1915.] Miller, Notes on Ptilosis. 133 
3. Universally Eutazic. 
Tinami (Tinamous) 
Cracidee (Curassows) 
Galline alectoropodes (Grouse, Partridge, Pheasants) 
Opisthocomus (Hoatzin) 
Grues aberrantes (Seriema, Trumpeter, Kagu, Sun-bittern, Fin-foot) 
Coccyges (Cuckcos, Plantain-eaters) 
Meropes (Bee-eaters) 
Momoti (Motmots, Todies) 
Trogones (Trogons) 
Bucerotes (Hornbills, Hoopoes) 
Colii (Mouse-birds 
Pici (Jacamars, Barbets, Woodpeckers, etc.) 
Passeres (Broadbills, Tyrant-birds, Ant-birds, Lyre-bird, Song- 
birds, etc.) 
Metacarpal Primaries.— In the Tinamous and in all Neognathe except 
the Grebes, Storks and Flamingos, the metacarpal primaries are six in 
number. In the three superfamily groups mentioned and in the Rheas 
they number seven. Gadow states that Ciconza is unique among the Storks 
in having but six metacarpal quills. I have carefully examined three fresh 
specimens of Crconia ciconia and one of C. boyctana and in each case find 
twelve primaries of which seven grow on the metacarpus as in other Storks 
and five are digital (the outermost vestigial). 
With this supposed exception eliminated the number of metacarpal quills 
becomes a constant character of some taxonomic value. It is probable that 
the larger number is the older condition as it seems hardly probable that the 
weak-winged Rheas and Grebes would have gained an additional primary. 
While it is obvious that the identity in number in these families and in the 
Storks is not the result of any close relationship between the three groups, 
it seems probable that the resemblance between Storks and Flamingos in 
this particular is an indication of affinity. 
First Primary Covert.— In the great majority of birds the first greater 
upper primary covert, which lies between the first (innermost) and second 
primaries, is of normal size and form, closely resembling the second in all 
respects. I have found it decidedly reduced only in certain alectoropodous 
Gallinee, in ZJ'urniz and in most Parrots. In these the first covert is less 
than three-fourths the length of the second, while in all other birds examined 
it exceeds three-fourths. In the Cracidee (Penelope and Ortalis) and in the 
Megapodide (Megapodius) this covert is normal. In Pavo it is normal or 
nearly so; in Ammoperdix and in Colinus, though a trifle more than three- 
fourths the length of the next covert, it is distinctly degenerate. In 
Genneus, Phasianus, Syrmaticus, Chrysolophus, Caccabis and Cyrtonyx it 
