The genus Micropus may be recognized by its very ample and Lengthened upper tail-coverts, rounded tail, and the extraordinary development of the feathers of the lower back and rump, which are moreover barred with black: in this latter respect Micropus shows great affinities for Pinarocichla.
In Micropus the feathers of the head are exceedingly short and glossy. The bill is about half the Length of the head, and the rictal bristles are well developed. The plumage of all the species is very pleasing. They inhabit forest country or well-wooded tracts, and they are generally abundant wherever they are found. Nothing whatever is known regarding their nests and eggs.
Key to the Species.
a. Head entirely black.
a1. Lower plumage yellow……………….M. melanocephalus, p. 294.
b1. Lower plumage bluish grey……………….M. cinereiventris, p. 295.
b. Crown of head dusky or bluish grey, not black.
c1. Upper tail-coverts yellow……………….M. fusciflavescens, p. 295.
d1. Upper tail-coverts bluish grey……………….M. phaeocephalus, p. 296.
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