34 
NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 
Family VIREONlDiE. — The Vireos. 
The next three families are closely allied, as follows : — 
Common Characters. Bill stout, and considerably hooked at tip, or with the point bent 
abruptly downward; with a deep notch, 4nd sometimes a tooth or lobe just behind the 
notch; the tip of the lower mandible likewise frequently bent up, and with a notch 
behind it. The nostrils lateral, the bristles of the mouth generally well developed. The 
primaries are ten (except in a few Vireos ), the outer from one fourth to one half the sec- 
ond. Tail variable. Tarsi seuteHate anteriorly; sometimes with a tendency to division on 
the lateral plates; hitherto not met with. Basal joints of toes more adherent. Separated 
from Turdidce by greater adhesion of toes; from Troglodyiidm by notched and hooked 
bill, etc. 
Ao Basal phalanx of anterior toes abbreviated ; that of median toe decidedly shorter than 
the basal of inner., or the two basal of outer, and adherent for its whole length on both 
sides to the lateral (i. e. not free at ail). Lateral plates of tarsus undivided, except at 
extreme lower end. 
"Wireonidce. Gonys more than half the length of lower jaw (from tip t© angle of 
mouth), usually longer than width of mouth, which is narrow. Bill conical, much 
compressed, decurved at end and notched, but scarcely toothed. Frontal feathers 
bristly and erect, or bent but slightly forward. Nostrils overhung by membrane. 
Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw. Lateral toes generally unequal ; outer claw 
reaching half-way along middle elaw. 
Bo Basal phalanx of middle toe about as long as the basal of inner, or the two basal of 
outer ; free externally, at least for about one third its length, internally for about one 
half. Lateral plates of tarsus with decided tendency to subdivision (except in Myiades - 
time). 
JLmpeli&eeu G-onys decidedly less than half the length of lower jaw,- or than width 
of mouth, which is very broad and deeply cleft. Bill triangular, much depressed, de- 
curved at end and notched, with moderate though decided tooth. Frontal feathers 
rather soft, scarcely bristly or erect. Nostrils overhung by membrane. Tarsus equal 
to or shorter than middle toe and daw. Lateral toes nearly equal; outer daw reach- 
ing only to base of middle claw. 
Isanii&ae. Gonys about half the length of lower jaw ; about equal to width of mouth. 
Bill very powerful and raptorial, much compressed, with a strongly marked hook, 
notch,- and tooth at end. Frontal feathers very bristly, and directed forwards, so as 
to conceal nostrils and base of bill. Nostrils with bony walls, except behind. Tarsus 
longer than middle toe and daw, sometimes much scutellate on sides. Lateral daws 
nearly equal; outer daw reaching a little beyond base of middle claWo 
Genus VIHEO, Tieill. 
The Vireomdce are exclusively American, and are referrible to several genera, only one, 
however, belonging to the United 'States. They have all a melodious song, and as far as 
| known, make a deep nest, suspended by -its upper edge between the forks of a horizontal 
j twig. The eggs are white, generally with a few reddish or brown blotches. 
Quite a number are characterized by having the eyes white, red, or yellow. 
BuTbgenera. 
Viz e o s ytvi a. Bill compressed, narrow ; culmen and commissure straight, 
! the tip abruptly curved (or, if this is not the ease, there is no trace of light 
! -S 
