x SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT OF THE GENERA OF BIRDS 
FAMILY AMPELIDZE 
(CHATTERERS) 
Bill stout, approaching, especially in the form of the lower mandible, 
to that of the Corvide; the upper mandible is however somewhat broad 
at the base, flat, with the upper edge more or less angular and ridged, and 
the tip distinctly notched. Feet usually stout, with the outer toe united 
to the middle one as far as, or beyond, the first joint. They feed 
principally on berries and other soft fruits, occasionally also on insects. 
29. AmpPELIs (Waxwing). Bill as above; nostrils oval, concealed by 
small feathers directed forwards; wings long and pointed; first 
and second primaries longest, some of the secondaries and tertials 
terminating in wax-like prolongations of their shafts. 
Page 76 
FAMILY MUSCICAPIDZ 
(FLYCATCHERS) 
Bill broad, flattened horizontally (depressed), slightly toothed and adapted 
for catching small flying insects; nostrils more or less covered by bristly 
hairs; feet generally feeble. 
30. Muscicapa (Flycatcher). Bill moderate, somewhat triangular, de- 
pressed at the base, compressed towards the tip, which is slightly 
curved downwards; gape armed with stiff bristles; tarsus equal 
to or longer than the middle toe; side toes of equal length; wings 
with the first primary very short, and the third and fourth longest. 
Page 77 
FAMILY HIRUNDINIDZ 
(SWALLOWS AND MARTINS) 
Beak short but broad, and more or less flattened horizontally; mouth 
very deeply cleft ; feet small and weak; wings with nine visible primaries, 
long and powerful, and thus adapted for sustaining a protracted flight in 
pursuit of winged insects, which form the sole sustenance of these birds } 
tail long and usually forked ; plumage close, smooth, often burnished with 
a metallic gloss. Migratory birds, spending the summer in temperate climates, 
but being impatient of cold, withdrawing in winter to equatorial regions. 
31. Hrrunpo (Swallow). Bill short, depressed, very wide at base, com- 
missure straight. Nostrils basal, oval, partly closed by membrane, 
Tail deeply forked, of twelve feathers, the outermost greatly elon- 
gated and abruptly attenuated. Legs and feet slender and bare; 
toes rather long, three in front, one behind; claws moderate. 
Page 80 
32. CHELfpoNn (Martin). Bill short, depressed, very wide at base, com- 
missure slightly decurved. Nostrils basal, oval, partly closed by 
membrane and opening laterally. Tail forked, of twelve feathers, 
outermost not abruptly attenuated. Legs and feet slender, closely 
feathered above; toes rather long, three in front, one behind ; claws 
moderate, sharp. Page 83 
33. CoT1Le (Sand-martin). Bill short, depressed, very wide at base, 
commisssure straight. Nostrils, wings and tail as in chelidon, 
Legs and feet slender, and bare except for tuft of feathers on tarsus 
just above hallux; toes moderate, three in front, one behind ; 
claws strong, Page 84 
