408 



EEVIEW OF AMERICAN BIRDS. 



[part I. 



ScBFAMiLT PTILOGONATIx\J<;. 



The characters of the subfamily have already been stated on page 

 401, but it still remains to discuss the question of its precise extent. 

 As generally given by authors, it includes two series of genera, the 

 most apparent external distinction between them consisting in the 

 distinct scutellge on the anterior face of the tarsus in the one, which 

 are wanting in the other. These more palpable features are, how- 

 ever, accompanied by others, of more or less importance, and I can 

 hardly avoid the conclusion that they should belong to different 

 families, one, embracing Ptilogonys and Phsenopepla {Ptilogona- 

 tinse), remaining with the Ampelidse ; the other (Mi/iadestes, 

 Cichlopis, Platycichla) removed as Ilt/iadestinee to near the 

 Turdidse and Saxicolidae. 



The following diagnostic characters will serve to illustrate the 

 features of these two groups as compared with each other : — 



Ptilogonatinee. Tarsus stout, shorter, or not longer than middle toe and 

 claw ; conspicuously scutellate anteriorly, and frequently on one or other 

 or on both sides ; sometimes with a row of small plates behind. Wings 

 much graduated ; the second quill not longer than secondaries. Outline 

 of lateral tail feathers parallel or widening from base to near tip. Tail 

 unvaried, or else inornate at end. Quills without light patch at base. 

 Head crested. Young birds not spotted. Not conspicuous for song. 



Myiadestinae. Tarsus slender, longer than middle toe and claw ; undivided 

 as in Tardidx. Toes deeply cleft. Wings more pointed ; second quill 

 much longer than secondaries. Lateral tail feathers, cuneate, or narrow- 

 ing from base towards tip ; generally whitish at end on inner web. 

 Quills with their extreme bases, especially of inner webs, buify yellow, 

 showing a light patch inside. Head not crested, though the feathers 

 sometimes full. In the young all.^he feathers with light rounded spots. 

 Pre-eminent as melodious singers. 



