200 APPENDIX 
8. Mniotiltidee: WARBLERs. 
It is almost impossible to characterize this family, there 
are so many varieties. With few exceptions they are 
very small and beautifully colored birds, sexes unlike, and 
changes of plumage with age and season. Some are 
found in the tops of trees, some on bushes, and some on 
the ground. Food: insects. (Coues.) 
9. Vireonidee: VIREOs. 
Generally smaller than an English sparrow, and more 
slender; bill notched in both mandibles; tail rather 
short, nearly even, of narrow feathers; front toes more 
or less united. (Ridgway.) 
Food: insects. Constant singers. Sexes alike and 
young the same, without spots or streaks. Some found 
in trees in the woods, and others about towns where 
English sparrows are not too numerous. 
10. Laniide : SHRIKEs. 
Larger than an English sparrow; bill powerful, tip 
hooked and notched ; wings short, rounded ; tail long and 
much graduated. (Ridgway.) 
Food: insects, small mammals, and sometimes birds. 
Sexes alike, and young the same. Found on outside of 
low trees, fences, telegraph wires, and peaks of roofs. 
11. Ampelide: WAxwiInGs, etc. 
Somewhat larger than an English sparrow; bill short, 
broad and rather flat; head with pointed crest; wings 
long and pointed ; tail short, narrow, even; legs of mod- 
erate length. (Ridgway.) 
Food: insects and fruit. Sexes usually alike. Found 
in trees in woods and in shade and orchard trees. 
