INSESSORES. SALICARIA. 197 



group belong the Sylvia Turdoides of Meyer {Tardus 

 arundinaceus of Latham), a large species, and which would 

 appear, from the strength of its legs and feet, to lead back 

 to the C7-ateropod'm(e of the Subfamily Meridida. The 

 members of this genus also seem closely allied to genus 

 Synallaxis (Vieill.), which belongs to the present subfamily. 

 By Mr Swainson the Redstarts (genus Phcemcura) are ar- 

 ranged in Philomelina ; but I have left them in the subfamily 

 Saxicolina, to which I consider they have a still nearer affi- 

 nity, constituting, in fact, from a participation of the cha- 

 racters of each group, one of those immediate connecting 

 links that may, without violence, be attached to either. 



The typical genera of the present subfamily are famed for 

 richness and power of voice. In them the bill acquires a 

 medium degree of strength, and is not so suddenly com- 

 pressed in advance of the nostrils. In the aquatic group it 

 is more slender and subulate ; the proportions of the wings 

 are also different, and the tail is considerably wedge-shaped 

 or rounded. In Philomelina, the feet are formed for perch- 

 ing, the claws being curved and sharp ; and the sole (or un- 

 der surface of the hind toe) much enlarged, giving additional 

 firmness to the grasp. These birds feed upon insects and 

 larvae, which they seek for amid the leaves and light sprays, 

 rarely attempting to capture them upon wing. Many also 

 are partial to the smaller soft fruits and berries. 



Genus SALICARIA, Mim. AQUATIC WARBLER. 



GENERIC CHARACTERS. 



Bill strait, subulate, expanded at the base, with a distinct 

 culmen, compressed towards the tip ; which latter is slightly 

 deflected and emarginated. Tomia strait ; those of the un- 

 der mandible being gently inflected. Nostrils basal, lateral, 

 oval, and exposed. Forehead narrowed and depressed. Wings 



