FRINGILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 



OO- 



slightly forked, and moderately rounded laterally ; the feathers all acute. Color somewhat 

 as in Passerculus. 



This genus differs from Passerculus, as stated in the description of the 

 species farther on. It would be taken for Fledrophanes on account of its 

 lengthened hind claw, which, however, is more curved than in that genus ; 

 the tarsi are much longer, the tertials less elongated, and the coloration dif- 

 ferent, though closely resembling that of the female Flectwphanes. But one 

 species has thus far been recognized. 



Centronyx bairdi, Baird. 



BAIRD'S BUNTING. 



Embcriza bairdi, Aud. Birds Am. VII, 1843, 359, pi. d. , Coturniculus bairdi, Bon. Syn. 

 1850, 481. Centronyx bairdi, Baikd, Birds N. Am. 1858, 441. 



Sp. Char. Somewhat similar in general ajipearance to Passerculus savanna. Back 

 grayish, streaked with dusky. Crown nearly covered by black streaks, but divided by 

 a broad median band of brownish-yellow. 

 Eyelids and a faint superciliary stripe yel- 

 loAvish-white. Beneath white, with a max- 

 illar_v blackish stripe and some narrow 

 streaks on the upper part of the breast, and 

 sides of the throat and body. Outer edges 

 and tips of tail-feathers white ; the two 

 outer feathers obsoletely white. Bend of 

 wing white. Length, 4.75 ; wing, 2.80 ; tail, 

 2.20. 



Hab. Mouth of the Yellowstone River. 



One specimen only known. Centronyx bairdi, Baird. 



This species has somewhat of the general appearance of Passerculus 

 savanna, but with important differences both of form and color. The bill 

 is much longer, and more slender in proportion. The wings are quite un- 

 usually long; the primaries more 



— V r 



than half an inch longer tlian the 

 tertiaries ; the first quill as long as 

 the fourth, and but little less than 

 the second and third. The tail is 

 very short ; the feathers narrow 

 and pointed. The feet are large ; 

 the hind claw very long and con- 

 siderably curved, as are the other 

 claws generally. 

 The species was based by Mr. 

 Audubon on a skin brought by him from the moutli of the Yellowstone 

 Eiver, in 1843, in rather defective and worn plumage. This has hitherto 



Ceiilroni/.r hnirili. 



