428 
SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. —FASSEBES— CLAMATOBES. 
Fig. 278. — Bill of a 
Flycatcher ( Tyrannus 
verticalis, nat. size). 
20. Family TYRANNID^ : American Flycatchers. 
While having a close general resemblance to some of the foregoing 
insectivorous and oscine Passeres, the North American representatives of 
this family will he instantly distinguished by the above-described condi- 
tion of the tarsus ; together with the presence of 10 primaries, whereof 
the 1st is long or longest. From the birds of the following Picarian 
order by the Passerine characters of twelve rectrices, greater wing-cov- 
erts not more than half as long as the secondaries, and hind claw not 
smaller than the middle claw. 
This family is peculiar to America ; it is one of the most extensive 
and characteristic groups of its grade in the New World, the Tanagridce and Trochilidce alone 
approaching it in these respects. There are over 400 current species, distributed among about 
100 genera and subgenera. As well as I can judge at present, at least two-thirds of the species 
are valid, or very strongly marked geographical races, the remainder being about equally 
divided between slight varieties and mere synonyms. Only a small fragment of the family is 
represented within our limits, giving but a vague idea of the numerous and singularly diver- 
sified forms abounding in tropical America. Some of these grade so closely toward other 
families, that a strict definition of the Tyrannidce becomes extremely difficult ; and I am not 
prepared to ofier a satisfactory diagnosis of the whole group. Our species, however, are closely 
related to each other, and may readily be defined in a manner 
answering the requirements of the present volume. With a 
possible exception, not necessary to insist upon in this connec- 
tion, they belong to the 
29. Subfamily TYRANNIN/E: True Tyrant 
Flycatchers, 
presenting the following characters : Wing of 10 primaries, 
the 1st never spurious nor very sh<jrt ; one or more frequently 
emarginate or attenuate on the inner web near the end. Tail 
of 12 rectrices, usually nearly even, sometimes deeply forficate. 
Feet small, weak, exclusively fitted for perching ; tarsus little 
if any longer than middle toe and claw ; anterior toes, espe- 
cially the outer, extensively coherent at base. Bill very broad 
and more or less depressed at base, tapering to a fine point, 
thus presenting a more or less perfectly triangular outline -when 
viewed from above ; tip abruptly deflected and usually plainly 
notched just behind the bend; culmen smooth and rounded 
transversely, straight or nearly so lengtliwise, except towards 
the end; commissure straight (or slightly curved) except at 
the end ; gonys long, flat, not keeled. Nostrils small, circular, 
strictly basal, overhung but not concealed by bristles. Mouth 
capacious, its roof somewhat excavated ; rictus ample and 
deeply cleft ; commissural point almost beneath anterior bor- 
der of eye. Kictus beset with a number of long stiff vibrissae, 
sometimes reaching nearly to end of bill ; generally shorter, 
and flaring outward on each side ; other bristles or bristle- 
tipped feathers about base of bill. Bill very light, giving a 
resonant sound in dried specimens when tapped, and on being 
broken open, the upper mandible will be found extensively 
Fig. 279. — Emargiiiation of pri- 
maries in Tyrannince. a, Milvulus 
forficatus ; b. Tyrannus carolinensis; 
c. Tyrannus verticalis; d. Tyran- 
nus vociferans; all nat. size. (Ad 
nat. del. E. C.) 
