phasianinæ

pl. [Lat. phasian (us); Lat. fem. pl. adj. suff. -inæ.] Ornith.: The typical sub-family of the Phasianide (q. v.). Body graceful; legs rather long; tail much lengthened, the two central feathers overlapping those next. Head crested or provided with lateral tufts. Genera, Phasianus and Thaumalea. ( Elliot .) phā-şi-ā-nus, s . [Lat.] [PHEASANT.] 1. Ornith.: The typical genus of the sub-family Phasianine (q. v.). Bill strong, elevated at base, curved at tip; nostrils partly hidden by a membrane, wings rounded, fourth and fifth quills longest; tail much lengthened, cuneate; tarsi same length as middle toe; the male spurred. Toes strong, outer longer than the inner; claws short, curved. Head without a crest; two tufts of feathers project behind the ears. Twelve species are known, from Western Asia to Japan and For mos a. 2. Palæont .: From the Upper Miocene at Pikermi, near Athens, and the Post-Pliocene of France.