168 OMNIVOROUS BIRDS. 



Subgenus — Xanthornus. (Cuv. Bonap,) 



With the bill robust and straight, horizontally flattened above, and 

 the frontal sinus ending in an acute but shallow angle. — The female 

 somewhat less than the male. These birds are constantly gregari- 

 ous, and live chiefly in meadows, or round open bushy swamps. 

 They feed principally on insects and seeds ; build in society, and 

 construct convenient, but not very artful nests. 



