176 



SIXGIXG BIRDS— OSCIXES. 



ico, and extending nnrtlnvavd into New IMexico. It has a narrower bill, 

 narrower frontal jiatch, and the tail I'eatliers entirely black. Some speci- 

 mens, again, arc (|uite intermediate, and it is very donbtful wlietiun- the 

 two forms can ever be considered as specifically distinct. (15aird.) 



Genus PLECTROPHANES, Mfaer. 



Pkrtmplianrs, Meyer, Tascln'iibiicli, 1810. (Type, Emheriza nivnlis.) 



Gex. Ch.\i:. Rill viirialilc, fimiciil ; tlie lower inamliblo higher than the upper; the 

 sides of both mandibles (in the typieal speeies) guarded by a closcl)- applietl brush of 



■■i^*^V^^^^v'?7-%^"^H''^*'^%^'^'"^''^^^^^^ 



P. nivalis. 



stiffened bristly feathers direeted fbi-wards, and in the upper jaw concealing tlie nostrils; 

 the outlines of the bill nearly straight, or slightly curved ; the lower jaw considerably 



