292 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



The Conirostres are divided into the following families : 1st, 

 Corvida, comprising Crows and Mnoples ; 2nd, Stnmidce, the 

 Mynas and Starlings ; 3rd, Fruif/il/in'ce, the most numerous of all, 

 comprising Sparrows, Weaver-birds, Amaduvads, Buntings, and 

 Rose Linnets ; 4th, TannvoidcB, or the Tanagers ; and lastly the 

 Alaudidce or Lnrks. All o? these are represented in India except 

 the Tanagers, which are confined to America. 



Fam. CoRViD/E, 



Bill strong, more or less compressed, usually entire, rarely 

 notched at the tip; nostrils thickly clad with stiff incumbent 

 bristles; tarsus stout; feet strong, and claws well curved: of large 

 size mostly. 



This family comprises the Crows, Choughs, Magpies, and .Taj'^s. 

 They are of large size compared with others of this tribe, or the 

 Dentirostral perchers. 'f hey are the most omnivorous of all birds, 

 and, indeed, with the Starlings and some other birds, not now 

 referred to this tribe, they constitute Temminck's order, 

 Omnivora. They vary a good deal in the length and strength 

 of their bill, length of wing and tail, and also of tarsus. 

 Many feed habitually on the ground, others on trees, and, as 

 Temminck's name signifies, they eat all kinds of food from 

 carrion to grain. 



They are divided into the following sub-families : Corvince, 

 Garrulince, Dendrocittinoe, Fregilince, and Streperince ; the last 

 only occurring in Australia and Oceanica. 



Sub-fam. CoRViNiE, Crows and Magpies. 



Bill very stout, long, straight, with the ridge more or less 

 curved ; wino-s long, somewhat pointed ; tail variable ; tarsus stout, 

 strono-ly scutate; claws well curved. 



The Crows are birds of large size and robust form, usually 

 black, or pied with grey or white, and are too well known to require 

 any further details. 'i'hey are undoubtedly the most highly 

 oriianized and intelligent of birds, they possess the most varied 

 powers, and can live on all kinds of food. They fly well, walk 

 with ease, climb adroitly ; and may be seen eating carrion with the 

 Vultures: catchLnsf win<2;ed Termites with Fly-catchers and Bee- 



