11-1 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS. 



with the jet-black upper parts ; another (D. virens) has a coal-black 

 throat, sharply defined against the pure gamboge-yellow cheeks, the 

 back bright olive-green, the lower parts white. One of the most 

 striking in appearance is the Hooded, or Mitred Warbler (Sylvania 

 mitrata) the plumage of which is rich yellow beneath, olive- green 

 above, the head jet-black except on the sides, where it is rich 

 yellow, the same as the lower parts; the plumage is still further 

 varied by white patches on the inner webs of the tail feathers, 

 which show distinctly when the tail is spread. Without going into 

 further detail, it may be remarked that a peculiar shade of olive- 

 green, which has on this account been well termed "warbler-green," 

 is the usual color of the upper parts in the birds of this family, 

 some species which are otherwise colored in the adult stage having 

 this tint more or less developed in the autumnal plumage of the 

 young. 



As natural an arrangement, consistent with convenience of analysis, 

 of the genera of this extensive family as the author is at present 

 able to present, is the following. The groups here recognized are 

 fairly well denned, but are hardly entitled to the rank of sub- 

 families. 



a 1 Bill cylindrical (sometimes even somewhat compressed), not abruptly bent at tip 

 and without very distinct notch; rictal bristles weak, sometimes even (apparently) 

 quite obsolete. 



6'. 8ize small (total length under 6.50 inches); bill slender and nearly cylindrical, the 

 outlines nearly straight. 



1. Mniotiltese (Wood Warblers). Feet comparatively weak, not reaching, when 



outstretched, near to the end of the tail. Wing rather lengthened and point- 

 ed, considerably longer than the nearly even or slightly emarginated tail. 

 Chiefly arboreal. 



2. Geothlypeae (Ground Warblers). Feet strong, reaching when outstretched 



nearly or quite to the end of the tail. Wing rather rounded, usually shorter 

 (never decidedly longer) than the rounded or slightly graduated tail. Terres- 

 trial. 



b*. Size very large (total length more than 7. 00 inches); bill stout, compressed, high, 

 the culmen much curved. 



3. Icterieae (dliat- Warbler. ). Bill without notch or rictal bristles; wing much 



rounded, decidedly shorter than the rather lengthened tail. 



o s Bill decidedly depressed (quite Flycatcher-like), the tip abruptly bent and distinctly 

 notched, rictal bristles strongly developed. 



4. Setophageae (Flycatchiiig Warblers). 



ANALYSIS OF GENERA. 



a. Mniotiltese. 



1. Middle toe. with claw, longer than tarsus. 



Bill much compressed for terminal ha'.f, the lateral outlines decidedly 

 concave; culmen and onys decidedly convex; commissure moderately 

 concave. Rictal bristles very inconspicuous; notch just perceptible Mniotilta. 



