Zoological Illustrations Series II/Plate 46
FLUVICOLA cursoria.
Courier Waterchat.
FLUVICOLA cursoria.
Courier Waterchat.
Family Todidæ. Sub-Family Fluvicolinæ.
Fluvicolinæ. Bill, in general, strong; depressed, the tip abruptly bent and notched: gape with stiff bristles. Tarsi long; toes nearly free, claws slender and acute. Scapular covers long. Quill and tail feathers very broad; but the latter of various shapes. Frequent marshy situations in the New World. Nobis.
Generic Character.—Zool. Journ. No. 10, p. 172.
Specific Character.
White, back brown; wings, stripe on each side the head, and broad rounded tail, black; the latter tipt with white.
There is to be found, in Tropical America, a singular race of flycatching birds, whose plumage is black and white. Their haunts are only in the vicinity of water: they pursue their prey upon the ground, running with great celerity, and are constantly in motion. They have, in short, all the manners and habits of the Stone Chats, and when we published the definition of this genus, we were led to believe it belonged to the Saxicolinæ. The present species we met with in abundance at Pernambuco, frequenting the sides of the rivers and lagoons.
It is not surprising that ornithologists, who are so frequently compelled to form their ideas of natural divisions from mere skins, should be entirely unacquainted with the group, of which this genus is probably the type. But it is strange that the full and accurate information concerning it, which has long ago been furnished by Azara, should have been so utterly neglected. In the views which we have taken of the affinities of these birds, we consider they present a point of junction with the Saxicolæ; passing on one side into the genuine Flycatchers of America, (Tyrannula Sw.) and on the other into the typical Todies. The contents however of this group, we are but partially acquainted with. It will comprise Nengetus, Sw. Alecturus, Vieil, and several other forms now widely scattered in the newest systems, together with one or two others not yet defined, which we have only seen in the Paris Museum.
Since the above was printed, we find the name of Xolmus has just been proposed for this genus by M. Boié, he not being of course aware that this, and some of his other groups, were published by us three years ago.