97 



Genus SCOTOCERCA. 



Malurus apud Cretzschm. in Riipp. Atlas, p. 55 (1826). 

 Curruca apud Hemp. & Ehr. Symb. Phys. fol. bb (1828). 

 Prima apud Riipp. Neue Wirbelth., Vogel, p. 113 (1835-49). 

 Drymoica apud Riipp. Syst. Uebers. p. 56 (1845). 

 Scotocerca, Sundevall, Av. Meth. Tent. p. 7 (1872). 

 Melizojihttus apud Brooks, Ibis, 1872, p. 180. 

 Atraphornis, Severtzoff, Turk. Jevotn. p. 121 (1873). 



The present genus is perhaps nearest allied to Drymoeca, from which, however, it is fairly 

 separable. It inhabits the southern portion of the Palasarctic Region, and contains but two 

 species, full particulars respecting the range and habits of which are given in the following 

 articles. 



Scotocerca inquieta, which is the type of the genus, has the bill slender, the upper mandible 

 slightly decurved towards the tip, not notched, the nostrils basal, oval, gape furnished with a few 

 very fine bristles; wings moderately long, first quill large, only - 4 inch shorter than the second, 

 which is - 2 shorter than the third, the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth nearly equal, the third and 

 fourth being the longest ; tail about equal in length to the wing, rounded, tail-feathers ten in 

 number; tarsus rather long, scutellate ; feet moderate; plumage soft and rather loose, general 

 colour greyish sandy, upper parts more or less striated. 



