BIEDS — SYLVICOLIDAE — ^HELMINTHOPHAaA. 



253 



first three longest, (first rather shorter,) and abruptly longer than the fourth. The tail is 

 moderately forked. The tarsi are quite short. 



This species is very seldom seen in collections, though probably not rare in Georgia and 

 Florida. It is said to have been shot in Massachusetts, though this seems hardly probable. 



List of specimens. 



HELMINTHOPHAGA, Cabanis. 



Helminthophaga, Cabanis, Mus. Hein. 1850-1851, 20. Type Sylvia rtificapiUa, 



Cb.— Bill elongated, conical, very acute ; the outlines very nearly straight, sometimes slightly decurved ; no trace of notch 

 at the tip. "Wings long and pointed ; the first quill nearly or quite the longest. Tail nearly even or slightly emarginate ; 

 short and rather slender. Tarsi longer than the middle toe. 



The species of this section are well characterized by the attenuation and acuteness of the bill, 

 and the absence of any notch. There are, however, considerable subordinate differences in the 

 different species. In some the bill is larger and more acute than others ; in one species, the 

 S. peregrma, the wings are unusually lengthened, the tail being only about seven-twelfths as 

 long. 



The following synopsis will serve to distinguish the species. Their measurements will be 

 found on page 251. 



A. — A distinct patch of white on the outer tail feathers ; wings varied with white or yellow. 



Olive green above ; forehead, vertex and beneath yellow ; lores black ; wings and tail 



blue ; two bands on the wing and crissum white pinus. 



Above and on sides of body blue ; forehead, vertex, and a large patch on the wings 



yellow. Throat and cheek patch black. Rest of lower parts and maxillary stripe 



white chrysoptera. 



Above olive green : throat, fore part of breast, and band across the crown black ; forehead, 



lesser wing coverts, chin, and under parts yellow iachmcmi. 



B. Tail without any conspicuous patch ; wings not varied. Above olive green. 



Crown and nape ash, with a concealed patch of brownish orange. A white ring round 



the eye. Beneath bright yellow ruficapilla. 



Above uniform olive green. Crown with a concealed patch of brownish orange. 



" Eyelids and obscure superciliary line yellowish. Beneath greenish yellow. celata. 



Crown ash gray, without any patch. Beneath olivaceous white, as are also the eyelids 

 and a superciliary line .peregrina. 



