ALECTURA. 
95 
ordinary flycatcliers ; lie consequently formed them 
into a distinct genus, without giving any other than 
a vernacular name. M. Yieillot, in the first instance, 
adopted Azara’s views, and termed the group Alec- 
turus ; but the prejudices of system and its techni- 
calities made him subsequently abandon the name 
and the distinction, and he incorporated them with 
a confused assemblage of birds now passing under 
the general designation of Muscicapa. We must, 
therefore, cite M. Vieillot’s name to this genus, in 
contradiction even to himself ; for had he paid due 
attention to the observations of Azara, or had given 
more than a hasty glance at the structure of the 
birds themselves, he would never have differed from 
his master and from himself. The Alecturi seem to 
be common in some parts of the southern provinces 
of Tropical America, but they are not met with in 
any other localities. 
