In the following synopsis we attempt to define the higher groups of the Sylvicolidæ, although in the large number of species and their close relationships it is very difficult to express clearly their distinctive features.
A. Bill conical, its bristles very weak, or wanting.
a. Bill sub-conical, the culmen and commissure nearly straight.
Sylvicolinæ. Feet weak, not reaching near the end of the tail. Wing pointed, considerably longer than the nearly even or slightly emarginated tail. Feet dark-colored (except in Helmitherus, Helinaia, and Parula). Arboreal.
Geothlypinæ. Feet strong, reaching nearly to end of the tail. Wing rounded. Feet pinkish-white. Terrestrial.
b. Bill high and compressed, the culmen and commissure much curved.
Icterianæ. Bill without notch or rictal bristles; wing much rounded, shorter than the tail.
B. Bill depressed, its bristles strong.
Setophaginæ. Bill, tyrannine, considerably broader than high, the tip more or less hooked, and with a distinct notch. Rictal bristles reaching half-way, or more, to the tip.