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THE PERCHING BIRDS 



THE MOCKING BIRDS AND THEIR ALLIES 

 Family MlMIDSE 



Space admits of only the very briefest reference to the American family typified 

 by the well-known mocking bird (Mimus polyglottus} ; this family being generally 

 placed between the wrens and the babblers, to the latter of which it is nearly allied. 

 The babblers are but poor songsters, but the mocking birds are renowned for their 

 vocal powers. Twelve genera are included in the family, but it would be useless to 

 attempt to point out their distinctive characteristics. 



MOCKING BIRD. 



THE BABBLERS 

 Family CRA TER OP ODIDJE 



This family contains a very large number of birds, the affinities of some of 

 which are doubtful, though the majority agree in possessing a short and rounded 

 wing, together with large and powerful legs and feet. The bill is variously modi- 

 fied, but always adapted to an insectivorous diet, and is furnished with rictal 



