96 
NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 
dible springing from the middle of the base, or a little below, and running 
out either on the commissure, or extending parallel to and a little above 
it to the end, sometimes obliterated or confluent with the lateral bevel of 
the bill. Nostrils considerably overhung by the lateral ridge, more or less 
linear, and concealed by thick bushy tufts of feathers at the base of the bill. 
Outer posterior toe generally longer than the anterior. (Page 96.) 
Centureae. Bill rather long ; the outlines, that of the culmen especially, 
decidedly curved. The lateral ridge much nearest the culmen, and, though 
quite distinct at the base, disappearing before coming to the lower edge of 
the mandible ; not overhanging the nostrils, which are broadly oval, rounded 
anteriorly, and not concealed by the bristly feathers at the base. Outer 
pair of toes nearly equal ; the anterior rather longer. (Page 99.) 
Colapteae. Bill rather long, much depressed, and the upper outline much 
curved to the acutely pointed (not truncate) tip. The commissure con- 
siderably curved. Bill without any ridges. The nostrils broadly oval, and 
much exposed. Anterior outer toe longest. (Page “.) 
Section PICE/E. (Page 95.) 
A. Posterior outer toe longer than the anterior outer one. (Fourth toe longer 
than third.) 
a. Lateral ridge starting above the middle of the base of the bill, and 
extending to the tip. 
1. Campephilus. Lateral ridge above the middle of the lateral profile 
of the bill when opposite the end of the nostrils, which are ovate, and 
rounded anteriorly. Bill much depressed, very long ; gonys very long. 
Posterior outer toe considerably longer than the anterior. Primaries' 
long, attenuated towards the tip. Spurious quill nearly half the second. 
Shafts of four middle tail-feathers remarkably stout, of equal size, and 
abruptly very much larger than the others ; two middle tail-feathers 
narrower towards bases than towards end. A pointed occipital crest.- 
Iris bright yellow. (Page 97.) 
2. Picus. Lateral ridge in the middle of the lateral profile opposite the 
end of the nostrils, which are ovate and sharp-pointed anteriorly. Bill 
moderate, nearly as broad as high. Outer hind toe moderately longer 
than the outer fore toe. Primaries broad to the tip, and rounded. 
Spurious primary not one third the second quill. Iris reddish-brown. 
(Page 97.) 
3. Picoides. Lateral ridge below the middle of the profile, opposite 
the end of the ovate acute nostrils, which it greatly overhangs. Bill 
greatly depressed ; lower mandible deeper than the upper. Inner 
hind toe wanting, leaving only three toes. Tufts of nasal bristles very 
full and long. Iris brown. (Page 99.) 
b. Lateral ridge starting below the middle of the base of the bill, and 
running as a distinct ridge into the edge of the commissure at about its 
middle ; the terminal half of the mandible rounded on the sides, although 
the truncate tip is distinctly bevelled laterally. 
4. Sphyropicus. Nostrils considerably overhung by the lateral ridge, 
very small, linear. Gonys as long as the culmen, from the nostrils. 
Tips of tail-feathers elongated and linear, not cuneate. Wings very 
long ; exposed portion of spurious primary about one fourth that of 
second quill. Iris brown. (Page 99.) 
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