>96 TLMELIIDiE. 



Group IX. LIOTRICHES. 



The Hill Tits, as these birds are popularly called, are universally 

 recognized hy writers on Indinn ornithology as representing a di- 

 stinct family of birds. I believe, however, that they ai'e more 

 correctly placed as aberrant Timeliine foims, showing great affinities 

 with the Parkla', the true TimeUidce, and even with the Wrens (Tro- 

 glodytidce) ; in a less degree they are also allied to the Flycatchers. 



Key to tlie O en era. 



a. Eictal bristles scarcely perceptible, or 



absent altogether . .'. 1. Stachybidopsis, p. 597. 



b. Eictal bristles evident. 



a' . Tail very short, hidden by the coverts 

 and not reaching beyond the tip of 

 the closed wing ; tarsal envelope 



without scutes 2. Oligura, p. G03. 



b' . Tail moderately long, always surpassing 

 the tips of the wings ; tarsus scu- 

 tellated. 

 a". Outer tail-feathers rounded or 

 pointed at the ends. 

 a'". Bill moderately stout, the cul- 

 men not exceeding the length 

 of the hind toe and claw. 

 n*. Tail nearly even. 



cv". Head crested, but not very 



perceptible 3. Minla, p. 606. 



¥. With a large blunt crest, 

 somewhat fan-like, the long 

 feathers exceeding the cul- 



men in length 4. IxuLUS, p. 612. 



6*. Tail strongly graduated, the 

 outer feather falling short of 

 the middle one by as much as 

 or more than the hind toe (with- 

 out claw). 

 c'. A blimt crest, very conspicu- 

 ous, the feathers exceeding 

 the culmen in length ; rictal 

 bristles very feeble and ex- 

 tending no further than an- 

 terior edge of nostril 5. Staphidia, p. 615. 



d^. Head crested, but not very 

 distinctly, the feathers only 



as long as the culmen 6. Alcippe *, p. 618. 



b'" . Bill lengthened and slender, ex- 

 ceeding in length the hind toe 

 and claw ; tarsus scutellated. 



* Here must probabl j- be placed the following genera, specimens of which 

 have not been at hand for me to determine their exact position : — 7. Fulvcffa ; 

 8. Moupmia ; 9. Dendrohtastes. 



