Parinæ. Body compressed. Bill shorter than the head. Wings rounded, equal to or shorter than the rounded tail. Second quill as short as the tenth. Tarsus longer than the middle toe and claw, which are about equal to the hinder; soles of toes widened into a palm. Plumage rather soft and lax.
Sittinæ. Body depressed. Bill about equal to or longer than the head. Wings much pointed, much longer than the nearly even tail. Tarsus shorter than the middle toe and claw, which are about equal to the hinder. Plumage more compact.
Subfamily PARINÆ.
The characters of the subfamily will be found sufficiently detailed above. The genera are as follows:—
Bill with curved outlines.
Head with a long pointed crest. Wings and tail rounded.
Body full and large. Tail about equal to wings … Lophophanes.
Head with feathers full, but not crested. Wings and tail rounded.
Body full. Tail about equal to wings; rounded … Parus.
Body slender. Tail much longer than wings; much graduated … Psaltriparus.