AVES 



3S^ 



Fig. 194. Rufous hummingbird on nest. (Photo by W. L. and Irene Finley. Cour- 

 tesy of National Park Service.) 



Fig. 195. Nest and eggs of ruby-throated humming bird. (Courtesy of Fred E. 



Brooks.) 



Order 17. Passeres. — This is the largest order of birds, con- 

 taining over half the species. As the name indicates the forms are 

 perching birds. The birds of paradise are the most brilliantly 

 colored of the order. The great bird of paradise is the most beauti- 

 ful of the species. The lyre-birds rival the birds of paradise in 

 plumage construction, but are not so brilliant. 



