68 TURDINiE. 



its posterior margin broad, straight or slightly curved, with a 

 sinus of moderate depth on each side ; the ridge high, with its 

 lower outline slightly curved, its anterior concave ; the median 

 process long and broadly furcate ; the lateral anterior processes 

 large. The humerus is short ; the cubital bones a fourth 

 longer, the rest of the same length as the cubitus, consisting of 

 two carpal bones, one large metacarpal, having an oblong in- 

 complete space, a slender pollical, and three digital, two united 

 bones forming the first phalanx. The pelvis is of moderate 

 size ; the iliac bones oblong and anteriorly rounded ; the pubic 

 linear, slightly recurved, with an oblong open space between 

 them and the rest. The femur is short, the tibia nearly two 

 thirds longer, with a slender incomplete fibula, extending only 

 one third down. The tarsal bone is trigonal, and shorter than 

 the tibia. The toes are four ; the hind toe composed of a 

 distinct metatarsal bone and two phalanges ; the second of three, 

 the third of four, the fourth of five phalanges ; the extreme 

 phalanges of moderate length, conical, slightly arched, late- 

 rally grooved. It must not be concealed that the differences 

 between the skeletons of the Corvinae, Thremmaphilinae, and 

 Turdinse, are very slight, and that these three families, with 

 the Myrmotherinae, and others of the Cantatores are very 

 intimately allied in structure. 



The digestive organs are equally adapted for insects, worms, 

 and soft fruits, which constitute the principal food of the diffe- 

 rent species. 



The Turdinse frequent the fields and pastures, where they 

 advance by leaping ; but generally betake themselves to 

 thickets and woods to roost. Their flight is moderately rapid, 

 and little undulated. !Most of the species are more or less 

 gregarious, unless during the breeding season. Their nests are 

 generally placed on trees or shrubs, and artfully constructed. 

 The eggs are five or six, usually spotted or freckled. The 

 young are born blind, and remain in the nest until able to fly. 

 INIany of the species are remarkable for their superiority of 

 song, while others are said merely to emit harsh cries. 

 Species belonging to this family are found in all parts of the 

 world. 



