GLOSSARY, 
Nearly all the terms used in describing a bird may be more easily and clearly 
understood by examining the illustrations of ‘‘ bird topography,” on pages viii and ix, 
than from a written description; a few, however, may require a word of explanation. 
Cere.—A hard skin-like covering on the base of the upper mandible (Parrots, 
Hawks, etc.). 
Mandibles. — Some authors use the word mazilla for the upper half of the bill, and 
mandible for the lower. I prefer, however, to describe the two halves of the bill 
as upper and lower mandible. 
Culmen. — The ridge of the upper mandible. 
Gonys. — Lower outline (middle) of under mandible. 
Unguis. — The nail on the end of the upper mandible; very pronounced in several 
families of water birds (Ducks, Pelicans, and Petrels). 
Axillars or Axillary Plumes. — Several elongated feathers at the junction of the 
wing and body. (Lat. awilla, the arm-pit. ) 
Carpus or Carpal Joint.— Bend of the wing. The third segment of the wing 
corresponding to the wrist (see illustration). 
Speculum. — A wing band or patch (usually of a different color from the rest of 
the wing), formed by the terminal portion of the secondaries; very noticeable in 
the Ducks. 
Tarsus. — Extends from the root of the toes to the end of the tibia (what appears to 
be the bend of the leg or knee; but which is, in reality, the heel joint). See illus- 
tration. 
Toes Syndactyle. — Outer and middle toes more or less joined together (King- 
fisher, etc.). 
Toes Zygodactyle. — Arranged in pairs, two in front, two behind (Cuckoos, etc.). 
Tarsus Reticulate. — Covered with numerous small, uneven scales (Plovers, ete.). 
Tarsus Scutellate,— Comparatively large, somewhat square-cut scales, one above 
the other, covering the front of the tarsus. 
Booted Tarsus. — Scales fused together on greater portion of tarsus so as to be 
indistinct or invisible except on lower part (Robins, etc.). 
Superciliary Stripe. — Stripe over the eye. 
(xii) 
