STUDIES OF THE MACEOCHIEES. 



335 



is really the case, that the osseous hyoid arches of these several 

 types are also of very different patterns, and do not suggest to 

 us any special relationship of tlieir owners. 



To sum up then, so far as the skulls of these birds are con- 

 cerned. Had we no other part of their structure to guide us, 

 I think we should be fully justified in placing them in separate 

 orders of birds. But let us still further compare the charac- 

 ters of their osseous structures and pass to a consideration of 

 the remainder of their axial skeletons. 



First let us take a glance at the number of vertebrje in the 

 spinal columns of the several birds in question, irrespective of 

 any special characteristics these vertebrae may possess in them- 

 selves. Eor I wish it to be distinctly understood that although 



Species. 





Number of yerte- 

 brse in the cervi- 

 cal portion of the 

 column that are 

 without free ribs. 



The first vertebra 

 that bears a pair 

 of free ribs. 



The first vertebra 

 whose ribs con- 

 nect with the ster- 

 num by costal ribs. 



Trogon mexicamis < 



Geococcyx californianus . 





12 

 11 



12 



13th 



(without unciform 

 processes). 



1 Of It 



IZtn 

 (with unciform 

 processes). 



13th 



14th 



lotn 

 (14th in 

 P. Nuttalli). 



15th 



Species. 



Number of dorsal 

 vertebra? con- 

 necting with ster- 

 num. 



No. of vert, in 

 sacrum and the 

 sacral ribs. 



No. of free tail 

 vertebrae, includ- 

 ing pygostyle. 



Trogon mexicanus ■{ 



Geococcyx californiamis • 



{ 



( 

 [ 



( 



4 



(and one more 

 dorsal vert, that 

 does not so con- 

 nect, making 5 

 dorsals). 



o 



3 



(and one more 

 dorsal vert, that 

 does not so con- 

 nect). 



12 



There is one pair 

 of sacral ribs. 



10 



sacral ribs join 

 sternum. 



11 



7 



G 



(5 hi the Whip- 

 poor-will) 



5 



