_Centronyx_, BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 440. (Type, _Emberiza bairdi_,
AUD.)
GEN. CHAR. Bill elongated; the lower mandible smaller; outlines nearly
straight. Tarsus lengthened, considerably exceeding the middle toe.
Lateral toes equal, not reaching the base of the middle claw. Hind toe
very large; the claw rather longer than its digit, and in its
elongation resembling _Plectrophanes_, but more curved; the digit and
claw together rather longer than the middle toe and claw. Wings very
long, reaching beyond the middle of the tail, and beyond the end of
the coverts. Tertials shorter than the primaries, and but little
longer than the secondaries. Tail short, much less than from the
carpal joint to end of secondaries; little more than two thirds the
entire wing. It is slightly forked, and moderately rounded laterally;
the feathers all acute. Color somewhat as in _Passerculus_.
This genus differs from _Passerculus_, as stated in the description of
the species farther on. It would be taken for _Plectrophanes_ on
account of its lengthened hind claw, which, however, is more curved
than in that genus; the tarsi are much longer, the tertials less
elongated, and the coloration different, though closely resembling
that of the female _Plectrophanes_. But one species has thus far been
recognized.
Centronyx bairdi, BAIRD.