Dolichonyx Swainson, 1827

Remsen, J. V., Powell, Alexis F. L. A., Schodde, Richard, Barker, F. Keith & Lanyon, Scott M., 2016, A revised classification of the Icteridae (Aves) based on DNA sequence data, Zootaxa 4093 (2), pp. 285-292 : 289

Subfamily DOLICHONYCHINAE Ridgway, 1902

Bulletin of the U.S. National Museum 50, 2, 1–834 (p. 175, as Dolichonyces). Type genus: Dolichonyx Swainson, 1827 .

Diagnosis. Only icterids with acuminate tips to rectrices, sinuated outer webs to only two primaries (p7, p8), two complete molts a year, and dramatically different basic and alternate male plumages. Alternate plumage of male unique in family in having (1) color patch from occiput to nape conspicuously paler than rest of the head and underparts, and (2) white rump and scapulars. Bill strongly conical, hallux claw exceptionally long (longer than hallux), and primary 9 as long as primary 8 numbered outwards (see also Xanthocephalinae). By far the most extensively migratory icterid, with breeding and winter ranges in separate hemispheres.