GLOSSARY. 



Nearly all the terms used in describing a bird may be more easily 

 and clearly understood by examining the illustrations of "bird topo- 

 graphy," on page 12, than from a written description; a few, however, 

 may require a word of explanation. 



Culmen. The ridge of the upper mandible. 



Cere. A hard skin-like covering on the base of the upper man- 

 dible (Parrots, Hawks, etc.). 



Mandibles. Some authors use the word maxilla 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. 



Gonys. Bend of under mandible, usually used to include the 

 outline of under mandible from angle to the tip. 



Unguis. The nail on the end of the upper mandible; very pro- 

 nounced 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. axilla, 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 illustration. 



Toes Syndactyle. Outer and middle toes more or less joined to- 

 gether (Kingfisher, etc.). 



Toes Zygodactyle. Arranged in pairs, two in front, two behind 

 (Cuckoos, etc. ). 



Tarsus Reticulate. Covered with numerous small, uneven scales, 

 usually more or less rounded (Plovers, Geese, etc. ). 



Tarsus Scutellate. Comparatively large, somewhat square-cut 

 scales, one above the other, covering the front of the tarsus. 



