Synopsis of Orders and Families. 



Order XVII. Flycatchers, Jays, Blackbirds, Finches, Swal- 

 lows, Warblers, Thrushes, and Other Perching Birds PAS- 

 SERES. 

 (18 families, about 325 species and 226 subspecies.) 

 Bill, wings, and tail variable; feet with four toes not connected, the 

 hind-toe as long as the middle one; its nail generally longer than that 

 of the middle toe. This Order contains more species than the re- 

 maining sixteen Orders put together. In it will be found over 80 per 

 cent, of the birds commonly seen by field students. It is difficult of 

 definition, but almost ?ny small perching bird may, with more or less 

 certainty, be referred to the Passe res. 



PHOEBE. 



Family 48. FLYCATCHERS. TYRANNID/E. 



Bill broad, flat, hooked at tip, its base with bristles; wings rather pointed, the sec- 

 ond to fourth primaries longest; tarsus rounded behind as well as in front; feathers of 

 crown generally somewhat lengthened, forming when erected, a small crest; pose, when 

 perching, erect; food of insects usually captured on the wing; voice generally unmusical. 



HORNHD LARK. 



Family 40. LARKS. ALAUDID/E. 



Hind toe-nail much lengthened: bill rounded, straight; tarsus rounded behind as well 

 as in front; our species with a tuft of feathers on either side of the head; outer primary 

 short or rudimentary; walking birds, singing while on the wing. 



34 



