Assenting, in a great measure, to those general principles of arrangement which several eminent Ornithologists have proposed regarding this family, we nevertheless consider that the succession of affinities, and even the nature of the leading groups, are not yet correctly understood. In the present case, we would rather have seen _Nanodes_ placed as a sub-genus to _Pezoporus_; from which it merely differs in the comparative shortness of the feet. The connexion between the two forms, moreover, is so close as not, in our judgment, to admit the intervention of _Platycercus_, or any other group yet discovered. * * * * * * [Illustration: _Yellow shouldered Oriole._ I. Cayanensis.] ICTERUS Cayanensis. _Cayenne Hangnest._ ---- Fam. Sturnidæ.--Sub-Fam. Icterina (_Nobis_). Bill lengthened, conic, acute, entire, the commissure not sinuated. Tarsi short, adapted for perching; claws strong, fully curved. ---- GENERIC CHARACTER. _Bill black; both mandibles slightly bent; nostrils furnished with a membrane; tail lengthened, graduated; wings slightly rounded._ Nob. ---- SPECIFIC CHARACTER. _Black, not glossy; lesser wing-covers above yellow, beneath black margined by yellow; legs bluish._ Oriolus Cayanensis. _Lin. 1. p. 163._ Xanthornus Cayanensis. _Brisson. Orn. 2. p. 123. pl. 9. f. 2._ Carouge de St. Thomas. _Pl. Enl. 535. f. 2._ Yellow-winged Pye. _Edwards, pl. 322?_ In Mus. Nost. ---- The Starlings of the old continent, are represented in America by a tribe of birds formerly denominated Orioles, but which we shall distinguish by the name of Hangnests. They are gregarious and noisy; living both upon insects, fruits, and grain. Their nests are purse-shaped, woven with great dexterity, and generally suspended from the extreme branches of lofty trees. Much has been done to illustrate the affinities of these birds, and to define the species; but both are imperfectly known. Regarding their natural arrangement, our own views are quite at variance with the ingenious theory of Mr. Vigors; and as to the species, the bird before us is a curious example of error. The true _O. cayanensis_, in the best modern systems, has been lost sight of; and, under the new name of _chrysopterus_ (Vieil. Wagler.), has been confounded with _three_ others, one of which is a _Xanthornus_, one an _Icterus_, and one an _Agelaius_! The only authentic synonyms, which can therefore be consulted for our bird, are those we have quoted. _Cassicus_, _Cassiculus_, _Xanthornus_, and _Icterus_ are the only published genera which will come within our definition of the _Icterinæ_. Total length, 9 in.; bill, 1; wings, 4; tail, 4-1/10; tarsi, 8/10. * * * * * * [Illustration: _Long leg'd Ant Thrush_ (_M. grallatoria._)] DRYMOPHILA longipes. _Long-legged Ant Thrush._ ---- Family Meruladæ. Sub-family Myotherina.