YELLOW-HEADED TROOPIAL. 
51 
consisted in placing 1 one of the species under the genus 
Sturnus , with which it has but little similarity, if we 
except some of its habits, and particularly its gregarious 
disposition. Linne considered these birds as Orioli , 
in which he was followed by Gmelin and Latham, 
notwithstanding the remarkable difference existing 
between them and the Oriolus galbula of Europe, the 
type of that genus. Illiger, and some other naturalists, 
considering that bird a Coracias , appropriated the 
name of Oriolus to our Icterus , and separated from it 
the largest species, which he called Cassici . Linne 
had declared all generic names previously given to arts, 
diseases, &c. to be inadmissible in natural history; 
Illiger, on that principle, altogether rejected the name 
Icterus , as being preoccupied by a disease. This may 
account for the introduction of new names for genera, 
one of which at least ought to have retained its first 
appellation. Vieillot, however, would have caused less 
confusion, if he had adopted the name of Icterus , (which, 
with Saxicola , and all other names of that class, we 
do not think objectionable,) instead of Agelaius , Pendu - 
linusy or Yphantes , three of his four genera correspond- 
ing to our Icterus. But, if the latter name was 
considered as utterly inadmissible, we see no reason 
why he did not accept that of Xanthornus , applied to 
this genus by Pallas. 
All the species of troopial are peculiar to America. 
We divide them into four subgenera, the present bird 
belonging to the second, to which we apply the name 
of Xanthornus . The species of this subgenus are 
peculiarly social in their dispositions, and their associa- 
tions are not liable to interruption from the influence 
of love itself. Not only do many individuals of the 
same family combine and labour in concert, but they 
also unite with very different species. Their aspect is 
animated, and their movements are quick, bold, and 
vigorous ; they fly rapidly, at a good height, and are 
much attached to the places of their birth. Their song 
is a kind of whistling ; they walk with the body nearly 
erect, with a slightly hurried step, and are seen sitting 
