152 



G:enus LEPTODON, Sundeyall. 



Cymindis CrviER, Eeg. An. i, 1817, 319. Type, Faico caijennensis Gmel. (Not of Latr. 



1806.) 

 Lepioclon Suxdevali.. K. Vet. Akad. Kaudl. 1835, 114. Same type. 

 Odoniriorchis Kaup, JIus. Seuck. iii, 1845, 2G2. Same type. 



Ch. — Bill strong, swollen laterally', much liooked, the upper outline 

 of the cere gradually ascending, and moderately arched; superior tomium 

 with a more or less distinct tooth behind the strong, but rather short, 

 hooked tip. Membrane of the cere somewhat tumid, the nostril narrow, 

 oblique, slit-like, nearly covered by a tumid membrane, and touching 

 the anterior edge of the cere. Lores and eyelids naked, but uniformly 

 bristled. Feet small but robust, the tarsus about equal to the middle 

 toe. Top of the toes with regular transverse scutellie ; tarsus covered 

 with rather large hexagonal scales. Claws rather small, very broad, 

 and slightly hollowed beneath, the edges sharp and prominent. Feathers 

 of the crown and occiput distinct, rather lengthened, nearly cuneate, 

 but with rounded tips. Secondaries much developed, reaching nearly 

 to the end of the primaries. Third to fifth quill longest; first shorter 

 than seventh, sometimes shorter than the ninth. Inner webs of outer 

 four to six very slightly siuuated. Tail lengthened, about two-thirds as 

 long as the vriug, rounded, the feathers very broad. 



This subgenus is so very similar to Avicida that there is considerable 

 doubt as to the propriety of separating the two ; the only difference is in 

 the proportionate development of the primaries and secondaries, in the 

 slightly more rounded tail, and in the less developed crest and larger 

 size of Leptodon. These two genera, along with Baza, Fernis, and Eege- 

 rhinus, form a most natural group, which may be termed the Femes ^ 

 and to which we are doabtfully inclined to refer the genus Elanoides as 

 an aberrant member. 



This group may be characterized as follows : — 



Groiq) Pernes. 



Ch. — Superciliary process of the lachrymal simple and much abbre- 

 viated, as in Fandion, but (as in the Folyhori) not anchylosed with the 

 frontal bone. Outer toe not reversible, and the claws normal [L e. grad- 

 uated in size, and flattened, or slightly concave beneath). Feet small, 

 the tarsus very short, scarcely exceeding the middle toe ; outer and 

 middle toes not united at the base by a membrane. Tarsus covered 

 with irregular, usually hexagonal, scales — never scutellate ; middle claw 

 with its inner edge much produced, convex, sharp, sometimes with 

 rudimentary pectinations. Plumage soft, full ; sides of the head densly 

 feathered close up to the eyelids, the eyes prominent, and not protected 

 by a superciliary shield. 



The more strongly-marked genera of the group may be characterized 

 as follows : — 



A. Cere tumid, the nostril slit-like, overhung by a soft membrane. 

 Tail even or rounded, much shorter than the wing. Inner 

 ^ebs of outer two to six primaries with inner webs sinuated; 

 third to fifth quill longest; first shorter than seventh. 

 a. Bill only moderately hooked and not conspicuously compressed. 

 Feathers of the pileum rather firm, distinctly defined; several 

 of those on the occiput more elongated, forming more or less 

 of a crest. 



