BIRDS. 



361 



known woodpeckers. The large group of parrots also 

 belong to the group of climbing birds. In these last the 



FIG. 154. Carolina Paroquet (Conurus carolinensis). After Wil?on. 



tongue is fleshy, and the feet are very efficient organs of 

 prehension. 



ORDER VIII. PASSERES (Perching Birds). 



In these the feet have three toes in front, one directed 

 backward and all on a level, and no naked skin on the 

 beak. They are usually subdivided into the Clama tores 

 or crying birds, and the Oscines or singing birds, the latter 

 having a complicated muscular apparatus in connection 

 with the vocal organs. To the Clama tores belong the 

 Asiatic hornbills, which recall the American toucans; the 

 kingfishers, with their large strong beaks ; and those gems 



