284 REVIEW OF AMERICAN BIRDS. [PART T. 



Cotijle, liowever, the relationship, except in coloration, is very slight, 

 as the nostrils are superior, without overhanging membrane as in 

 Gotyle ; the lower end of tarsus destitute of feathers (the upper, on 

 the contrary, being provided with them) ; the lateral claws short, 

 much curved, and not reaching beyond the base of the middle. The 

 bill is much stouter, and the body more robust ; the edge of wing 

 without hooks, in these respects dili'eriiig from Slelgidopteryx. 



With somewhat the fulness of form of Frogne, the bill resembles 

 the latter in having the nostrils superior, exposed, and without over- 

 hanging membrane. The frontal feathers are soft, but with short 

 bristles lining the base of the upper jaw, and a few on the side of the 

 lower, but none in the chin. The bill is more depressed than in 

 Progne, but similarly shaped; the lower edge of the upper mandible 

 much sinuated, or quite convex to the anterior extremity of the 

 nostril, and then passing into an equally concave curve to the tip. 

 Both jaws are more depressed, and their upper outlines less convex, 

 especially towards the base, than in Progne. The feet are weaker, 

 but the adhesion of the toes much as in Progne — the basal joint of 

 the median being free for about half internally, a little less externally. 

 The upper joint of the tarsus is covered with feathers, which are 

 attached along the inner edge in a narrow line for half the length, 

 or more than half the length (even three-fourths). This feature is 

 quite peculiar to Phseoprogne, not existing at all in Progno, nor to 

 anything like the same extent in any other American Swallows. The 

 tarsal scutella^ are so much fused as to be almost undistinguishable. 

 The wings are more falcate, the feathers broader and less curved 

 than in Progne; the tail but slightly forked; the lateral feathers 

 without the gradual attenuation of Progne. 



The species of this group belong strictly to South America, but 

 are not well determined. I give below the two which seem to be 

 contained in the specimens which I have examined. None have 

 any metallic gloss, as in Progne — resembling in color CoUjIe and 

 Slelgidopteryx more than any other genera. The form is more that 

 of Petrochelidon, the nostrils being equally superior and uncovered, 

 and the tail is somewhat similar. The bill is, however, much stouter, 

 longer, and the commissure is sinuated, not nearly straight. 



Synopsis of Species. 

 Common Characters. — Above and along sides dull smoky brown, 

 without metallic lustre ; a fainter pectoral band of the same. 

 Rest of under parts white. 



Sides of neck white, passing around on the nape into a narrow 



