_Mimus_, BOIE, Isis, Oct. 1826, 972. (Type _Turdus polyglottus_,
LINN.)
_Orpheus_, SWAINSON, Zoöl. Jour. III, 1827, 167. (Same type.)
[Line drawing: _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.