OF ORNITHOLOGY 45 



two known American species, nor shall we attempt it, as it 

 would simply be a repetition of the family characteristics al- 

 ready given above. 



Genus, Certhia, The Brown Creeper and ally. 



I can find no record of either sub-genus or synonym (of genus). 



FAMILY VI TROGLODYTIDAE THE WRENS 



Latin Troglodyte, Greek Troglodutai, a cave-dweller. 



The typical Wren is a figure easily represented to one's 

 mind, — to so characterize the family that it shall be instantly 

 distinguishable, upon sight, is quite another thing — for it has 

 features of many other families strongly engrafted into it, no- 

 ticeably those of the Titmice and the Thrushes. Its special 

 peculiarities are : The uniting of the basal joint of the inner 

 and middle toes with part of the second joint of the outer toe. 

 The bill varies in size and shape, but is slender and without 

 terminal notch or basal bristles (rictal). Nostrils varied in 

 shape and size, but not concealed save by a sort of roof or 

 scale-like piece which lies above them. Wings short and like 

 a miniature Catbird's, with short 1st quill. The tail and the 

 tarsus vary with the species (forming genera) but, in general, 

 preserving a more or less family resemblance, and with scu- 

 tellse (either before or behind — sometimes both). 



The two sub-families are distinguished especially by the 

 shapes of their tails, their size, and their other markings. 



Sub-family a CAMPYLORHYNCHIN51 Fan-tails 



Size large, being 1\ to 8 inches in length or over ; tail very 

 broad at tip, and fan-shaped. 



Genera, Campylorhynchus, The Cactus Wrens and ally. 

 Salpinctes, The Rock Wrens and ally. 

 Catherpes, The White-throated Wrens and two allies. 



Sub-genera, None. 



Sub-family b TROGLODYTIN^J True Wrens 



Appearance more like that of a typical Thrush ; tail not fan- 



