INTRODUCTION. 11 



sing. Ornithologists are not agreed as to which of the 

 numerous Oscine families should occupy the head of the 

 series; but Dr. Coues inclines to the opinion that some 

 member of this family with the possession of nine pri- 

 maries — as the finches or tanagers — will eventually as- 

 sume the leading place. The Turdidce, or Thrushes, 

 in accordance with usage, occupy this position. 



Family Frixgillid^e. Finches, etc. 



The Fringillidce are the most extensive group in orni- 

 thology, representing, in round numbers, 500 current 

 species in about 100 genera. This family represents 

 more particularly what used to be designated " con i ros- 

 tral" birds. The bill of these birds approaches nearest 

 to the ideal cone, and unites great strength with deli- 

 cacy of touch. 



The cone is sometimes nearly expressed, but fre- 

 quently turgid and conoidal ; convex in most directions, 

 and so constructed as to become concave in some of its 

 outlines. The nostrils are usually exposed, but in many 

 northern genera the base of the bill is furnished with a 

 ruff and two tufts of antrorse feathers, which more or 

 less conceal the opening; the cutting edges of bill are 

 slightly notched, but otherwise plain ; a few inconspicu- 

 ous bristles about rictus; ordinarily, somewhat lacking; 

 in some, highly developed. The wings are composed of 

 nine developed primaries, variable in size; the tail is 

 variable, but always composed of twelve rectrices ; feet 

 scutellate in front, and covered on side with an un- 

 divided plate, which produces a sharp ridge posteriorly. 



The most tangible character of this group is the an- 

 gulation of the commissure ; this character runs in a 



