Cuvier and other modern zoologists have done much in distributing the Linnaean _Muscicapae_ into their natural families; but as we are acquainted with a great number from descriptions only, the arrangement is by no means perfect. The generic characters now given of the genus _Platyrhynchos_ (very slightly noticed by Vieillot) will be found perfectly applicable to the separate divisions here formed; the first comprising the _Todus Platyrhynchos_ of Gmelin, and a few others having the bill larger and more dilated than the second division, which includes the present species, together with _M. barbata_, _caerulea_, _cuneata_, and no doubt many others. The construction of the bill in all these birds will be found precisely the same, though more or less developed in each division, and even in the species; it thus becomes impossible to draw the line of demarcation without refining too much on generic distinctions. Their bills, although so broad, are by no means stout; thus enabling them to prey with greater readiness on the _Lepidoptera_ and other large winged insects with soft bodies; while the long stiff bristles at the base of the bill seem intended to confine the resistance their prey would otherwise make by their wings. The illustrious Cuvier has well observed, that the true Flycatchers have the bill longer, narrowed, less compressed, and the tip but slightly bent. * * * * * Pl. 14 [Illustration] PICUS rubiginosus. _Brown Woodpecker._ * * * * * GENERIC CHARACTER. _Rostrum polyedrum, rectum, in apicem compressum, cuneatum, attenuatum. Nares basales, ovales, patulae, plumis angustis recumbentibus tectae. Lingua longissima, jaculatoria, apice sagittato. Cauda rectricibus validis, rigidis, acuminatis,_ 10, _intermediis duabus longioribus. Pedes scansorii._ Typus Genericus _Picus viridis_. Bill many-sided, straight, the tip resembling a compressed pointed wedge. Nostrils basal, oval, open, covered externally with narrow recumbent feathers. Tongue very long, retractile, the tip barbed. Tail-feathers ten, strong, rigid, acuminated; the two middle ones longest. Feet climbing. Generic Type _Picus viridis_. * * * * * SPECIFIC CHARACTER. _P. supra rubiginosus: vertice nigrescente; occipite rubro, subtus fulvo, fusco-fasciato._ Above tawny rufous. Crown blackish; hind head crimson, beneath fulvous, with brown transverse bands. * * * * * The Woodpeckers form a most natural family of birds, and are dispersed in every part of the known world, excepting the Polar regions. Eight species inhabit Europe, five of which are found in our own country. The largest however of these, the Great Black Woodpecker, is very rare; and even the others are less frequently seen than formerly, from the gradual diminution of our few remaining forests.