Genus MIMUS, Boie.
Mimus, Boie, Isis, Oct. 1826, 972. (Type Turdus polyglottus, Linn.)
Orpheus, Swainson, Zoöl. Jour. III, 1827, 167. (Same type.)
Mimus polyglottus.
8159
Gen. Char. Bill not much more than half the length of the head; gently decurved from the base, notched at tip; commissure curved. Gonys straight, or slightly concave. Rictal bristles quite well developed. Wings rather shorter than the tail. First primary about equal to, or rather more than, half the second; third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal, sixth scarcely shorter. Tail considerably graduated; the feathers stiff, rather narrow, especially the outer webs, lateral feathers about three quarters of an inch the shorter in the type. Tarsi longer than middle toe and claw by rather less than an additional claw; tarsi conspicuously and strongly scutellate; broad plates seven.
Of this genus there are many species in America, although but one occurs within the limits of the United States.
The single North American species M. polyglottus is ashy brown above, white beneath; wings and tail black, the former much varied with white.
Mimus polyglottus, Boie.
MOCKING-BIRD.