Subfamilies and Genera.
Motacillinæ. Tail longer than or equal to wings; the two central feathers rather longer than lateral; the feathers broadest in middle, whence they taper gradually to the rounded tip. Colors uniform: gray, black, yellowish; without pale edges to feathers above, or streaks below.
Tail from coccyx considerably longer than the wings, doubly forked. Hind claw shorter than the toe; decidedly curved … Motacilla.
Tail from coccyx equal to the wings, slightly graduated. Hind claw decidedly longer than the toe, slightly curved … Budytes.
Anthinæ. Tail shorter than the wings, emarginate at end, the two central shorter than lateral; the feathers broadest near the end, and rounding rapidly at end. Above grayish-brown, the feathers edged with paler. Under parts streaked.
Wings much pointed and lengthened.
Hind toe and claw shorter than tarsus; outstretched toes falling short of tip of tail … Anthus.
Hind toe and claw longer than tarsus; outstretched toes extending beyond tip of tail … Neocorys.
Wings short and rounded.
Point of wings formed by outer four primaries of nearly equal length … Notiocorys.[30]