AVES. 335 



sub-family, are peculiar to South America. They all resemble to a 

 creater or less extent the wrens with which we are familiar, though 

 some species live almost exclusively upon the ground. There is one genus 

 {Hylactes) the species of which are remarkable for very robust legs and 

 feet. H. rufus is the best known species. 



Sub-Order 3. Dentirostres, or toothed-billed Birds. 



This group embraces an immense number of birds, all of which in a 

 greater or less degree subsist on insects. For this purpose the bill is 

 always more or less toothed near the tip, which is frequently strongly 

 hooked. The shrikes, thrushes, and robins, are familiar examples of the 

 birds of this group. 



Fam. 1. Sylviad^e, or Warblers. Bill subulate, generally slender, tip 

 of upper mandible emarginated ; wings more or less lengthened, generally 

 rounded, sometimes pointed ; tail various, I'requently rounded. Tarsi long, 

 slender ; toes mostly long, claws curved and acute. Size small. 



This extensive family is composed of a large number of birds, many of 

 which are noted for their powers of song. They are found in all parts of 

 the world. 



Sub-fatn. I. MalurincB, oi' soft-tailed Warblers. Bill moderate, generally 

 slender and straight, tip of upper mandible curved ; wings short, rounded ; 

 tail more or less lengthened and rounded ; tarsi generally long and slender ; 

 toes long, claws strong, acute. 



About one hundred and twenty species of birds are classed here, which 

 are restricted to the old world and Australia. They have derived the 

 name of soft-tailed warblers from having generally fan-like tails, the 

 feathers of which frequently have webs of remarkable softness to the touch. 

 Many of the species have very loud notes, sometimes agreeable, but fre- 

 quently unpleasant. 



Australia produces about a dozen little birds of this sub-family which are 

 very beautiful. The superb warbler [Malurus superbus) is one of the 

 most common, and is clothed in plumage of splendid sky blue and black, 

 presenting a singular contrast of colors. Others of this genus are equally 

 handsome, though the species of this sub-family are generally of plain 

 plumage. 



Sub-fam. 2. SylviancB, or true Warblers. Bill rather long, slender, 

 nearly straight, compressed, curved at the tip ; wings moderate, rounded ; 

 tail rather long, rounded ; tarsi lengthened, slender ; toes long, slender ; 

 claws long, curved, and sharp. Size small. 



This sub-family comprises about one hundred birds, including the 

 warblers of Europe, the nightingales, golden crested wrens, and some othei 

 genera of birds not so well known, species of which inhabit the entire 

 surface of the globe. The former, composing the old genus Sylvia, are 

 common Eiu'opean birds. The nightingales, of which there are two 

 species, have been celebrated for their transcendent powers of song from 

 the earliest period of recorded history. 



The smaller species {Philomela luscinia, pi. 103, ßg. 13) is the best 

 «nger, and is the bird usually alluded to as the nightingale. It is a small 



539 



