8 



PIPRA. MANAKIN. 



Generic Character. 



Rostrum breve, validum, basi 

 subtrigonum, apice subin- 

 curvum. 



Pedes simplices, digitis tribus 

 anticis^, uno postico. 



Ungues curvati, saepius com- 

 pressi. 



Cauda b re vis. 



Beak short, strong, with the 

 base somewhat triangular, 

 and the point slightly curv- 

 ed. 



Feet simple, with three toes 

 before, and one behind. 



Nails curved, and generally 

 compressed. 



Tail short. 



TThE birds included in this genus are noted for 

 the brilliancy of their colours, and are very active, 

 rarely continuing in the same attitude long : their 

 flight is short, but quick: they frequent woods, 

 assembling in flocks, and many of them sing de- 

 lightfully : some species are said to build in hollows, 

 composing their nests of very coarse materials. 



The Piprae at first sight greatly resemble the 

 birds of the following genus C Parus J, in which 

 they were formerly placed by Linnaeus, but may be 

 distinguished by their having the middle and outer 

 toes connected at the base, which the Pari have- 

 not. 



* Medio cum exteriore ad basin saltern connexo. 



