PASSERINE BIRDS. 



419 



Family of Dentirostres.* 



This family includes those Passerinse only that have 

 the beak notched on both sides, near the point. They 

 are all insectivorous, and most of them also eat ber- 

 ries and other tender fruits ; such are 



The Slirikes (Lanius). Though small in size, these birds are full 

 of courage ; they contend with birds of prey, and like them, live by 

 rapine. They feed ou insects and small bu'ds, and always inhabit 



tt^ 



liW 



Fig. 345 —head of tyrannus. 



woods and bushes. They live in families, and fly irregularly and 

 precipitately, uttering shrill cries. The Butcher Bird [Lanius 

 collurio) destroys a great many small animals, birds, and young 

 toads, as well as insects, sucli as grasshoppers, beetles, &c. ; these 

 it has the habit of impaling on tlie thorns of bushes, in order to 

 devour them at leisure, or to find them again when wanted. 



The Fly-catchers (JSIuscicapfe),^ the Thrushes, the Nightingale, 

 the Wrens, the AVagtails, the Titlarks, and many others of similar 

 habits belong to this family. 



* Dens, dentls, a tooth ; rostrum, a leah- 

 t 3Iusca, o fly ; capio, to tahe or catch. 



-t(.othheah^. 



