = Aglaia (Sw.) Reich. T. paradisea (Sw.) 2. Calliste, Boié, 1826 = Callospiza, G. R. Gray. C. tricolor (Gm.) 3. Chrysothraupis, Bp. 1851. C. aurulenta, Bp. 4, Ixothraupis, Bp. 1851. T. punctata, Linn. - . Procnopis, Cab. 1850. Chalcothranpis, Bp. 1851. P. atrocerulea, Cab. . Euschemon, Sclater (1851) = Calliste, Bp. E. flava (Gmel.) or for) 95 ORNITHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS 7. Gyrola, Bp. 1851. G. chrysoptera, Sw. 8. Euprepiste, Sclater (1851). Callospiza, Bp. E. braziliensis (Linn.) 9. Pipridea, Sw. (1827). Procnopis, Bp. nec Cab. P. melanonota (Vieill.) In the last division, there is considerable difference in form, and I believe it to be a good genus. It was with much hesitation I previously included the type species in the genus Calliste. My Calliste castaneoventris will be a second species of the group. C. vassori goes better, I think, with C. argentea, atricapilla, &e. P. 21. I will not now enter into the oft vexed and yery difficult question as to the correct names of the three Bishop Tanagers, but it is a great error to suppose that 7’. olivascens of Licht. is the 2 of T. ornata, Sparm., the yellow-shouldered species, Prince Maximi- lian, in his Beitrage z. Nat., gives descriptions of the és and 9s of both species. Tanagra palmarum, Pr. Max. (1821) = 7. olivascens, Licht. (1823), is a widely distributed species, rather variable. 1 have examples from Rio de Janeiro, Para, Cayenne, and Trinidad. The other, 7. ornata, Sparm. (1787)= 7. archiepiscopus, Desm. (1805), is from Brazil only. P. 22. Dubusia gigas, that is Tanagra montana from Bogota, Bp., has been well figured and described by Sir W. Jardine, Ill. Orn. pl. xliii. (1841) as Tanagra cucullata. A skin of M. Ver- reaux’s, so marked, I can hardly distinguish from Tanagra eximia, Boiss, p. 25. Comarophagus is a synonymic genus to Tachyphonus, the type being 7. leucopterus, and cannot be used in any other sense. P. 29. Tanagra dominica, Gm., is the true type of the genus Dulus, Vieill., and not Turdus palmarum. See Mr. Strickland’s observations on this subject in the present number of Contributions. BY PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER. IL—_ON THE GENUS TANAGRELLA, Swatyson. Tue genus Tanagrella (changed by M. Cabanis into Hypoth- lypis), contains, as far as I am aware of, only the three species hereafter mentioned, the two first of which have been much con- founded together. The Motactlla campestris of Linneus (— Tana- gra ruficollis, Gmelin = Tachyphonus rufigularis, Laf. = Neornis cerulea, Hartlaub) has been lately added to the genus, but it seems to be more nearly allied to the genus Lowigilla, Lesson (— Pyr- rhulagra, Bp., Consp. Ay. p. 492) of which the type is Loxigilla noctis = Fringilla noctis, Linn. Tanagrella rufiguia, Bp., Compt. Rend. Ac. Sc. Paris, 1851, p. 76, I consider to be closely allied to Calliste punctata (Linn.), and to be more correctly placed in that genus. 1. TANAGRELLA VELIA (Lix.) Motacilla velia, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 336. — Tanagra varia, Steph. Zool. xiv. p. 7. —Tanagra iridina, Hartlaub, Rey. Zool. 1841, p. 305. — Tanagrella iridina, Gray's Gen. p. 366. —— Tanagrella velia, Bp. Consp. Av. p. 236. TANAGRELLA supra nigra; fronte, gula lateribusque capitis cum alarum rectricumque marginibus cxruleis; dorso postico aureo- viridi; subtts purpureo-cerulea, yentre medio crissoque castaneis. Long. tota, 4.8; ale, 2.8. Habitat, Cayenne and Demerara. Figured, Edward’s Pl. 22; Desm. Tan. pl. 2. 2, TANAGRELLA CYANOMELAS (Pr. Max.) Sylvia surinamensis cerulea, Briss. Orn. iii. 536. —— Tanagra cyanomelas, Pr. Max. Beit. z. Nat. ii. 453. —— Tanagra multicolor, Sw. An. in Mem., p. 313, —— 'Tana- grella velia, Gray’s Gen. p. 366.— Tanagrella cyanomelas, Bp. Consp. Av. p. 236. TANAGRELLA supra nigra; fronte, gula, et regione auriculari, cum tectricibus alarum minoribus et marginibus rectricum remigumque 7 ORNITHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ceruleis ; yittaé super-frontali dorsoque postico aureo-viridibus ; sub- tis cano-cerulea; ventre medio crissoque castaneis. Long. tota, 5.7; ale, 3.0. Habitat, Brazil, Bahia (Swains.); River Ilheos, near Rio de Janeiro (Pr. Max.) Figured, Pl. Enl. 669, fig. 3. This species may be immediately distinguished from the preceding, by its frontal spot of golden green and light azure colouring of the breast, which in 7. velia is purple blue. 3. TANAGRELLA CALOPHRYS (Casanis). Pirate LXXIy. Hypothlypis calophrys, Cab. Schomb. Reise iii. p, 668.— Tanagrella calophrys, Bp. Compt. Rend. 1851, p. 76. TANAGRELLA supra atra, primariis tertiariisque alarum rectrici- busque czruleo limbatis; tectricibus alarum minoribus omnind ceruleis; dorso inferiore et vitté trang caput utrinque ad imam cervicem duct& nitidé aureo-viridibus ; infra czrulea; tectricibus caude inferioribus crissoque cum rostro pedibusque atris. Long, tota, 5.6; ale, 3.6, Habitat, Rio Negro and Rio Napo. This species was first described by M. Cabanis, as above quoted in a note to Sir R. Schomburgk’s Reise nach Guiana. The speci- men here figured, was received by M. Verreaux from the Rio Negro, and is the property of Mr. Edward Wilson, to whom I am much obliged for the loan of it. M. Bourcier, on his recent return from Ecuador, brought a single skin of this bird, which he obtained from the Indians on the river Napo, an upper branch of the Amazon, where it was said to be rare. It may be distinguished from the two previous species, by the protracted superciliary stripe and absence of the chestnut red of the yent.and stomach. ee ee — rung heuplayn wgoiboiny BY PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER. lll.—_ON THE GENUS CHLOROCHRYSA, Bp. Tuis genus was formed by the Prince of Canino in a paper in the Comptes Rendus, for Jan. 20 of the present year, for the reception of the two birds figured in the accompanying plate. They agree in ihe form of the’ beak with Zunagrella, but are slightly more tenui- rostral (ag a Quinarian would say) than even that form. The tail is much shorter than in Tanagrella ; the lateral toes are equal as in that genus; the nostrils are almost entirely concealed by the frontal plumes, which is only partly the case in Tanagrella. The wings are rather long, the first four quills being nearly equal, the second or third rather the longest. The plumage is of the most brilliant glossy green’ that can be conceived, yet without metallic reflections, and must render them a rare ornament to those hot tropical valleys of the republics of Ecuador, New Granada, and Peru, where the only two species at present known have been found. 1. CHLOROCHRYSA CALLIPARASA (Tscxunr). Prare LXXII. Fie. 1, Upper Figure. Callospiza calliparma, T'schudi, Wiegm. Arch. 1844, p. 286., and Faun. Per. p. 202. —Calliste calliparea, Gray's Gen. App. p. 17.—— Calliste bourcieri, Bon. in Compt. Rend. 1851, p. 76.——Calliparza bourcieri, Bp, Note, s. 1. Tang. p. 3. CHLOROCHRYSA letissimé viridis; regione oculari, dorso inferiore, tectricibus caudz ultimis, et ventre cerules-centibus ; pennis cauda- que nigris eodem viridi limbatis; vertice et tectricibus caude proxi- mis croceis; regione auriculari castanea ; gula, rostro pedibusque nigris. Long. tota, 4.6.; ale, 2.8; caudz, 2. Bright green; round the eyes, lower back, distal tail-eovers, and abdomen, tinged with blue; wings and tail black, margined with the same green; vertical spot and proximal tail-covers saffron; ear- coyerts chestnut; throat, feet, and bill, black. Whole length, 4.6; wing, 2.8; tail, 2. 99 ORNITHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS Habitat, Wood-region of North and Middle Peru (Tschudi) ; Valley of Banos near Tungaragua, Cisandean Ecuador (Bourcier) ; Anolaima;-New Granada (Chaponl). The présent species was first described by Dr. Tschudi, who states that he found jthe species of the genus Callospiza, among which he included this, only in the hot Wood-region of North and Middle Peru, on the highest trees. M. Parzudaki sent specimens to London last year, which were brought from New Granada by'a M. Chapoul, ticketed “ Aglaia chapoul,” one of which is the specimen here figured ; being the property of Mr, Edward Wilson, who has kindly allowed me to examine and describe specimens of both the rare species of this genus, besides many others, preparatory to their again crossing the Atlantic to their final destination in the Phila- delphian Museum, The Prince of Canino does not seem to have been aware of these facts, for he described.a single skin of this species, brought home by M. Bourcier from Ecuador as new, and dedicated it to that gentleman as Calliste bowrciert, a compliment which I regret the stern laws of priority forbid me to continue. 2. CHLOROCHRYSA PH NICOTIS, Br. Prats LXXIII. Fie. 2, Under Figure. Calliste phenicotis, Bon. Compt. Rend. 1851, p. 76. CHLoROcHRYSA splendidé viridis ; alis cauddque nigris eodem viridi limbatis; tectricibus alarum minoribus, tibiis, et macula alter4 sub- oculo, altera pone oculum sericeo-argenteo-brunned ; hac corallino- rubro yersis nucham terminataé; rostro pedibusque nigris. Long. tota, 4.5; ale, 2.9; caude, i. 7, Splendid leek-green; wings and tail black, margined with the same; lesser wing-coyers, thighs, subocular spot, and spot behind the eyes olive-brown, with a silvery gloss; this latter terminated towards the nape with a coral-red spot; feet and bill black. Whole length, 4.5; wing, 2.9; tail, i.7, Habitat, “ La ville et bois chauds de Nanegan” (Bourcier), Irdrisandean Ecuador, north of Quito. 100 log / of pp J Va Ba ahs \ / lb aroch Vidi callepracraed ” Sat het iy, a,b. jphentetiy, Bom. BY PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER. This splendid species was one of the novelties brought by M. Bourcier from the republic of Ecuador, The Prince of Canino, in his description of it, does not allude to the very peculiar colour of the lesser wing-covers, thighs, and ocular spots, which it is very dificult to convey an idea of by description. Mr. Wilson’s two specimens, and that in the Paris National collection, are, I believe, the only individuals of the species in Europe. 101 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES By H. E. STRICKLAND. ON THE TYPE OF THE GENUS DULUS, Visr11. Two yery distinct forms have been hitherto confounded under the genus Dulus of Vieillot. Both are natives of the island of St. Domingo, whose Ornithology was far better known near a century ago, when Brisson wrote, than it has been of late years, when war and barbarism have expelled science from its shores. The difficulty of procuring specimens from that island, has been the cause of the confusion in question, and of the length of time that it has remained uecorrected. Some specimens, which Mr. G. R. Gray obligingly showed me at the British Museum, have however enabled me to clear up the matter. Brisson, in his Ornithologie, described and figured a bird under the name of “ Tangara de S. Dominique,” which was also figured in Buffon’s Planches Euluminées, pl. 156, f. 2, and which Linnzeus denominated Tanagra dominica. Brisson informs us, that this bird was called in St. Domingo “ Esclave” or Slave, a name which Buffon adopts in his Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux. In 1816, Vieillot, in his Analyse d’Une Nouvelle Ornithologie Elémentaire, established his genus Dulus, defining the characters of the bird in question, and quoting it as the type of the genus, under the name of “ Tangara esclave, Buff.” Thus far there was no ambiguity in the matter. But Vieillot had himself been in St. Domingo, and had observed the bird frequenting the palm trees of that island. Hence, ‘in an evil hour, he was induced to change the Linnean specific name of dominicus to palmarwm, and describes the bird as Dulus palmarum in the Nouveau Dictionnaire d’'Hist. Nat. vol, x. p. 435. Now it happened, that there was already a Tanagrine bird, named “Le Palmiste” by Brisson, and Turdus palmarwm by Linneus, which had nothing whatever to do with the Dulus dominicus. The similarity of the specific names, however, induced some authors to unite the “ Turdus palmarum’’ of Linnzus with the Dulus palmarum of Vieillot, and the mistake was the more readily adopted, as both these birds are found in St. Domingo. A moment’s glance, however, 108 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES BY H. E. STRICKLAND. at the two birds (see their figures in Buff. Pl. Enl. 156, f. 2, and 539, f. 1.), will serve to show their completely generic distinctness. Mr. G. R. Gray, in his Genera of Birds, Appendix 16, perceiving that the “ Turdus palmarum” of Linneus was a Tanagrine bird, closely allied to Arremon, and supposing it to be the type of Dulus, Vieill., merged the latter genus in Arremon, and quoted Tunagra dominica, Linn,, as a synonyme of his Arremon palmarum. The Prince of Canino, though he is aware of the distinctness of these two birds, has fallen into the common error of regarding the “* Turdus palmarum,” Linn., as the type of Dulus. The arrival, however, of specimens of both birds from St. Domingo has now cleared up the matter, and restored Dulus, Vieillot, with the species dominicus (Linn.) as its type to its proper rank as a genus, The Turdus guianensis, Gm., founded on Buff. Pl. Enl. 398, f. 1., is per- haps referable to the same species, and certainly to the same genus. One other species only of true Dulus is known, the D. nuchalis of Swainson, said to inhabit Brazil. It is closely allied to D. do- minicus, but differs in having a transverse bar of white on the nape. Swainson’s specimen is now at Cambridge, where I examined it some years ago. We require farther information as to the structure and habits of Dulus before we can pronounce upon its true place in the system. Swainson placed it in the sub-family Orioline, a position wholly untenable, as Orioline is an old-world group and Dulus a tropical American one. It more probably belongs to the Ampelide or Chatterers, with which it agrees in the general form of the beak, wings, and feet. The * Turdus palmarwm,” Linn., though nearly allied to Arremon, differs in haying a longer beak, and will therefore no doubt be re- garded by modern systematists as generically distinct. I therefore ae for it the name of Phenicophilus, and the type will stand Us :— Pheenicophilus palmarum (Linn.), Buff. Pl. Enl. Arremon palmarum, Gray. Dulus palmarum, Bon. (nee Viell.) A second species, lately indicated by the Prince of Canino, is Pheenicophilus poliocephalus (Bon.) Dulus poliocephalus, Bon., in Rey. et Mag. Zool., March 1851: Habitat, St. Domingo. 104 ORNITHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS By PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER. IV.—ON THE GENUS DACNIS, Couvisr, WITH DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES. THE genus Dacnis forms a connecting link between Cereba and Conirostrum, which with Certhiola are the only genera included by Mr. Gray in his sub-family Correbine. To these I think must be added the genus Déglossa, as it appears more naturally placed here than among the Anabatine. M. De Lafresnaye observes, that these birds being furnished, like the Cerebine, with a bifid filamentous tongue, and feet in all respects similar to them, and being in the habit, according to M. D’Orbigny’s observations, of hanging about the twigs of trees to extract the insects from the pollen of the flowers, it appears indispensable to him to arrange them as true Cerebine, and he expresses much astonishment at Mr. Gray’s continuing to place them along with Anabates and the allied genera. Of the ten species given under the head of Cereba by Mr. Gray, I believe seven to be merely nominal, which will leave only three good species in this genus. These are Oereba cerulea and cyanea, the two common universally known “ black and blue creepers,’ * * From the following passage in Edwards’ “ Voyage up the river Amazon” (Mur- ray’s Home and Colonial Library), it would appear that the Linnzan writers who called these birds Certhie have some grounds to go upon, “the tree-ereepers were a more eagerly sought family, and two beautiful little species are quite common in the vicinity of Para. One of these is of a deep indigo blue, with a black throat, Certhia carulea ; the other, C. cayana, is conspicuous for the brilliant ultramarine blue that caps his head; otherwise he is marked with blue and black and yellow, These little things are usually seen running up and down the tree trunks, or flitting hurriedly from branch to branch, busied in searching for insects upon the bark. They are extremely familiar and allow of near approach. At intervals they emit slight whispering notes, but their anxious haste leaves one with the impression that they might do themselves much more credit as songsters at their leisure. We never fell in with these species up the river, their place there being supplied by other varieties.” Pp. 57-8. 105-11 ORNITHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS as they are generally called, and M. Hartlaub’s Cereba nitida, figured in Jast year’s Contributions, pl. 66, fig. 1, which is the only other I am acquainted with. The species of Daenis may be arran- ged as follows :— 1. DACNIS CAYANA (Lins.) Sreicktanp. Motacilla cayana, Linn. Syst. Nat. i. 336. —— Motacilla cyanocephala, Gm. Syst. Nat. i, 990. — Fringilla cyanomelas, Gm. Syst. Nat. i. 924. ——Certhia spiza var. ¥ Gm. Syst. Nat. i. 476 (2) —— Nectarinia bicolor, Becklemichew, Nouv. Mem, Soc. Mose. i. p.378.——Cereba exrulea, Maw. Beitr. z. Nat. ii. 766. — Dacnis eyanater, Lesson, Tr. d’Orn. 458. ee mre cayana, Strickl. Cont. Orn. 1851, p. 15. $ Thalassino-cyanea; fronte, gutture, mento, dorso summo, alis caudaque nigris; alis thalassino-ceruleo marginatis; rostro nigro mandibula inferiore basi cum pedibus leviter brunneis. Long. tota,4.7; ale, 3. 42, 2 Leviter viridis; capite summo humerisque cerulescentibus, gut- ture cinereo-albescente. Habitat, Trinidad, Cayenne, British Guiana (Schomb.); Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (Pr. Max.) ; Peru, east wood region (Tsch.); Bolivia, Chiquitos (D’Orb.) Figured, Pl. Enl. 669, fig. 1 3, and 578, fig. 1 2; Edwards, t. 25, fig. 29; Nouv. Mem. Soc. Mose., 1828, pl. 23, 6; Zool, Ill. ser. i, pl. 117, 3. 2. DACNIS CATREBICOLOR, Scuarer, Sr. Nov. 8 Indigotino-cerulea; loris, gutture, mento, dorso summo, alis caudaque nigris; tectricibus et secondariis stricté ceruleo margina- tis; rostro nigro; mandibula inferiore basi cum pedibus carneis. Long. tota, 4.7; ale, 2. 7, Habitat, New Granada ? This new gpecies offers a striking resemblance to the last in the distribution of its colours, but the thalassine-blue is replaced by a dark indigo, the same as in the species of the genus Cwreba, whence I have named it cwrebicolor. The straighter form of the beak and slightly lengthened tail, shows a decided approach to Conirostrum, 106-12 9 EEE | | b BY PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER. of which genus M. De Lafresnaye’s C. atro-cyaneum seems to haye much resemblance to it. But in that bird the whole under surface is black; and I think the present species can hardly be separated from the type of the genus Denis, to which it shows so much resemblance. My specimen was purchased of Mr, Argent, and I haye seen similar ones in Mr. Warwick’s collection. 3. DACNIS ANGELICA, Dez Fitiert. Sylvia cayana, ¥ Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 546. Sylvia cayana, Vieill. Gal. Ois. pl. 165. Dacnis cayana, D’Orb. and Lajr. Mag. de Zool. 1837, p. 205 Tschudi, Faun. Per, p. 37; Schomb. Reise n. Guian. iii. 675; Bp. Consp. Ay. p. 400, No. 1. Daenis angelica, De Filippi, cat. Mus. Mediol., 1844; Bp. Consp. p. 400, No. 3. — Dacnis melanotis, Strickl. Cont, Orn. 1851, p. 16. $ Turcoso-cxrulea; fronte, lateribus capitis cervicisque, dorso summo, alis candaque velutino-nigris; scapularibus margine ceruleis ; abdomine medio erigsoque niveis; rostro pedibusque nigris. Long. tota, 4.0; ale, 2.3. ? Supra brunneo-cinerea, olivaceo parum tincta, alis caudaque obscurioribus ; infra albescenti-cinerea. Habitat, New Granada, Cayenne, Guiana (Schomb.); Yuracares, Bolivia (D’Orb.) Figured, Pl, Enl. 669, fig. 2.; Vieill. Gal. Ois. pl. 165. M. Lesson first clearly distinguished the present bird from the first species of the genus, with which it was confounded by the older writers, but he unfortunately considered this the true cayana of Linneus, and named the other afresh “ Dacnis cyanater.” 'The Prince of Canino quotes De Filippi as an authority for the name ‘ angelica,” under which this species is well described in the Con- ‘pectus Generum Ayium. I have never seen the work from which this description is copied, but I understand it is a Catalogue of the Milan Museum, published in 1844. He does not however seem to have been aware that it is identical with that figured in the Pl. Enl, 669, fig. 2; and Galerie des Oiseaux, t. 165, to which he a the name “ cayana.” It may be distinguished from the WO preceding by its white belly, and crissum and black ear- ae as well as by the splendid turquoise blue of the plumage, 13 ORNITHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS which in the New Granadian specimens has a slightly brighter tinge than in those from Cayenne. 4, DACNIS ATRICAPILLA (Vier11.) ?? Certhia spiza, Linn, Syst. Nat. i. p, 186. —Certhia spiza var. 8, Gm, Syst. Nat. i. 476 (4) —Certhia spiza var. 6 Gm. Syst. Nat. i. 476 (9) —Cwreba atrica- pilla, Vieill. N. D. @H. N, xiv. p. 50. Nectarinia mitrata, Licht. Verz. 4. Doubl. p. 15. ——Czreba melanocephala, Vieild, Max. Beit. z. Nat. p. 771.— Cewreba spiza, Maw. Beit. z. Nat. p. 771.— Daenis spiza, Tsch. Fauna Per. p. 37. Dacnis atricapilla, Gray's Gen. $ D. splendidé viridis; ventre in cerulescens trahente; remigi- bus rectricibusque nigris viridi limbatis; capite, nuchd regioneque auriculari atris; mandibuld inferiore flava, superiore pedibusque nigris. Long. tota, 4.6; ale, 2.83. ; 2 Omnino viridis; gula aliquot flavescente; alis caudAque fuscis viridi marginatis. Habitat, Yuracares, Bolivia (D’Orb.); Brazil, Villa Vigoza on river Peruhype (Max.); British Guiana (Schomb.); Cayenne: Trinidad. This is certainly Gmelins’ Certhia spiza, var. g, and probably Certhia spiza of Linnzus, in which case it should stand as Dacms spiza (Linn.) But Seba’s figure (Thesaurus, ii. pl. 3, fig. 4); which is the origin of Linneus’ Certhia spiza, makes the throat black, and may be intended for some other bird, though from his worthlessness as an authority it is not unlikely to be meant for the present. In the lengthened and curved form of the beak, the present species approaches to the genus Cereba, 5. DACNIS FLAVIVENTER, D’Ors. snp Larr. Daenis flaviventris, D’Orb. and Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837, p. 21. é Leteé flava; fronte, gula, lateribus capitis, dorso superiore, alis caudaque nigris; capite summo nuchdque leté viridibus. Long. tota, 4.6; ale, 2.5. 108-14 BY PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER. 2 Supra obseuré yiridescens ; infra griseo-brunneo yariata; alis caudaique brunneis pallidiore limbatis. Hab. Bolivia, Yuracares (D’Orb,) ; Barra do Rio Negro ( Wallace.) Figured, Voy. de l’Amér. Mér. pl. xiii. fig. 2. The only specimens I have seen of this beautiful species, were sent by Messrs. Hawkshead and Wallace, from Barra on the Amazon. 6. DACNIS ANALIS, D’Ors. anp Larr. Dacnis analis, D’ Orb. and Lafr. Mag. de Zool, 1837, p. 21. Dacnis supra obscure cerulescens, infra albicanti-grisea ; ventre medio albido ; ano tectricibusque caude inferioribus vividé rubris ; remigibus rectricibusque nigris pallido ceruleo marginatis (D’Orb.) Habitat, Bolivia, Chiquitos (D’Orb.) Figura nulla! (non vidi). APPENDIX. Dacnis braziliana, Gray, No. 3; Bp. No. 6, formed from Certhia braziliana, Gm., which depends on Brisgon’s “ Certhia braziliensis violacea,” Orn. iii. p. 661, of which he gives the following descrip- tion :—Certhia nigra; vertice viridi-aureo; gutture splendidé vio- laceo; pectore castaneo-purpurascente ; dorgo infimo et uropygio oe Violaceo ad chalybis politi colorem vergentibus; rectricibus gris oris exterioribus violaceo-chalybeis.—Calendulam crassitié non excedit. The description was taken from a bird that was in the collection of M. de Reaumur, received from Brazil. I can make nothing of it! _ Dacnis rufo-cinerea, Bp. Consp. Gen. Ay. p. 401, seems to be identical with a bird deseribed by M. De Lafresnaye in the Magasin de Zoologie for 1843, which he considers probably the female of his “onwostrum sitticolor. Should this however not be the case, he Proposes the name “ vufum,” which will have long precedence Over “ . ¢ ’ ee tee Prince of Canino’s appellation. I haye specimens of “15 ORNITHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. this bird, and it is certainly a very close ally of the C. sttticolor, of which a figure is given in Gray's Genera, pl. 34, but still I think distinct from that species, and will therefore stand next to it as Conirostrum rufum, De Lafr., making a seventh of the genus, of which the other six species are correctly enumerated in the Prince of Canino’s Conspectus, page 401. Latham, Gen. Syn. Supp., p. 108, describes a bird afterwards named by him, Ind. Orn., p. 558, Sylvia plumbea, as follows :— Size small; length 33; bill short, dusky brown ; plumage above | deep lead colour, nearly black, beneath pale ash colour; quills and tail dusky; legs deep brown; native place uncertain. This has been identified by M. Cabanis with a bird found by M. Tschudi on the coast and wood-region of Peru, and formed into a * Dacnis plumbea,” Faun, Per. pp. 37, 236. He gives the follow- ing description of it:—Head bluish-gray; back and upper wing- coverts bright gray-blue; remiges black-brown, on the outer barb, with an olive-green on the base of the inner barb with a broad | white border ; rectrices the same, without the white border on the inner barb; chin and breast bright whitish-gray ; the under parts ° greenish-gray ; middle of belly and crissum yellowish-white. This bird I have never seen. 1st August, 1851. 110-16 F. Reeve imo. Trochilus melananthera, Jad. 1852. ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. TROCHILUS (SPATHURA) MELANANTHERA, Jarpine. Puate LXXX. Last post from Quito brought us some Humming-Birds which were of great interest; among them was one belonging to the sub-group, which has been called Spathwra, and of which the beautiful species S. underwoodii, with its white boots and racket tail, has been con- sidered typical. This species, last figured in the only number yet published of Mr, Gould’s Monograph, is found in the neighbourhood of Santa Fé de Bogota, and in Galipan, between La Guayra and the Caragcas, at an elevation of from 5000 to 9000 feet. Of the spe- cimen lately received, Professor Jameson writes (considering it to be T. underwoodii),—* I am not aware of its being hitherto met with to the south of the equator.” Along with a true 7. wnderwoodit Mr. Gould had enclosed a 9 of a Spathwra with an unspotted breast, with an opinion, that the male of the latter would prove distinct ; and on comparing the Quitian birds with these and the figure and description in the Monograph, there appears to be a considerable difference. The proportions and tints vary, and the large space of black on the chin and maxilla is very marked. We are not aware whether M. Bourcier has noticed it, and examination of more speci- mens must decide whether it is only a local variety, but meanwhile We have applied the above specific name, quite provisionally, until the point as to species is cleared up, and give a description from the specimens before us. $ Above, green, bronzed on upper tail-covers; wings purplish- black; tail bronzed green, the long exterior feathers black, the Spathulate ends velvet black with rich green reflections. Below, chin and Sides of maxilla velvet black; centre of the throat and stretch- Mg round below the auriculars, with the sides of the neck, emerald éreen, forming a brilliant gorget; belly and vent green; boots large and pure white, ae length, 4, 8; bill, 5; wing, i. 8; outer tail-feathers, 9. 8. 3 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. Q Above, green, much bronzed on the whole crown; tail slightly forked; outer feather tipped with white, second with a slight indi- cation. Below, pure white; on flanks green with a few spots on the side of the belly; under tail-coyers pale sienna. Length, 2.9, to 8; bill, 6; wing, 1.6. Ist August, 1851. 112-4 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. GNATHODON STRIGIROSTRIS. Since the publication of our figure and description of Gnathodon in Taylor’s Annals, we have anxiously looked for more information regarding it. Lieutenant J, Murray of H.M.S. Daphne, who visited Nayigator’s Islands in 1849-50, where he procured for us some very interesting species, was unable to learn any thing re- garding it in Upolu; but Mr. Strickland writes us, that a mission- ary lately returned from these islands, informed him that they were still kept as pets, and that two were offered to him alive shortly before sailing, which he, ignorant of their value declined. The results of the United States exploring expedition, where this bird was said to be originally described, have also been waited for. A single copy without plates, has been obtained by the British Museum, from which Mr. @. R. Gray obligingly made the following extract; but the work itself we have been unable to procure from any London bookseller, though it has been under order for more than eight months. No definite answer is given; but the general pinion is, that the work for some reason or other has been sup- Pressed, in which case being unattainable, the few volumes in cir- culation cannot be used as any authority for the species which have been described in them as new :— “ Female — smaller, more brown; plumage of the head and neck legg metallic, but otherwise like the male. “ Young — covered with a sepia coloured down; bill yellow, and have a remarkably wide gape; the lower mandible being so much wider than the upper as to cover it, excepting the hook. “ This bird formerly abounded at the Island of Upolu one of the Samoan Islands, but now it is considered a rare species by the natives, and one which will be entirely destroyed in the course of a few years if the same causes exist which are now operating to their ‘struction, They build their nests and pass most of their time on the ground, and flush like Partridges or Grouse with a whirring Sound produced by their wings. Their food is mostly fruit, includ- ing & species of fig, growing in the mountainous regions which they mhabit. The tree called Owa by the natives (Iicus prolixa? of motaniste), producing the fig, is represented on our plate with the 3-5 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. bird. It forms a remarkable feature in the Samoan scenery; its broad and ample branches spreading like umbrellas above all the other forest trees, many of which are gigantic, although coyered in a measure by these enormous canopies. The trunks of Owa trees are little forests in themselves; the one from which our sketch was made measured 102 feet in diameter, and about the same from the ground to the main branches. _ © The natives of the Samoan Islands, who spend much of their time indolently, are fond of pets, which are mostly pigeons or doyes, their islands not affording suitable quadrupeds. A few years since a passion arose for cats, and they were obtained by all possible means from the whale ships visiting the islands, were much esteemed for a while until the other pets were devoured by them ; after which Pussy (a name generally adopted by the Polynesians for cats), not liking yams and taro, the principal food of the islanders, preferred Manu-mea, and took to the mountains in pursuit of them. There the cats have multiplied and become wild, and live upon our Di- dunculus or little Dodo, the Manu-mea of the natives, which it is believed will in a yery few years cease to be known, excepting by the miserable fragments now deposited in the national museum in the city of Washington, unless some more lucky collectors get them better than we did. They are however more perfect. than the remains of the Great Dodo (Didus ineptus of Linnaus), which are preserved in the Ashmolean and British Museums. We were et- abled by great labour to obtain three specimens, one of which was lost by the wreck of our ship; the other two, deposited as stated, are male and female, but badly preserved. At Tahiti the Garnet- winged Pigeon (Columba erythroptera of Latham) was said to abound ; they have in like manner been destroyed by eats, intro- duced by early navigators and since become wild, though retaining their yaried colours like those domesticated. “ The pigeons or doves are now almost unknown, and the cats are driven to the necessity of feeding on lizards.” — Wilkes’ United States Explor. Exped. Vol. viii. p. 211. 114-6 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. SCYTALOPUS, Govzp, 1836. Ar a meeting of the Zoological Society in October, 1836, Mr. Gould proposed a new genus of Wrens: “ The general contour of form,” he remarks, “ is that of Zroglodytes, from which it differs in possessing a shorter stouter and less acutely pointed bill, with an upward inclination instead of being gently incurved as in Troglo- dytes; the tail is eyen shorter than in that genus, and consists of decomposed feathers, the whole has a rugged and disunited appear- ance; and lastly, the tarsi have their posterior aspect regularly banded with narrow scales, instead of haying one or two continuous lamina on that part.” Mr. Gould a short time afterwards furnished us with sketches taken from these specimens, from which and his notes we gaye figures and descriptions in our “ Illustrations of Orni- thology” N.S., Plates XIX. and XX., as also the description of a third species from our own collection. The appearance of a figure and description of another species by Ménétries, in the Memoirs of the Academy of St. Petersburg, and the idea entertained that this was identical with one of Mr, Gould’s species, has induced us to give impressions from the plates used in the “ Illustrations,” and to figure the bird described by us there as S. undulatus, as well as one which we consider to be the species of Ménétries, specimens of which we lately procured in Liverpool, and from these it will be Seen, that the four are all quite distinct from each other. The reproduction of plates already published, we trust, will not be ob- jected to, particularly as there are now no copies of the “TIllustra- tions” for sale, unless such as may accidentally fall into the market, while the Memoirs of the Academy of St. Petersburg are not easily consulted, Mr. Gould characterized his genus — “Bill shorter than the head, compressed, rather blunt, and slightly recurved ; nostrils basal, covered with a membrane. Wings very feeble, very concave, very short, rounded; first quill abbre- ‘ated, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth of equal length. Tail very short, very graduated (the outer feathers being extremely small), Consisting of decomposed feathers. Tarst long and stout, the fore bart covered with large scutelle; the hind part bound round with 115-7 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. narrow scales, like the abdominal scales of snakes ; hind toe long and rather stout, claw long; middle toe long and slender, and with the other two fore toes furnished with fine nails.” SCYTALOPUS EFUSCUS, Gov. Puate LXXVILI. Scytalopus fascus, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. October, 1836, p. 89. — Jard. and Selby, Illust, of Ornith. N.S. pl. xix. Bonap. Consp. Av. p. 206.— (Bonap. gives as a syn. Malacorhynchus spelunce? Ménét.) “ At the plumage of a uniform sooty black, the head in some specimens having each feather margined with. beautiful silvery gray; bill black; feet brown. Total length two inches and three quarters; bill half an inch; wing an inch and seven-eighths ; tail an inch and a quarter; tarsi seven-cighths. Habitat, Straits of Magellan, Chili.” SCYTALOPUS ALBOGULARIS, Govtp. Prats LXXVIII. Scytalopus albogularis, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. October, 1836, p. 90. — Jard. and Selby, Must. of Ornith. N.S. pl. xx. Tue Prince of Canino, in his Conspectus Generum Avium, quotes as synonymous with this species, Myothera indigotina, Leichten- stein, which we have had no opportunity to verify, and also Mala- corhynchus albiventris and indigotinus, Ménétries, On our next plate we have figured what we consider to be identical with the figure of Ménétries, and both these, we think, are different from the bird which served for our figure in the “ Illustrations” of S. albo- gularis. We regret to say, that neither of the original specimens of S. fuscus and albogularis, which at the time of description formed part of Mr, Gould’s private collection, are now accessible, nor cal Mr. Gould inform us of their destination, and we cannot too much 116-8 — PAOF ‘SR2S7LI S72 doyaylog paris o? ete 1h Aan pty y WS ees pe ame 7 FA ji} } a yet : eee ee mete 2 nr" doe Fin PY mis ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. insist upon the importance it would be to science, if all persons who may figure or describe any species, would not only mark the specimen ag typical of any figure or description, but if parting with it, would preserve some memorandum of its purchaser, or the col- lection to which it may find its way. Mr. Gould’s description of this species was — “ Crown of the head bluish-black; shoulders and back ferrugi- nous brown, obscurely marked with narrow transverse lines of black, which bound the edges of each feather. Tail uniform pale rufous brown; throat, chest and middle of the belly white; sides of the chest, flanks and under tail-coyers light ferruginons, barred with black; upper mandible dark umber brown; under mandible and feet brown. Total length, three inches and three quarters; bill five-eighths of an inch; wing an inch and three quarters ; tail an inch and a half; tarsi three quarters of an inch. Habitat, Brazil.” SCYTALOPUS UNDULATUS, Jann. & Sezpy. Puate LXXYI. Fie. 1. Scytalopus undulatus, Jard. and Selby, Illust. of Ornith. in Description of plates xix and xx. OF this species we gave no figure in the “Illustrations.” As there Stated, it was procured from the late Mr. Carfrae, a dealer n Edinburgh, and we know nothing of the locality from which ‘t was received. It is very wren-like in form and plumage. Above, umber brown, undulated particularly on the rump with black, and the tips of the feathers being paler; wings, with the Steater and lesser coverts tipped with yellowish-umber before, * Spot of black. Below, throat and breast pale indigo; belly, vent, flanks and thighs yellowish-umber; feathers broadly barred With black near the tips. Tarsi and fect pale yellowish-umber. Length, 3.7; bill to forehead, 4; wing to first quill, 1.9; tarsus, 8. 117-9 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. SCYTALOPUS ALBIVENTRIS, MENETRIES. Puate LXXYVI. Fic. 2. Malacorhynchus albiventris, Ménét. Mem. ac. Petersb. Our specimen of this bird we purchased in Liverpool, where we saw a good many examples. Above, uniform dark blackish-gray, on the rump and upper tail-covers umber brown, slightly undulated with black and pale tips to the feathers. Below, chin, throat, breast and belly white; auriculars and sides of breast gray; flanks and under tail-coverts yellowish-umber, irregularly barred with black ; maxilla umber brown; mandible, tarsi, and feet, yellowish- umber. Entire length, 4.7; bill to forehead, 4; wing to fifth quill, 2; tarsi, 8. Inhabits North and South Brazil (auct. Bonap. Consp. G. Av.) August 7, 1851, 118-10 1 2. S S 4 Ce aN 2s Ce cyt alop us undulatus, verd. cytal opus albiventris , Meer: ays a = ia iia ee papi MONOGRAPH OF THE OWLS—STRIGID4, By eae Dae DK ANU Pe As all birds are formed on one and the same scheme, so that every one looking at the Humming-Bird and the Ostrich shall at the first view distinguish them as members of one and the same class, so the Owls are formed in a higher degree, on one and the same general typical model, and they make such a natural family, that every one recognises them as parts of one and the same section. This agreement of the general form constitutes the reason that, the Owls, in the suborder Rapaces, represent the whole class of birds, like the Cuculide, Trochilide, Hirundinide, Sternine et Columbide, in their orders or suborders. This similarity makes all these families present a very difficult problem, as well for systematic as for descriptive Ornithology. The bird, as the second class of the vertebrata, represents the Ear, Respiration and Breast-Animals, and in the same manner do the Strigide in their suborder, represent the same sense-organ, the same anatomical system, and the same body-region. They are Lar-Rapaces, because we find in them the largest ear with a complete operculum ; they are Respiration-Rapaces, because they have largely developed lungs and air-sacks, and a very great development of pneumacity of the bones, especially of the head, and they have a far-sounding voice. They are Breast-Rapaces, because the breast is prominently developed in comparison with the belly Yegion, As the sense organ of the Zar, as Respiration, as the body region of the Breast, and as the class of birds take all the second rank, the Owls must have the second place as a family amongst the first suborder Rapaces, because they are the manifestations of these organs, oF in other words, they are 119 the anatomical system of the MONOGRAPH OF THE OWLS— STRIGID, the representants of the true bird type, because they represent the whole class in their suborder. Their present place as a family, at the end of all the Rapaces, is one which it is not possible to justify. The best genera of the Strigide are formed by Sayigny, Cuvier, Duméril, Boie, and Brehm. All the others, made by Wagler, Isidore Geoffroy, Ch. Bonaparte, Lesson, Blyth, Hodgson, want the necessary foundations. They are simple subgenera or nominal genera. With regard to the subgeneric sections, I have gone further than all my predecessors. I give them particular names, because they have characters which distinguish them as sections of a genus. I consider the genus Ulula, Cuv., as a nominal genus, because the Syrn. lapponicum and nebulosum, are not different from the subgenus Syrnium of the genus Syrnium, in which aluco is the typical species. In the same way I must suppress the genus Ascalaphia, because I could not find, after the most careful research, any generic or subgeneric¢ characters by which I could distinguish Bubo ascalaphus from B. bengalensis, maximus, virginianus, and africanus, all of which form my subgenus Bubo of the genus Bubo. The same is the case with the genus Megapelia, Ch. Bonap. I cannot separate the J. peld from the subgenus Aetupa, Less., and I mean that Bubo peli is the true typical species of the subgenus Ketupa and the whole genus Bubo. I must also give the old name Scops the preference to the new name Ephialtes, because I cannot admit, as a sufficient reason, that Mehring, in 1752, has given this old name to a genus of the Gruide, a name which the oldest authors have given to an Owl. In the Owls, as a whole family, the ear is predominantly de- veloped, as in all the animals which look for their food in the twilight or in the night. We see this fact in my second order of mammalia, which I have called Mammalia ornithoidea or glires, and which I have composed of the suborders, 1. Noctugrada (lemur,, Linn.), 2. Chiroptera, 3. Marsupialia, 4. Insectivora, 5. Rodentia. All these mammalia are, with very few exceptions, twilight or night animals, with very fine hearing but with weak sight. We see the same among the Felidw, Foxes, and distinctly by Otocyon (canis), lalandi, which has the longest ears but the weakest sight. 120 BY DR: 1. T. KAUP: We can say with the greatest certainty, that all the animals which rove in the twilight or night for their food, have a better hearing than sight. This is the case with every night animal which has been discovered up to the present time. When some naturalists say that the Owls have a good sight, they are quite wrong. I mean that the Owls, particularly the Night Owls, make more use of their hearing for catching their prey than of their sight. The lively motions of the mice, their perpetual rustle on the dry leaves, must give the Owls the first notice of the presence of their prey. The eyes, however, may be used at the moment of seizing the prey. Most of the Owls can be attracted by a good imitation of the voice of the mouse, and in some instances where the hunter was quite still in his position, the Owl has flown to his head. With foxes the case is the same; when the sportsman is placed in the night out of the wind, the fox will come to his very feet. All the little birds attack the Owls for a longer or shorter time, when they find him out in daylight. Perhaps, however, it is more astonishment at such an unusual form than antipathy. A goat- sucker, thrown among a troop of hens will be attacked by them in the same manner. The antipathy can never depend upon expe- rience, for if an Owl occasionally catches a bird by night, the poor bird expiates the first acquaintance with its life. =. In the spring, when the little birds are employed in feeding their young, they come out only a very short time when they seo an Owl, and fly away when they have satisfied their curiosity. In the Zoological Gardens in London we may see, in an ican igen of the Scops asio among a great number of other birds, which are 80 accustomed to it that they never attack it, and in fact take not the least notice of it. , The demeanour of the Crows and Rapaces towards the Ovls, is, in comparison with that of the little birds, more an innate antipathy, like that of cats and dogs, dogs and foxes. Anteers: All the Owls have a far-sounding voice, howling, jowli Whizzing,* which they sound very industriously at the breeding Season, and which fills the superstitious with anguish and terror. ng, or Auf, Uf (Swed.), Ugu Bubo, Aluco, Ulula, &c., man more frequently * Nearly all the names of the Owls, as Owl, Eule, Uhu, (Turk), Flibou, Flulotte, Ghouette, Chevéche, Strix, Pfyns, ‘re imitations of the voice. This is quite natural, because ears than sees these birds. 121 MONOGRAPH OF THE OWLS—STRIGID, This is the case not only in civilized Europe but in every part of the world. Their appearance in the neighbourhood of houses is often considered as the prognostic of an early death. The human fancy is always more excited by twilight or night, and the life of all the night animals has always some portion of mysti- cism, on account of their slow motion and ghost-like flying, their dark colouring and gloomy appearance. It is on this account that men do not like the night animals. ‘The savage and the supersti- tious kill them if they find them by day-light, and only the civilized man protects them, because the Owls like the Chiropteres, catch an immense number of insects and mice, which are enemies to the husbandman. The family of Owls, as we have already said, is a very natural group, and the beginner in our science has only to see one and he can recognise all the others as members of one and the same family. Latham alone has committed the fault of mistaking a figure of the Zeraglaux connivens for a Hawk, which is corrected now by Lord Derby. All the Owls have a more or less curved bill, always simple, over- hanging the lower jaw, and without teeth. The lower jaw is cut off at the end with a tooth-like emargination on each side. The end is more or less ground away by the singular custom of smacking the bill, which some thrushes also do. The cere is never distin- guished by its colour. The oval nostrils are mostly placed at the end in the cere, and are covered like the greatest part of the bill, with long bristle-feathers. This, the round head and the large eyes placed in front, give the face a peculiarity, reminding us of the face of the cats, which takes as a family in the suborder Oa- nivora, the same second rank as Ear, Respiration and Breast- Carnivora. The plumage of the Owls is mostly soft and mostly dark coloured and speckled. The surface of the wings, especially in the true Night Owls, is covered with an extremely soft hairlike felt, so that it is sometimes impossible to recognise the rays. The anterior web of the first wing-feather, and very often the emarginations of the following ones have a comb-like dentilation. ‘The twelve tail-feathers are very often short, and very often curyed towards the centre. The tarsus is mostly feathered, very rarely naked or scaled, and 122 BY DR. T. T. KAUP. is of middle length. The toes are feathered or naked, covered with scales or bristle-feathers ; they are very often short and more adapted for catching prey than for running on the ground. The exterior toe can be moved at will from the front to the back. The inner toe is generally as long as the middle toe, and longer than among the Faleonide, The sole of the tocs is broad and warty, and the claws are sharp pointed. In their osteology, the Owls have among the Rapaces the pecu- liarity that the ossa communicantia have a third articulation, by which they are connected with a leaf-like protuberance of the os basilare. Such a third articulation we find also in the Caprimul- gine, Scolopacide, Anatide, Columbide, and in the genera Ostra- legus and Hemipodius. The bone-covers over the eyes, which we find in the most of the Falconide are wanting in the Owls, because the cellular lachry- mal bones are not so developed and go forwards like a thorn. The eyes have in the sclerotica a chain with bone links, and one eye is divided from the other by a thick cellular wall, which is very thick in the genus Strix. The soft parts of the Owls have not yet been very accurately compared with the other families of Rapaces, and we know only that they have long ewea. As the representants of the respiration type, their whole respi- ratory organs ought to be compared with those of the other families of Rapaces, The Owls are spread pretty equally over the whole world. The number in Europe is now 12-18, in Africa 17-18, in Asia near 40, mm America 38-40, Australia 10-12. Some of them, as the Surnia nyctea and ulula are spread over the northern parts of Europe, Asia and America. Strix candida ‘S common to Asia and Africa, and Asia and Australia have the Strix delicatula, The Otus brachyotus has the most extended range, 4S We find it in every part of the world except Australia. As regards the genera, Europe and Africa haye the same number, 8,—(1.) Nyctale, (2.) Athene, (8.) Surnia, (4.) Scops, (6.) Otus, (6.) Bubo, (7.) Strix, and (8.) Syrnium. Asia, and Perhaps America, has all these genera, and the two others, Glau- cidium and Zevaglaux. Australia is the poorest country for genera, Ve have only Zevaglaux, Scops, and Strix. 123 MONOGRAPH OF THE OWLS—STRIGID4, This review however, like all human works, very much requires correction. THE LAWS FOR SYSTEMATISING THE TEN GENERA OF OWLS. Wuen we consider the ten genera of Strigidew, we cannot find more than two subfamilies—Day Owls and Night Owls. The Day Owls—Surnine, have some analogies in their whole exterior form with the Falconine of the Falconide, Eye, Nerve and Head-Birds, and must be placed at the head of the whole family. The Night Owls— Strigine, as the true representants of the second family of Strigidw, are the second subfamily, because they manifest, in a very clear way, the Ear, Respiration and Breast- Birds. The classification of the Owls with and without ear-feathers is too superficial to require refutation. To classify them according to the form of the ears can give only an artificial system, because we find both small and large earholes in the Surnine as well as in the Strigine. When we classify the Owls in a true natural way, we must proceed as follows :— The Owls as a family are the true representants of the class of birds in their suborder Rapaces, which consists of the families — (1.) Falconide, (2.) Strigide, (3.) Gypogeranide, (4.) Gypaétide and Vulturide. The Day Owls — Surnine, like the Falconine of the Faleonide, are the manifestations of the eye, nerve, and head, and must therefore have as a subfamily the first rank. The Night Owls — Strigine are the representants of the ear, respiration, and breast, and must have therefore as a subfamily the second rank. In the second subfamily Strigin of the second family Strigide, we must find out the true representant of the whole sub- family and family. If we look which genus among the Strigine has the most completely developed ear with a complete operculum ; which has the bird character, the longest wings, the largest breast and a very inconsiderable weight, we shall find there is no other genus than Otus. Orus is therefore the second genus in the subfamily, and tt 0 the type-genus of the whole family Strigide. 124 BY DR. T. T. KAUP. i: In this genus, which can be subdivided into five different little subgenera, we must find a subgenus, which has the longest wings and the lightest body, which is a true Night Owl, and which for the most part sleeps by day. This is the subgenus Orus with the following species :—vulgaris, americanus, ZONUTUS. In this subgenus Orus I take the common Long-eared Owl, OTUS VULGARIS, for the typical species. From this species we must abstract the characters to find out the | second genus in the first subfamily Swrninw, and the second sub- genera in all the other genera. The characters of this typical species are the following :—Beak feeble, and from the cere curved ; enormously large and asymmetric ear with a large operculum, very developed feather-wreath in form of circle around the ear, long wings, only the first quill on the end of the inner web with an emar- gination; the surface of the webs covered with a very soft felt; the exterior web of the first. quill very long and clearly dentilated like a comb, the body light as if filled with air, very soft flying, truly noc- turnal, sleeping during the day. If we take these characters we cannot find another genus in the subfamily Swrnine than Nyctale, Brehm., as one which, by its habits and colouring can have any other place than near to Athene and Glaucidium. Up to this point, however, we have only given two genera their true places in the two subfamilies, namely — A. Surnine 1... ... 2. Nyctale. B. Seriginge, Lu. «. -2. Onvs. Only an arbitrary system can give these two genera another rank. We must now sce which genus of the Strigide forms the first genus in the first subfamily Sxrnine. Which is the true manifes- tation of the Eye, Nerve and Head-Bird? Which has the greatest number of analogies with the first genus Zerax of the first subfamily Falconine and the first family Fulconide —a genus which has the most handsome skull, the largest brain, and the finest eyes ? It is the genus Glaweidiwm, Boie, which has the analogy with Zeraa, that it contains the smallest Owls of the whole family, and that the round nostrils are bored in the middle of the pear 125 MONOGRAPH OF THE OWLS—STRIGID4, shaped and swollen cere. In this genus we find the first wing- feather shorter than the tenth, and the toes naked and not covered with a thick plumage. When we compare these characters with those of other Owls, we give them the first rank as a genus or as a subgenus. In the first subgenus Pisorhina (Scops manadensis) of the genus Scops, we find that the nostrils are bored in the middle of the pear shaped and swollen cere; and I draw the conclusion without having seen the species, that the first wing-feather is shorter than the tenth. The genus Scops has this analogy with the genus Glaucidium, that it has, amongst all the true Strigine the finest formed round skull, with the largest brain and the least developed pneumacity of the coronal bones. Like Glaucidium, Scops contains the smallest species of its ‘whole subfamily Strigine. My classification of the Owls begins now to grow in the following manner ;— A. Surnina. 1. Glaucidium. 2. Nyctale. B. Stricina. 1. Scops. 2. OTUs. To find out the rank of the six other genera of the subfamilies, Surnine and Strigine, we must apply the characters which distin- guish the type of the other order—III. Galle. IV. Ichthyornithes (Rapaces et Palmipedes); and V. Galline. One of the most important characters of the Grallatorial type (Brevipennes) is short wings, but large development of the legs, short toes with a very heavy and large body, with great. develop- ment of the bones, The birds of this type like the ground and are better runners than flyers. With these characters we find in the genus Athene a subgenus, which has very long legs and short toes, which is a good runner and likes the ground, making its nest in holes or burrows. It is my third subgenus Pholeoptyna (A. cunicularia), ‘This subgenus gives Athene as a genus also the third rank, because it represents the Grallatorial type among the Surnine. With these characters, long feet, short toes, colossal body, great mass of bones, we give the subgenus Ketwpa the third rank in its 126 Pe TET. BY DR. T. T. KAUP. genus Bubo. I consider in the subgenus Ketupa—Bubo pelii* as the typical species of this subgenus and the whole genus Budo. Ketupa gives the whole genus Bubo with the largest forms the third rank. My arrangement now extends further. A. Surnina. 1. Glacidium, 2. Nyctale. 3, Athene. B. Strricina. 1. Scops. 2. OTUS. 3. Bubo. Enormous yoracity, great development of the claws, often pec- tinated on the middle toe, is a sign of the Rapaces or Pelicanide type. P Immense yoracity, very strong and curved claws, a rudimentary cere, like the fourth family Gypaétidae we see in the genus Surnia, and we give it the fourth rank. It shows some analogies with the true Falco, fourth genus of the Falconine. Most enormous voracity, and a pectinated middle claw we find yet only in the genus Strix, and we give Sériz in the second sub- family the fourth rank. It shows, like the fourth subfamily Gypaé- tide, the longest and the most ugly skull. My arrangement of the genera now approaches its close. A. Surnina, 1. Glaucidium. 2. Nyctale. 3. Athene. 4. Surnia. B. Stricina. 1. Scops. 2.OTus. 3. Bubo. 4. Strix. Very developed plumage, with a great number of bands, long banded tail, and vegetable nourishment, is a sign of the Galline type. We find in the Australian species of my genus Zeraglaua, a great development of the plumage, very long banded tail; and in the last subgenus Zeraglaux (Z. strenuus), Mr, Gould mentions having found berries in the stomach. On this account I give Zera- glaux the fifth rank. In the subfamily Strigine, we find in the genus Syrniwm a very developed banded plumage and a yery long tail. It is possible that we may find, at some future time, vegetable nourishment also Mm the last subgenus of this genus. id Ch. Bonaparte takes this species to be a proper genus Megapelia ; but Tam (ite certain that it is only a species of the subgenus Ketupa, and that it is a true ee by a strong comparison of the wings, legs, and nails. 7 MONOGRAPH OF THE OWLS— STRIGID2, « My arrangement is now closed so far as regards the genera. A. Surnixn. 1. Glaucidium. 2. Nyctale. 3. Athene. 4. Surnia. 5. Zeraglaux. B.Srricin2. 1. Scops. 2.OTus. 3.Bubo. 4.Striz. 5.Syrnium. I think we have no more existing genera, because the tenth genus makes a circle, and Glaucidiwm and Syrnium exhibit the same character, that the first wing-feather is shorter than the tenth. The last genus Jbicter in the family Falconide, has also some characters in common with the first genus Zerax. We see also in every subfamily the affinity of the alternates, and (1.) Glaneidium, (3.) Athene, (5.) Zeraglaux, are so very nearly connected, that all the Ornithologists have mixed these three genera together; (2.) Nyctale, and (4.) Surnia, show also a very near affinity. The same is the case also. with (1.) Scops, (3.) Bubo, and (5.) Syrnium. These genera are algo so near, that some Ornithologists have brought a true Bubo (Bubo cristatus) into the neighbourhood of Scops and a true Bubo (B. philippensis) to Syrnium. All the genera must be divided into subgenera, which must be arranged in the same way, as I have classified the true genera. I give a survey of all these subgenera :— A. SuRNINA. I. Guaverpium. Il. Nyoraue. IIL. ATHENE. TY. SuRNIA. V. ZERAGLAUX- a.The species! a. Microglaux | a. Microptynx | a. with naked toes) ——perlata, &c. 8. passerina b. Nyctale 6. Athene b. Nyctea b, Spiloglaux acadica, &e, noctua, &c. 8. nyctea T. boobook, ke. ¢ .. . . |¢. Pholeoptynx |e, ¢. Sceloglaux cunicularia, ke. albifacies d. Glaucidium | d. d. d. Surnia d. Ctenoglaux nanum, &c. ulula scutellatus e. Taenioptynx | ¢. ¢e. Taeniogl ynx | ¢. q aux |¢. e. Zeraglaux Brodiei. cantanaeptars, &e. strenuus, &€- 128 I. Scops. BY DRO TAT KAGP: B. STRIGINA. IL. Orus. III, Buso. Ty. Sreix. V. Syryium. a. Pisorhina manadensis b. Scops ephialtes, &e. e. Aenemis gymnopodus d. Ptilopsis leucotis, &, ¢. Megascops asio, &c, a. Pseudoscops grammuicus b. Orus vulgaris, &c. ec. Rhenoptynx mexicanus, &¢. d. Brachyotus brachyotus ¢. Phasmoptynx capensis a. Lophostrix cristata b. Bubo maximus, Kc, ce. Ketupa peli, &e, ad. Urrua coromander, &e. e. Pseudoptynx a. Phodilas badius b. Strix flammea, &c. c. Seelostrix candida d, Dactylostrix personata, Xe. e. Megastrix tenebricosa a. Ciccaba hahula, &c. 6, Syrnium aluco, &e, ¢. Bulaca indranee d. Pulsatrisx torquatun philippensis Up to the present time we have not found the first subgenus in the first genus Glaucidium. The first subgenus in the second genus Nyctale will be found in the Museum of Leyden. The species was mentioned to me verbally by Prince Ch. Bonaparte. The first subgenus Microglaux of Athene, and the first subgenus Microptyna of Surnia, are the smallest in their genera, and haye the first wing-feather shorter than the tenth. The first subgenus in the genus Zeraglaux, with the same characters, is yet undis- covered. In the second subfamily Strigine, Pisorhina (manadensis) has certainly the first wing-feather shorter than the tenth, because all the subgenera Pseudoscops, Lophostrix, Phodilas, and Ovecaba have the same characters, and also naked toes with scales. The subgenera of the second rank have asymmetric ears, longer Wings, only emarginated towards the end, and broad felted inner webs; they are nocturnal, With these characters, I give the second rank to the subgenera Nyctale (acadica, funerea) ; Athene (noctua, meridionalis, brama ; Nyctea (8. nyctea) ; Spiloglaux (boobook, maculatus, marmoratus 4 Nove zelandiw) ; Scops (ephialtes, senegalensis, pennata) ; Otus (vulgaris, americanus, zonurus); Bubo (bengalensis, maximus, asca- laphus, africanus, virginianus); Strix (punctatissima, jlammea, perlata, delicatula) Syrnium (nivicolum, aluco, cinereum, nebu- losum et uralense). The characters of the subgenera of the third rank are—long, 129 MONOGRAPH OF THE OWLS—STRIGIDA. straight bill, long legs, very often naked, short toes, short wings, live on the ground, good runners. Where we find this character we give the third rank, These characters are exhibited by Pholeoptyna (A. cunicularia, Sceloglaux (T. albifacies), Aenemis (Scops gymnopodus), Ehenop- tyna (mewicanus et madagascariensis), Ketupa (B. ceylonensis, ketupa, peli flavipes), Scelostria (str. candida), et Bulaca (syrn. Indranee, sinense, pogadorum et leptogrammicum). Very developed bill, strong claws, long toes, and great voracity, give all the subgenera the fourth rank. On account of these cha- racteristics, I give Glaucidium (nanum, pumilum, infuscatum, ferrugineum) ; Surnia (ulula), Ctenoglaux (scutellatus), Ptilopsis (scops leucotis), Urrua (Bubo coromander, orientalis, lacteus) ; Dac- tylostrix (Stria castanops et personata) et Pulsatrix (syrn. tor- quatum) the fourth rank. Very developed banded plumage, long tail, and vegetable nourish- ment, are signs of the Galline type. On this account I give Taenioptyne (Gl. brodiei) ; Taenioglaua (Athene castaneoptera, erythroptera, cuculoides, capensis), Zeraglaua (strenuus, rufus, connivens); Megascops (Scops asio, atricapilla, brasiliensis, indica) ; Phasmaptynz (Otus capensis), Pseudoptyna (Bubo philippensts), Megastrix (str. tenebricosa), the fifth and last rank. NOTES ON SOME BIRDS FROM THE RIVER GABOON IN WEST AFRICA BY H. E. STRICKLAND. A sMALL collection of birds from this new locality has lately been purchased from M. E. Verreaux of Paris, by E. Wilson, Esq., who has kindly submitted them to my examination before sending them to their destination in the Philadelphia Museum. The River Gaboon, or as the French write it, Gabon, is situated exactly under the Equator, and is considerably farther south than most of the localities where West African Birds have hitherto been collected. It has consequently afforded soveral new species, and in order to show the geographical distribution of others, I have thought it best to give a list of the whole collection. The specimens were labelled by M. Verreaux, whose MS. names I have retained in all cases where it was practicable. The species which are additional to Dr. Hartlaub’s list of West African Birds in the “ Verzeichnis der Vorlesungen” of the Ham- burg Gymnasium, 1850 (see Contributions to Ornithology, 1850, P. 129), are marked with an asterisk. *1. Hirundo melbina, Verreaux MS.