CHARACTERS OF ALAUDUXE EREMOPHILA 185 



only the lower birds show the higher aggregate number of remiges, and in 

 none but the higher are the developed primaries ever reduced to nine. A 

 gradual reduction in the number of remiges seems to be directly correlated 

 with that progressive consolidation or compaction of the distal osseous 

 segments of the fore limb which reaches its climax in the wing of the most 

 highly organized birds of the present epoch. 



Returning to the special subject of the present chapter after this digres- 

 sion, we have to note that the Alaudidce, like the Vireonidce, show the varia- 

 bility of the primaries already mentioned. In our genus Eremophila, in 

 which only nine primaries are developed, there are two of the small feath- 

 ers above mentioned. The overlying one is exactly like one of the primary 

 coverts ; the other, though not very dissimilar-, more resembles an abortive 

 primary. In Alauda arvensis, where there is a minute but obvious spurious 

 quill, there is but one such feather. In Galerita cristata, with a spurious 

 quill about two-thirds of an inch long, there is likewise but one. Upon the 

 presence or apparent absence of the spurious quill, Dr. Cabanis was led to 

 divide his Alaudidce into two subfamilies; but as the case appears, the char- 

 acter is scarcely a satisfactory one. He felt some uncertainty himself, as he 

 says, after alluding to the doubtful position of the family in the system, 

 " ebenso die EintheUung in Subfamilien ". I shall consequently present no sub- 

 division of the family, which may be briefly characterized as follows : 



CHARS. Structure of wing and tarsal envelope as already 

 fully indicated. Feet stout ; hind claw lengthened and nearly 

 straight. Inner secondaries (the so-called tertials) elongated 

 and flowing (as in Motacillidce). Bill of variable shape, usually 

 conoid and acute, sometimes more elongated and thrush-like; 

 nostrils more or less covered, often completely concealed, by 

 tufts of autrorse feathers. No obvious rictal vibrissse. Head 

 sometimes crested or peculiarly tufted. 



Eepresented in North America by a single genus and species. 



Genus EREMOPHILA Boie 



CHARS. Primaries apparently only nine (no obvious spuri- 

 ous first primary). Point of the wing formed by the first three 

 developed primaries. Inner secondaries elongated. Tail of 

 medium length, nearly even, the middle pair of feathers differ- 

 ent in shape and color from the rest. Bill compressed-conoid, 

 acute, shorter than head. Nostrils completely concealed by 

 dense tufts of antrorse feathers. Head not crested, but a 

 peculiar tuft of feathers over each ear, somewhat like the so- 

 called " horns " of some Owls. Feet of ordinary alaudine char- 

 acters, as already given. Coloration peculiar in the presence 

 of yellowish tints and strong black bars on the head and breast. 



