Air-sacs.–Membranous receptacles, filled with air, in communication with the respiratory organs or passages. Pouches are often exaggerated air-sacs.

Alar bar.–A coloured bar across the wing (ala).

Allantois.–A vascular sack, growing from the hind-gut of the embryo and enclosed by the amnion; the two fuse together and form the Chorion, which lines the egg-shell, and takes upon itself respiratory functions.

Altrices or Nidicolae.–Nestlings which, being hatched in a helpless condition, are fed by their parents or inhabit the nest for a considerable time.

Amnion.–A membrane which grows in the developing egg from the ends and sides of the embryonic area, and encloses the embryo at an early period.

Bronchi (p. [13]).

Bronchial syrinx.–One in which outer tympaniform membranes exist between two or more successive bronchial semi-rings, while an inner tympaniform membrane may also be present. In typical cases the trachea has no sounding membranes.

Chest.–The same as the upper breast or base of fore-neck.

Chorion.–See Allantois.

Compressed.–Used of lateral compression as opposed to vertical (depressed).