Genus MUSCICAPA

Muscicapa Linn., S. N, i, p. 394 (1766). Type, Muscicapa striata.

The genus Muscicapa contains the Spotted Flycatchers, the Eastern race of which is found in India, whilst the Western race is a common Summer visitor to England and Europe.

In this genus the sexes are alike; the bill in length is about twice its breadth nearest the forehead; the rictal bristles are few and moderate in length; the wing is long and pointed, the first primary being very small and the second very long and equal to the fifth; the tail is square and the plumage is streaked. Our Indian race is to some extent migratory. This form cannot be known as sibirica, which is preoccupied by Gmelin, and must therefore be known as Muscicapa striata neumanni of Poche.