ORDER SECOND. 



OMNIVOROUS BIRDS. (TemmincL) 



With the 6z7? of moderate size, strong, stout, and edged 

 at the sides ; the upper mandible more or less notched at 

 the point. The feet provided with 4 toes, 3 of which are 

 in front and 1 behind. The wings of moderate size, and 

 with the quills pointed. 



Habits. The birds which compose this order live in 

 bands, or companies, and are monogamous. They nest 

 upon trees, in the crannies of ruins or old towers, and 

 some of the species occupy the natural cavities of decayed 

 trees. The male and female also hatch the eggs in turn. 

 They live on insects, worms, and carrion, and often add 

 likewise to this nourishment grain and fruits. Their 

 flesh is usually hard, tough, and unpalatable. 



Family — Gregarii. (Illiger. Bonaparte.) 



With the bill moderate in size, hard, straight, acute, and sharp on 

 the edges ; the nostrils at its base, and partly hid ; the tongue incapa- 

 ble of extension, and cleft or notched at the extremity. The feet ro- 

 bust, and the legs naked. The wings of moderate length, and the 

 quills pointed at the tips. 



These birds are generally omnivorous, and gregarious at certain 

 seasons of the year. They build in trees, some also on cliffs, ruins, 

 or round inhabited dwellings, and also on the ground. Their voice 



