Gen. PETROCOSSYPHUS, Boie.

Syn. Petrocincla, Vigors. Rock-thrushes.

Char. - Bill moderate or rather long, slender, straight, moderately hooked at the  ip, entire, or with a faint indication of a notch; nostrils round, apert, with the frontal plumes advanced to their base ; rictal bristles short, numerous ; wings long, somewhat pointed, 3rd quill longest, 2nd and 4th only a little shorter; tail rather short, even; tarsus and toes moderate; the scutae distinct ; lateral toes very slightly unequal; claws small, slender, moderately curved.

The Blue Rock-thrushes are found over the greater part of the Old World (not in Australia); and frequent desert, rocky and open ground. There are only a few species, which very closely resemble each other.