258 



ORNITHOLOGY. 



Our plate represents this bird about three-fourths of the size of life. 



CarpopJtaga Wilkesii, Peale, Zool. Exp. Exp. Birds, p. 203 (1st edition, 1848). 



Atlas, Ornithology, Plate XXV. Adults. 



Suijra saturate coerulea, viridi micante. Gapite, cnJIo ef corpore infra 

 saturate fnUginosis, viriclescenti metallico micante. Vitfa frontali 

 angusfa alba. Long. tot. pjolUces. 



Form. — In size and general structure much resembling the preceding 

 species [Carpopthaga aurorw, Peale). Bill with a slight elevation 

 at the base of the upper mandible; wing rather long; third quill 

 longest ; tail moderate, wide, truncate, composed of twelve feathers. 

 Tarsus feathered somewhat below the joint with the tibia, very 

 strong, and presenting about six scales in front ; toes rather long, 

 much padded, especially the inner anterior and the hind toe ; claws 

 rather strong, curved. Bill apparently longer and more slender 

 than in the species immediately preceding. 



Dimensions. — Male. Total length (of skin), from tip of bill to end 

 of tail, about sixteen and a half inches ; wing, eleven inches ; tail, 

 seven inches ; bill, to the corner of the mouth, one and a half inches ; 

 tarsus one and a half inches. 



Colors. — Head, neck, and entire under parts dark fuliginous, lightest 

 on the throat and abdomen, darkest on the top of the head. Narrow 

 band at the base of the bill, white. 



BILL OF CARPOPHAGA ATTliORAE. 



3. Carpophaga Wilkesii, Peale. 



