Genus— CISSOMELA. 
Cissomela Bonaparte, Comptes Rendus Acad. 
Sci. (Paris), Vol. XXXVIII., pp. 260-264, 
Peb. 6th, 1854. Type (by original designation) C. nigra Bp. (not Gould) = 
Myzomela pedoralis Gould. 
Bonaparte wrote : “ Myzomela nigra Gould, est pour moi le type du nouveaux 
genre Cissomela : Cissomela nigra Bp. ex Gould, Australia: Minor; nigra; 
subtus cum uropygio albo , torque pectorali nigro .” 
The description given shows that Bonaparte had confused his species, 
and that his C. nigra was not that of Gould but was Myzomela pedoralis Gould. 
The coloration and plumage changes separate this species widely from 
the preceding, which is at sight characterized by its shorter, stouter, less 
curved bill. In general structure it agrees with Myzomela , but it is quite 
possible that this species is not closely allied. As the bill is shorter and the 
nostrils are long, the nasal groove extends more than one-third the length 
of the bill, while the anterior portion is shorter and less curved and does not 
appear to show any fine serration on the edges. 
The wing lias a similar formula, the small first primary being less than 
one-third the length of the second, which is nearly as long as the third, fourth 
and fifth, which are longest. 
The legs and feet are similar but a little stouter. 
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