140 1NSESSORES. MUSCICAPA. 



tiently watching for their appearance. To the Laniadce the 

 present family is nearly related, by the apparent affinity be- 

 tween the Flycatchers, belonging to the genera Fluvicola, 

 and the Tyrants (Tyrannina), a subfamily belonging to the 

 preceding tribe. A near connexion also exists with the Syl- 

 viada, in which the genus Setophaga and some others make 

 a close approach, in the increasing breadth of the base of the 

 bill, in the bearded gape, and in habits, to some of the true 

 Flycatchers. Of the various forms contained in this family, 

 we only possess representatives of a single group, viz. the 

 Muscicapa of Authors. 



GENUS MUSCICAPA, LINN. FLYCATCHER. 



GENERIC CHARACTERS. 



Bill rather short, subtriangular, depressed at the base, 

 strong, and compressed towards the tip, which is deflected, 

 and with both mandibles emarginated. Base of the bill be- 

 set with long stiff bristles. Nostrils basal, oval, and lateral, 

 partly concealed by the feathers at the base of the bill. Feet 

 having the tarsus as long as, or rather longer than, the mid- 

 dle toe ; toes three before and one behind, the side ones of 

 equal length, the outer one joined at its base to the middle 

 toe. Wings having the first quill very short, the second 

 shorter than the third and fourth, which are the longest in 

 each wing. 



The members of this genus are confined to the Old World, 

 and are found in all the temperate and warm climates. The 

 few species, however, which visit Europe are all summer vi- 

 sitants, or (as sometimes called) polar migrants, and are on- 

 ly resident during the period necessary for the continuation 

 of their kind. 



The food of the genus, according to their appellation, con- 



