of the United States. 
427 
87. CERORHINCA. 
Phaleris, Nob. Suppl. Am. Gen. in Zool. Journal. (29) 
Bill shorter than the head, much compressed throughout, 
much longer than high ; perfectly smooth, base not much 
feathered, covered by a callous membrane, surmounted by a 
long, obtuse, horn-like process, (rising perpendicularly on 
the base of the bill) ; both mandibles curved and slightly 
notched at tip ; lower strongly angular beneath, not trunca- 
ted, acute, from the angle to the base each side inferiorly 
a very deep, linear, inconspicuous groove ; edges sharp, those 
of the upper mandible much dilated, of the lower remarkably 
bent in at base : nostrils situated beneath the callous cere, 
marginal, long, linear, pervious, very apparent, half closed 
by the membrane ; tongue short, slender, depressed and bifid 
at tip ? Head globular, orbits feathered ; eyes small ; neck 
short, stout: body plump. Feet placed exceedingly far 
back ; tibia almost entirely drawn in ; tarsus moderately com- 
pressed, one-third shorter than the middle toe, very rough 
behind ; toes long, slender, smooth beneath ; middle longest ; 
inner one third shortest, equal to the tarsus : webs moderately 
broad, entire : nails compressed, curved, acute ; middle one 
largest, dilated internally into a sharp edge. Wings short, 
slender, rather acute ; quills blunt, first a little the longest, 
secondaries much abbreviated. Tail very short, slightly 
rounded, of fourteen feathers, much rounded at tip. 
Changes and habits most probably similar to those of the 
allied genera. 
Inhabits the sea between America and Asia, hitherto only 
obtained from the western coast of North America. Well en- 
titled to generic distinction. Not more allied to any other 
genus of Pygopodes than they are to each other, intermedi- 
ate between Phaleris and Mormon, but more closely related 
to the latter by the sheath covering the bill, which differs in 
form only, and the great depression of that member. 
