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VERTEBRATES : BIRDS. 



Fig. 106. 



among the foliage of trees and bushes in search of mi- 

 nute insects and larvae. 



Cuvier's Golden Crest, R. Ciivieri, Aud., differs mainly 

 from the preceding in having two black bands on the 

 crown anteriorly, separated by a whitish one. 



The Genus Hydrobata comprises the Water Ouzels. 

 The American Dipper or Water Ouzel, H. mcxicana, 

 Baird, of the Rocky Mountains, from British America to 

 Mexico, is seven and a half inches long, and the wing 



four inches ; the color dark plum- 

 beous above, and paler beneath. 

 A closely related species is found 

 in Europe. 



The Ouzel frequents moun- 

 tain streams, into which it walks 

 or dives, and moves about in 

 search of aquatic insects and 

 other small animals, which con- 

 stitute its food. 

 SYLVICQLID.E, OR WARBLER FAMILY. This Family 

 comprises a large number of very small, but exceedingly 

 beautiful and interesting birds. They are characterized 

 by a conical, slender, or depressed bill usually half the 

 length of the head, nine primaries, the first nearly as 

 long as the second and third, the tarsi distinctly scutel- 

 late anteriorly, lateral toes nearly equal and shorter than 

 the middle one, and the basal joint of the middle one 

 free nearly to its base externally, and united for half 

 the length interiorly. This family is numerously repre- 

 sented in all parts of the world. Many species are gen- 

 erally found in the same locality, and may be seen a 

 great part of the day gliding among the thick foliage, 

 busily engaged in catching the minute insects which lurk 

 beneath the leaves and in the buds and blossoms, and 

 which for the most part escape the sight of other and 



Water Ouzel, H. mexicana Baird. 



