46 



Flycatchers (genus Milvnlus), which range over a large part of 

 tropical America and extend north to Texas (see Case B), while 

 the most brilliantly colored are the Vermilion Flycatcher (reach- 

 ing Texas and Arizona), and the Kinglet-like Cyanotis (Case G). 

 The bill varies in size and shape from the Finch-like bill of the 

 Beardless Flycatcher (genus Ornithioii) to the broad, greatly 

 flattened bills of the Flatbills (genera Platyrhynchus and Todiros- 

 truni). Some of the forms ape the Thrushes and Stonechats in 

 coloration and general appearance. 



The small family CouopophagidcE, consisting of two genera and 

 about fifteen species, strictly South American, somewhat resem- 

 bles the Tyrant Flycatchers, of which family they were formerly 

 ranked as a subfamily. From the somewhat Pipit-like form of 

 some of the species they have been termed Ant-Pipits. (See 

 Case G.) 



The Pipras or Manakins (family Pipridce) are a group of mostly 

 small birds, strictly American, and mainly confined to the tropical 

 portions of South America. The males are generally gorgeously 

 colored, those of many of the species having also filamentous ap- 

 pendages to the tail. The females, on the contrary, are very 

 plainly attired. The group numbers about sixty species (Case G). 



The Cotingas (family CotingidcB), likewise tropical American, is 

 a larger and more varied group, containing many interesting forms, 

 including the Cocks-of-the-Rock (genus Riipicola), the curious Um- 

 brella-bird, and the celebrated Bell-birds. The species vary much 

 in size, some being as large as a Crow, and curiously ornamented 

 with fleshy caruncles ; others are quite small and lack all special 

 ornamentation. Others again, of medium size, are almost un- 

 rivalled in their brilliant tints. Most of the leading forms of the 

 family are represented in Case G. 



The Plant-cutters (family Phytotomidce) number only three 

 species, confined to South America. They are Finch-like in 

 general aspect, with serrated bills. They are said to be very in- 

 jurious to plantations by cutting off the buds and tender shoots 

 of cultivated plants. 



The Tapacolas {Pieroptochida;) are Wren-like in form, and have 

 the same skulking habits. They number about twenty species, 

 nearly all confined to Chili and Patagonia. (See Case G.) 



