The streaked plumage of _Dulus_ is decidedly generalized, and is probably more nearly like the color of the ancestral stock. In this connection it is notable that young Cedar Waxwings are streaked, and young Bohemian Waxwings are streaked to a lesser degree. This streaking is apparently a recapitulation of the feather color of the stock. Perhaps the color of _Dulus_ has not changed, as the streaking would not be a disadvantage to the birds in their environment of light and shadow. In joining together in groups and in the construction of large communal nests, _Dulus_ has evidently gained sufficient protection against predators; other birds solve this problem by modifying their coloration. _Ptilogonys_ is ruptively colored, but in a different fashion than _Bombycilla_. The tail markings, the distinct yellow on the under tail coverts, the sharply marked pileum, are all examples of ruptive coloration. The generally lighter venter (especially under tail coverts), the crest that may be elevated, and the generally drab bluish dorsum, are cryptic and serve to hide the animal insofar as is possible considering its habits. The very conspicuous coloration of the male, in contrast to the more drab color of the female, however, would lead one to believe that in _Ptilogonys_, following the pattern of many passerine birds, the male leads a predator from the nest, leaving the drab female to incubate the eggs, and thus preserve the young. It is difficult to suggest reasons for the brilliant coloration of the male _Phainopepla_, unless it is for decoying predators away from the nest. Possibly some birds survive not because of, but in spite of, their coloration, and _Phainopepla_ may be a case of this sort. Anyone who has observed _Phainopepla_ in life will agree, certainly, that the male makes no attempt at concealment, and flaunts his color to all comers. The coloration of _Phainoptila_, in contrast to _Phainopepla_, is much more plain, and is suited to its habits of brush dwelling; in a brush habitat the drab coloration is difficult to detect. The Yellowish Olive under tail-coverts and the Olivaceous dorsum are all evidences of cryptic coloration, and undoubtedly, this bird depends upon hiding for escape from its enemies, since it is a bird of the dense forest cover.