CHAPTER XVII 



THE PASSERINE BIRDS 

 Ordcr-PASSERIFORMES 



In this chapter we shall describe some of the more remarkable of 

 what are known as the Passerine, or Perching-birds. These, though 

 preserving a remarkable uniformity in so far as their anatomical 

 characters are concerned, present an amazing variety in their more 

 superficial characters, such as coloration, and the form of the beak, 

 so much so that nearly six thousand distinct species are known to 

 Science. 



Though all are essentially tree-dwellers, a large number of species 

 have now come to pass much of their time in low scrub or in the 

 open country. Some possess wondrous powers of flight, others are 

 almost flightless. 



This great series may be divided into two more or less sharply 

 defined groups, based partly upon the structure of the syrinx, or 

 voice organ, and partly upon other anatomical characters. 



The first of these two large groups may be sub-divided so as 

 to form three smaller groups, distinguishable partly by means of 

 characters afforded by this same voice-organ, and partly by other 

 anatomical characters, all of which are so complicated as to be 

 beyond the scope and purpose of this little volume. 



The first of the two large groups just referred to forms the — 



Suborder— CLAMATORES 



The birds herein placed, though regarded as non-singing birds, 

 yet include a few species with melodious voices ; though none have 



