TREE PIPIT. 189 



The bill is considerably thicker than that of the Meadow 

 Pipit, but otherwise similar, being straight, slender, broader 

 than high at the base, compressed towards the end, with a dis- 

 tinct notch, and small slightly declinate tip. The digestive 

 organs are in all respects similar to those of the Meadow Pipit. 

 The oesophagus is of nearly uniform diameter throughout, two 

 inches and a half long, its average breadth a twelfth and a 

 half; the proventriculus with short oblong glandules. The 

 stomach is eight-twelfths of an inch long, six and a half broad, 

 roundish, compressed, its lateral muscles very thick and cari- 

 nate, or forming a thin edge, the lower muscle very thin ; the 

 tendons very large, four-twelfths in diameter ; the inner coat 

 tough, thin, and broadly rugous. The intestine is eight inches 

 long, varying in diameter from two-twelfths to one-twelfth ; 

 the coeca extremely small, cylindrical, half a twelfth long ; the 

 rectum eleven-twelfths in lenoi;h. The nostrils are oblono-o- 

 elliptical, three quarters of a twelfth long, with a narrow, bare, 

 operculum. The aperture of the eyes is a twelfth and a half in 

 diameter ; the eyelids with two rows of small, rounded feathers. 

 The ear is transversely elliptical, two and a half twelfths in its 

 greatest diameter. The feet are of moderate length, and very 

 slender. The tarsus much compressed, anteriorly covered with 

 eight long scutella, posteriorly edged, with two plates and in- 

 ferior rugae. The outer toe is slightly shorter than the inner ; 



the first has eight, the second 

 ten, the third thirteen, the 

 fourth ten scutella. The claws 

 are extremely compressed, mo- 

 derately arched ; that of the 

 hind toe curved in about the 

 fifth of a circle, rather shorter 

 than the first joint, and when 



Fig. 145. , i 



the toes are brought together 

 not extending so far as the point of that of the middle toe. 



The plumage is soft, and slightly glossed ; the feathers ovate, 

 rounded, with a long slender plumule of few barbs, somewhat 

 distinct in the upper parts, blended on the lower. There are 

 a few short bristle -feathers at the base of the bill. The wings 



