CHAM^AD.^, 



15 



the exposed portion of the second. In all the other species before 

 me this primary is larger, broader, and as long as or longer than the 

 remaining exposed portion of the second. 



9,223. "P. mexicana." 



Family CHAM^AD^. 



Bill compressed, short, rather conical, not notched nor decurved. Culmen 

 sharp-ridged. Nostrils linear, with au incumbent scale. Rictal bristle.s reach- 

 ing beyond nostrils, which are scantily overhung by bristly feathers. Loral 

 feathers bristly and directed forwards. Tarsi booted, or covered with a con- 

 tinuous plate anteriorly, with faint indications of scutellse on the inner side. 

 Basal joint of middle toe attached for about half its length on either side. 

 Primaries ten ; 6th quill longest. Plumage very lax. 



I have found it impossible to assign the genus Chamsea to any 

 recognized family of American birds, and have accordingly been 

 obliged to give it independent rank in this respect, although it may 

 properly belong to some old world group with which I am not ac- 

 quainted. In its general appearance it approaches the Paridse in 

 loose plumage, bristly lores, want of notch to bill, etc. ; but differs 

 in the very much bristled rictus, sharp-ridged culmen, linear nostrils, 

 booted tarsi, less amount of adhesion of the toes, etc. It approaches 



