136 
Genus HERPETOTHERES, Vieillot. 
“ ? riujseta Vieillot, 181G (suppressed in 1818).” [Fide G. R. Gray.] 
Herpetoiheres Nouv. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. xviii, 1817, 317 (type Faleo tacTunnans 
Linn.). 
Cachinna Flem. Phil. Zodl. ii, 1822, 236 (same type). 
Macagua Less. Traits d’Orn. 1831, 68 (same type). 
Osteology .—Scapular process of the coracoid produced forward so as to 
meet the clavicle. Nasal bones almost completely ossified, leaving only 
a small circular uasal orifice with a firm bony rim and inclosed bony 
tubercle. Inferior surface of the supramaxillary with a median angular 
ridge. Superciliary process of the lachrymal greatly developed, consist- 
ingof a single broad piece extending nearly across the orbit. Posterior 
margin of the sternum truncated, entire, without foramina. General ap¬ 
pearance and size of the skull exceedingly like that of Faleo communis , 
but the supero-frontal width much greater, and the palatine surface cor¬ 
respondingly narrower; interorbital width of the frontal bone more than 
half the length of the skull from the base of the maxillary 5 width of 
the superciliary processes more than oue-tliird their length; width of 
the conjoined palatines less than twice the width of the superciliary 
process, and less than half their own length; tomiurn of the supramax¬ 
illary without tooth or notch ; nostril opening against the anterior edge 
of the cere, its bony rim much elevated on the posterior side. Mandible 
very broad and strong, with a large, longitudinal, oblong-ovate vacuity. 
Keel of the sternum about equal in length to the scapula, much longer 
than the coracoids and furcula; greatest width of the sternum about 
two-thirds its length* 
General external features— Bill much compressed, very short and deep, 
its height through tlie base being about equal to the chord of the culmen, 
whose curve forms about one-third the circumference of a circle; gouys 
very convex, ascending abruptly terminally; superior tomiurn very 
slightly sinuated; end of the lower mandible divided frontally by an 
angular notch. Cere short, almost concealed by the rigid bristles of the 
lores and forehead. Nostril large, circular, against the anterior edge of 
the cere, its bony rim much elevated superiorly and posteriorly, and its 
bony tubercle not prominently exposed. Feet very robust ; tarsus 
longer than the middle toe; lateral toes nearly equal, but the outer ap¬ 
preciably the longer; membrane between middle and outer toes well 
developed. Covering of tarsus and toes consisting of irregularly hex¬ 
agonal, roughly imbricated, small scales, with 110 tendency to larger 
size on any part; terminal joint of the toes with three broad scutellae. 
Claws normal, of moderate length and curve, the edges unusually sharp. 
Pterylosis .— Distribution of the tracts much as in Faleo, but with the 
dorsal stem of the spinal tract enlarged on all sides, undivided, and 
sparsely feathered. Lumbar tracts distinct, but short and separated 
from the crural tracts. Inferior tract narrow in all its parts, inner 
branch indistinct at the end of the gular portion ;• outer branch com¬ 
pletely separated from the pectoral stem, somewhat broader than the 
narrow main stein itself, and distinct from it; ventral portion of the 
main stem removed far outward, running along the margin, and 
terminating laterally in front of the anus.—(N itzsci-i.) 
Plumage full and soft, except about tlie head; feathers of the crown 
developed into a full depressed crest of lanceolate feathers with very 
rigid 
shafts; orbital region with scattered hairs; eyelids strongly 
There are no other bones of this remarkable form accessible for examination. 
