EXCURSORES. SNATCH ERS. 483 



often blended ; the toes four, compressed ; the hind toe stouter 

 and with its claw nearly as long as the third toe, which is 

 united to the second at the base, the lateral toes nearly equal. 

 The claws are rather long, curved or arched, much compressed, 

 laterally grooved, and very acute. The wings. Fig. 250, vary 

 in length, but are generally rather long, more or less rounded, 

 of eighteen quills, the first very small, the third and fourth 

 longest. The tail is composed of twelve feathers, but varies in 

 size and form. 



The skeleton does not differ materially from that of the Can- 

 tatores, Vagatores, and Deglubitores. The same may be said 

 of the arrangement of the plumage, the principal difference 

 existing in their having the base of the upper mandible fur- 

 nished with strong bristles directed obliquely forwards. Figs. 

 250, 254, the object of which seems to be to enable them with 

 more certainty to seize their insect prey. Their feet, Figs. 254, 

 257, are generally smaller, especially the toes, and they are little 

 addicted to walking or leaping on the ground, many of them 

 being by the feebleness of their posterior extremities incapaci- 

 tated for performing these actions effectually. 



Species of this order occur in all parts of the globe ; but 

 their number increases with the increase of temperature, and 

 those which reside in the colder regions migrate southward as 

 winter approaches. These circumstances are evidently in con- 

 nexion with the supply of insect food, besides which, however, 

 they eat worms, mollusca, and sometimes fruits. The larger 

 species are addicted to the pursuit of mice, small birds, frogs, 

 lizards, and other reptiles, which, as well as large insects, they 

 generally spit on thorns. They are shy, ferocious, tyrannical, 

 and unsocial birds ; frequent woods, thickets, hedges, and gar- 

 dens ; and have a rapid, buoyant, undulating flight. Their voice 

 is generally harsh, but many of them imitate the cries of other 

 birds, and some have a modulated and pleasant song. They 

 nestle in trees and bushes, sometimes in holes in walls, and 

 construct an elaborate nest, lining it with soft materials. Their 

 eggs are generally about five. The young are born blind and 

 bare, and are assiduously tended, and courageously protected by 

 their parents. These birds are in fact remarkable for their au- 



