ORNITHOLOGY. 
19 
The Wrens of America are so numerous, and they approach each other so nearly in general cha- 
racter, that it is not easy to ascertain the distinguishing marks of the species. The bird before us, 
however, appears to differ from all those best known to us, in the white markings of the side feathers 
of the tail. In these characters it approaches most nearly to the Troglodytes Bewickii, lately figured 
by M. Audubon. But the disposition of the spots on the tail is different ; and the colour of the lower 
body also differs, as far at least as can be judged from a figure. With a reference to these characters, 
I have ventured to characterize the bird as distinct. 
SAXICOLA (ENANTHOlDES. 71. S. 
Sax . supra brunnescenti-cana ; subtus rufa , crisso pallidiori ; fascia angustu frontali , guld, uropygio, basique caudee 
albis ; remigibus rectricibusquenigris, apice leviter rufescentibus. 
Rostrum pedesque nigrescentes. Rectricum mediarum quarta pars longitudinis solummodo alba, caeterarum ad apicem 
tertia pars nigra. Longitudo corporis, of; ala:, a carpo ad remigis secundse apicem, 3§ ; rostri, ad rictum, f ; caudae, 2J ; 
tarsi, 1. 
The Wlieatear of Europe has not as yet been recorded as having been found in the New World. 
I should otherwise have been inclined to refer this bird to that species, so similar are the general cha- 
racters of both, the chief apparent difference being in their size. There are two specimens in the 
collection, but they are not in sufficiently good condition to enable me to enter minutely into their 
characters, or make a very accurate comparison between them and our own species. It is upon 
their relative size, and their locality, chiefly, that I at present suggest their differing as species. 
Tribe Conirostres. 
Fam. FRINGILLID.E. 
SALTATOR RUFIVENTRIS. 71. S. 
Salt, supra plumbeo-cinerea y dorso cauddque olivascentibus ; corpore infra rufescenti, crisso saturatiare ; superciliis 
albescentibus . 
Rostrum pedesque plumbei. Tectrices alarum inferiores rufescenti-albidae. Longitudo corporis , 7 i ; alee , a carpo ad 
apicem remigis tertiie, 41; rostri,^; cauda, 4; tarsi, 1. 
FrINGILLA CR1SSALIS. 71. S. 
Fring. supra fuscescenti-brunnea, subtus fusco-albescens , lined per oculos , guld, crissoque rufis, 
Rostri mandibula superior nigricans ; inferior, perfesque flavescentes. Tectrices alarum inferiores, abdominisque 
latera rufescentes. Longitudo corporis, 8 ; ala, a carpo ad apicem remigis tertiae, 3J, ; rostri, ; caudce, 4 ; tarsi, 1. 
FrINGILLA MERULO l DES. 71. S. 
Fring. supra brunnea , alis , uropygio, crissoque rufescentibus ; subtus alba , rufo-brunneo maculata. 
Rostri mandibula superior nigricans, la.teribus medioque flavis. Pedes fiavicantes. Longitudo corporis, 6- 1 ; ala , a 
carpo ad apicem remigis tertia:, 3|- ; rostri, ; cauda, 3J ; tarsi, 
This species was met with at Monterey. It and the preceding species, which I do not recognise 
among those hitherto described, are distinguished by the comparative strength of their legs and feet, 
and the elongation of the claws, together with some other characters of wing and bill. They will he 
found to form a separate group among the Fringillidcc, which I should here attempt to characterize, 
but that I do not consider we have at present materials enough to assign the limits to it. I look 
moreover to the speedy publication of some observations on the subdivisions of this and other of the 
neighbouring families by Mr. Swainson, whose labours, we have every reason to anticipate, will clear 
away much of the confusion that has hitherto existed in these extensive groups. 
