BIRDS OF AMERICA. 



FAMILY VIII. SYLVICOLIN^. WOOD-WARBLERS. 



Bill short, or of moderate length, rather slender, somewhat conical, consi- 

 derably broader than high at the base, gradually compressed toward the end; 

 upper mandible with its dorsal outline straight until near the end, the point 

 very narrow, the notches very slight; lower mandible with the angle rather 

 short and narrow, the dorsal line straight, the edges somewhat involute, the 

 tip acute. Head moderate, ovate; neck short; body rather slender. Feet 

 of moderate length; tarsus longer than the middle toe, slender, much com- 

 pressed, with eight anterior scutella, of which the upper are blended; toes 

 rather small, or of moderate size, hind toe proportionally stout, outer adhe- 

 rent for a short way at the base; claws moderate, much compressed, arched, 

 acute. Plumage generally soft and blended. Wings of moderate length. 

 Tail of moderate length, of twelve feathers. Tongue of moderate length, 

 sagittate, tapering. OZsophagus of moderate width, without dilatation; pro- 

 ventriculus bulbiform; stomach of moderate size, roundish or elliptical, 

 moderately muscular, with the muscles distinct; epithelium dense, longitudi- 

 nally rugous; intestine short, rather wide; cceca very small; cloaca oblong. 

 Trachea simple, with four pairs of inferior laryngeal muscles. 



Genus I.— MYIODIOCTES, Jlucl FLYCATCHING-WARBLER. 



Bill of moderate length, stoutish, straight, considerably broader than high, 

 compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the ridge distinct, the dor- 

 sal line convex toward the end, the edges sharp and overlapping, with a very 



