EMPIDONOMUS. — TYRANNUS. 



233 



material was small twigs and vine stems. In the centre was a 

 shallow depression for the eggs, which was lined with coarse stems 

 of a common weed that grew hereabouts. The depth of the 

 depression was 2 cm. and the platform was 13 cm. in diameter, 

 by 8 cm. in height. 



" There were two eggs in the nest, one of which was infertile. 

 Measurements averaged 23x 16 mm." 



Genus TYRANNUS Lacepede. 

 Tyrannus Lacgpede, Tabl. Ois. p. 5, 1799 Type T. tyrannus (Linn.). 



Fig. 95. — To show the incised tips of the outer primary-quills. 



The members of this genus are some of the largest birds of the 

 family. The bill is depressed, the width at the base is about two- 

 thirds the length of the exposed culmen, the upper mandible is 

 sharply hooked, and the base is furnished with bristles. The wing 

 is more or less pointed, the second and third primaries are longest, 

 the first is intermediate in length between the sixth and seventh, the 

 three outer primaries are sharply incised on the inner webs at the 

 tips. The tail is slightly emarginate at the tip and the feathers 

 rather broad, and the tarsus is about equal in length to the 

 middle toe and claw. Coloration : male and female similar. 



Key to the Species. 



A. Back slate-grey ; head black ; under surface, 



for the most part, white T. tyrannus, j). 2S4!. 



B. Back olive-green ; head grey ; under surface, 



for the most part, yellow T. satrapa, p. 234. 



