530 AMPELIN^. 



pact, with a short neck, an oblong head of moderate size, small 

 feet, and blended plumage. The bill is always shorter than 

 the head, broad at the base, and presenting a triangular form 

 when viewed from above or beneath ; the upper mandible with 

 its dorsal outline decurved, its ridge narrow, the sides sloping, 

 the edges direct, the tip small and deflected, with small but 

 distinct notches ; the lower mandible smaller, with the angle 

 wide, the dorsal line slightly convex, the sides rounded, the 

 edges rather inflected, the tip very nari'ow. The tarsi are 

 generally short ; the toes small or of moderate size, the first 

 strongest and considerably larger than the lateral, of which 

 the outer is a little longer, the soles flattened. The claws are 

 of moderate size, well curved, compressed, laterally grooved, 

 very acute. The wings are of moderate length, or rather long, 

 generally concave, with nineteen quills. The tail short, or 

 moderate, of twelve feathers, which are a little arched. The 

 plumage is various, generally blended, and often highly coloured. 

 The Ampelinag are chiefly natives of warm climates, espe- 

 cially of those of America. Their principal food consists of 

 soft fruits and insects, but their habits are little known. 



SYNOPSIS OF THE BRITISH GENERA AND SPECIES. 



GENUS I. BOMBYCILLA. WAXWING. 



Bill short, rather stout, broad at the base, gradually com- 

 pressed toward the end ; upper mandible with the dorsal 

 line convex and declinate, the ridge narrow, the sides sloping 

 and convex, the edges sharp and overlapping, the tip deflected, 

 narrow, and rather acute, the notches distinct ; lower mandi- 

 ble with the dorsal line convex and ascending, the edges in- 

 flected, the tip very small, acute, ascending. Toes and claws 

 moderate ; the latter arched, compressed, acute. Wings rather 

 long, broad, and pointed. Tail of moderate length, even. 



1. Bomhycilla garrula. Black-throated Waxwing. Upper 

 parts light greyish-brown, forehead brownish-orange ; throat 

 black, lower tail-coverts yellowish-red ; oblong vermilion ap- 

 pendages to the quills. 



