Synopsis of Orders and Families. 



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

 xows, 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 

 riind-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 pny small perching bird may, with more or less 

 certainty, be referred to the Passeres. 



PHOEBE. 



Family 48. FLYCATCHERS. TYRANN1D/E. 



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

 ond to fourth primaries longest; tarsus rounded behind as well as in front; fathers 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. 



HORNED LARK. 



Family 49. LARKS. ALAUD1D/E. , , . . . , e t „ 



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



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. 



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