THE IBIS 



EIGHTH SERIES. 



No. XVII. JANUARY 1905. 



I. — On the Systematic Position of Zeledonia coronata, with 

 some Observations on the Position of the Turdidae. By 

 W. P. Pycraft, F.Z.S., A.L.S., &c. 



(Plates I. & II.) 



I. Introductory. 



Some time ago Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe placed in my hands 

 a spirit-specimen of Zeledonia coronata, requesting me to 

 endeavour to determine, so far as was possible, the true 

 position of that bird in the system. It was procured for 

 the purpose of this investigation by Dr. F. DuCane Godman, 

 F.R.S., and to him and to Dr. Sharpe I am greatly indebted 

 for many valuable suggestions. Furthermore, I have to 

 record my hearty thanks to Dr. P. L. Sclater, F.R.S., who 

 has throughout taken great interest in the progress of the 

 work and has helped me in many ways. 



Zeledonia coronata (Plate I.) is a small bird presenting many 

 very puzzling characteristics. It was first described in 1888 

 by Prof. Robert Ridgway *, who, however, on account of its 



* Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. vol. xi. p. 537 (1888). 



SER. VIII. VOL. V. B 



