226 



YERTEBRATl. 



Frequently ground-feeders and often omnivorous. They have 

 no song, but some are mimics. The raven is held by Swainson 

 to be the most typical of birds. Bombycilla is placed by some in 

 the Muscicapidae. There is considerable difference of opinion as 

 to the limits of the families. 



This group agrees with the Magnirostra of Schmarda, and 

 includes the major part of the Coliomorphae of Sundevall. 



Order V. COLUMBjE. 



GEMITORES. GYBANTBS. BIPOSITORES. PERISTEROMORPH^. 



Bill various ; nostrils pierced in a membrane. Hind toe 

 placed on a level with the other toes ; claws short, only slightly 

 curved. Wings strong. 



The bill is " swollen at the tip, and provided at the base with 

 a tumid membranous space, in which the nostrils open ;" this 



