252 AVES. 



The adult sternum usually has but one notch on each side 

 of its lower edge. There are two, however, in CoraciaSj 

 Alcedo, and Merops, and it is totally wanting in Cypselus and 

 Trochilus. 



Our first division is founded upon the feet j we then have 

 recourse to the beak. 



The first and most numerous comprehends those genera in 

 which the external toe is united to its fellow by one or two 

 phalanges only, 



FAMILY I. 



DENTIROSTRES. 



In this family the beak is emarginate on the sides of the 

 point. It is in this family that we find the greatest number of 

 insectivorous birds, though almost all of them likewise feed 

 on berries and other soft fruits. 



The genera are determined by the general form of the 

 beak, which is strong and compressed in Lanius and in 

 Turdus, depressed in Muscicapa, round and thick in Tanagra, 

 slender and pointed in Motacilla ; but the change from one 

 of these forms to the other is so gradual, that it is an extremely 

 difficult matter to fix the limits of the genera. 



Lanius, Lin. 



The beak conical or compressed, and more or less hooked at the 

 point. 



Lanius, properly so called. 



The true Shrikes have a beak triangular at base, and compressed 

 on the sides. 



Shrikes live in families, and fly irregularly and precipitately, 

 uttering shrill cries; they build on trees, lay five or six eggs, and 

 take great care of their young. They have a habit of imitating, on 

 the spot, a part of the songs of such birds as live in their vicinity. 

 The upper part of the females and of the young is marked with 

 fine transverse lines. 



Some of them have the upper mandible arcuated; those in which 

 Us point is strong and much curved, and in which the notch forms 



