by William Swainson

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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 ”