Genus—AC ANTHAGENYS. 
Acanthagenys Gould, Synops. Birds 
Austr., pt. IV., pi. 69, April 1st, 1838. 
Type (by monotypy) .. .. .. Acanthagenys rufogularis Gould. 
Also spolt— 
Acanthygenys Gould, ib., on plate. 
Acanthrogenya Gould, Birds Austr,, pt, xvi. (Vol. IV., pi. 53), Sept. Ist, 1844. 
Gould separated t hi s genus before he went to Australia and upon his return 
wote: “ Numerous and diversified as are the forms of the great family of 
the Meliphagidce, the present species has always appeared to me more than 
usually interesting, because in the first place few are more elegantly formed, 
and in the second it differs widely from aU others in plumage, and in the 
singular spiny processes which adorn its cheeks and ear-coverts. In its 
habits and general economy it bears a close alliance to the Wattle-birds 
{Anthochcerce), but stiU presents in these respects sufficient difference to warrant 
its separation into a distinct genus or subgenus, as ornithologists may think 
fit to designate the division.” 
T his monotypic genus comprises a form smaller than any of the three 
preceding and of slightly different coloration, and with no wattle, but spiny- 
like processes on the cheeks and ear-coverts. 
The bill is of the same style but is a little shorter and stouter. 
The -wing has the fourth and fifth primaries subequal and longest, the 
third and sixth little shorter, the second equal to the eighth and longer than 
the secondaries, the first primary half the length of the second. 
The tail is long and rounded. 
The legs are more slender but though short are comparatively longer, 
scutes delicate in front, posteriorly bilaminate; the anterior toes are 
delicate, the middle toe and claw equal to the hind-toe and claw, but the 
latter stouter, especially the claw; the inner and outer toes subequal, the 
inner toe and claw less than the middle toe alone, claws sharp and small. 
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