100 CRESTED-BLACK WATER-CHAT. 



which seem to combine the characters of the Tyrants 

 and the Water-chats. 



In all points of general structure the bird before 

 us agrees with Fluvicola, except in the feet and the 

 tail. The former, although strong, have not the 

 tarsus so much lengthened, and the inner toe is ob- 

 viously shorter than the outer; this latter character, 

 indeed, is seen in the Fluvicola nengeta ; but the 

 toes of this bird are much shorter, and seem adapted 

 as much for perching as for walking : the tail is 

 lengthened, and so much rounded as to appear fan- 

 shaped, every feather being graduated; and it is 

 this circumstance, more than any other, which in- 

 duces me to look upon Blechropus as that type 

 which passes into the Rhlpiduras or fantails. The 

 whole plumage is black, glossed with bluish, ex- 

 cepting the base of the inner webs of the primaries, 

 which are pure white : the crest is very elegant, the 

 feathers being long, narrow, and slightly recurved 

 towards their tips ; bill and legs black. 



Total length 9 inches ; bill, gape, T 9 S ; wings, 5 ; 

 tail beyond, 2^ ; from the base, 4^ ; tarsus, T 9 <, ; 

 middle toe and claw, T 8 5 . 



It is evident that the bird last figured and de- 

 scribed is very closely connected to the true water- 

 chats, forming the genus 



