Genus MYIADESTES, Swainson.
Myiadestes, Swainson, Jard. Nat. Library, XIII. Flycatchers, “1838,” 132. (Type, M. genibarbis, Sw.)
Myiadestes townsendi
38426
16168
Gen. Char. Occipital feathers full and soft. Plumage rather loose. Bill weak, much depressed. Commissure nearly straight. Hind toe longer than inner lateral. Toes deeply cleft. Closed wing externally with an exposed light band across the base of the quills, and another nearer the end, separated by a darker one. Tail somewhat graduated on the sides.
Of the ten or more described species of this genus, only one belongs to
the limits of the United States, although several others occupy adjacent territory in Mexico. Several are peculiar to islands of the West Indies.
The only two species closely related to the M. townsendi are the M. unicolor and M. obscurus, which belong to Mexico. They may be distinguished as follows:—
An ochraceous band across base of secondaries and upper primaries, conspicuous on outer surface.
1. M. townsendi. Generally dull ashy, paler beneath. Throat and abdomen whitish. Hab. Middle and Pacific Provinces of United States only.