SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT OF THE GENERA OF BIRDS vii 
the middle; nostrils partly concealed by small bristly feathers, 
directed forwards ; first primary very short, second much shorter 
than the third, fourth and fifth longest; tail moderate; tarsus 
slender, rather long. Page 33 
FAMILY PARIDZ 
(T1Ts) 
Bill short, straight, conical, sharp-pointed, destitute of a notch; nostrils 
basal, concealed by reflected bristly hairs. Small birds, remarkable for their 
activity, not highly gifted with musical power, constantly flitting and climb- 
ing about trees and bushes, which they examine for small insects, suspending 
themselves in all attitudes, feeding also on grains and fruits, and not sparing 
small birds when they are able to overpower them. 
13. AcR&DULA (Long-tailed Tit). Bill much compressed, both mandibles 
curved, upper considerably longer than lower. Eyelids with wide 
bare margins. Length of wing quills increases to fourth and fifth, 
which are longest. Tail very long, narrow, graduated, outer feathers 
one-third length of middle pair. Tarsus long, feet moderate. 
Page 35 
14. Parus (Great, Blue, Cole, Marsh, and Crested Tits). Bill slightly 
compressed, upper mandible hardly longer than lower. First wing 
quill short, fourth or fifth longest. Tail moderate, even or slightly 
rounded. Tarsus moderate, feet strong. Page 37 
FAMILY PANURIDZ 
(REEDLINGS) 
15. PanGrus (Bearded Tit or Reedling). Bill short, subconical; upper 
mandible curved at tip and bending over lower one, which is nearly 
straight; the edges of both somewhat inflected and not notched. 
Nostrils basal, oval, pointed in front and partly covered by reflected 
bristly feathers. Wing with ten quills, first almost obsolete, third 
longest, fourth and fifth nearly equal to it. Tail very long and, 
much graduated, Tarsus long and scutellate in front; feet stout ; 
claws not much hooked. Page 42 
FAMILY SITTIDZ 
(NUTHATCHES) 
16. Sitta (Nuthatch). Bill moderate, strong, and slightly conical; lower 
mandible ascending from angle to point. Tongue short, horny 
tip abrupt and furnished with strong bristles. Nostrils basal, 
rounded, in deep hollow, covered by short feathers and hairs. Wings 
rather long; first quill much shorter than second, fourth or fifth 
longest. Tail short, flexible, broad, nearly square. Legs short, 
stout, tarsi scutellate ; toes long, strong, hind toe especially, outer 
toe joined at base to middle toe; claws large, much hooked. 
Page 44 
FAMILY CERTHIIDZ 
(CREEPERS) 
Bill either straight and subulate or slender, long, and curved; nostrils 
basal; tail never emarginate ; fourth toe coalesced at first phalanx with 
middle toe. Principally insectivorous. 
17. CerrtTHIA (Creeper). Bill rather long, slender, compressed, decurved, 
pointed ; nostrils basal, lateral, elongate, partly covered by mem- 
