BOOK I. 



GRANIVOROUS BIRDS. Order GRANIVORES. 



CHAPTER I. 



General Characteristics of Granivorous Birds. 



IT will be proper to premise with a few 

 general remarks on the habits and charac- 

 teristics of this, the most numerous, as well 

 as one of the most beautiful orders of the 

 feathered tribe; particularly as the descrip- 

 tions of the different species will occupy 

 by far the greater portion of the ensuing 

 pages. 



The granivorous birds live in pairs 

 during the nuptial season, and after that 

 period is terminated, assemble in flocks, 

 or groups, ready for the time of their au- 

 tumnal migration. Many species are very 

 hardy; others again so tender as to leave 

 the states on the approach of frost; while 

 others only migrate from the intense cold 

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