294 



SINGING BIRDS — OSCINES. 



of the bill. Nostrils nearly cireular. Tarsi very long ; middle toe scai'cely more than two 

 thirds the length. A patch of naked skin beneath and behind the eje. 



There are two species of magpie in tlie United States differing in alnaost 

 notliing from each otlier except in tlie hlack liill of one and the yellow of 

 the other. The latter {P. Nuttalli) is confined to Western California, the 

 other (P. Hudsonica) is found more to the northward as well a,s in the mid- 



dle region of North America. The yellow-billed bird is scarcely entitled 

 to consideration as a distinct species, since many species of American Cor- 

 vidcc have tlie bill indifferently yellow or black, or intermediate in color. 

 The European magpie has a lilack bill, and we believe a variety with yellow 

 bill is not found in the Old "World. 



p. Hudsonica. 



