DIFFERENT PARTS OF BIRDS. 13 
and Fly-catchers, incessantly active, are plying their 
bills voraciously among the insect life; the Hawk 
wheels his buoyant flight in graceful circles over- 
head; and the Humming Bird darts like a meteor in 
pursuit of some favorite flower. All these cast a 
halo of attraction around the name of Spring, re- 
minding us that “the time of the singing of birds 
is come.” 
Before entering fully upon our subject, there are 
a few observations which it will be necessary for us 
to make, which cannot but be of use to the young 
student of Ornithology. How wonderfully is the 
form of a bird adapted to the element in which it is 
designed to move! We perceive that the general 
outline of its body is boat shaped, as being most 
consistent with a rapid motion through the air. The 
skeleton is admirably formed, both as to strength 
and buoyancy, many of the larger bones being hol- 
low, and filled with air instead of marrow. In the 
development of the muscles, also, we see compact- 
ness combined with prodigious force; and the struc- 
ture of the wing at once commends itself to our 
notice as a propelling, as well as a supporting power, 
peculiarly suited co the wants of the bird; while the 
whole body is clothed with a covering which, for 
lightness, warmth, and beauty, could hardly be ex- 
celled. 
By reference to the adjoining cut, the following 
description of the different parts of a bird, and the 
names applied to some of the most prominent fea- 
thers, will be understood : 
2 
a 
