498 



PASSEEINES. 



sugar exhibited by the last, justifying their name, which signi- 

 fies " sugar-eater " in the Malagash tongue. They are natives of 

 Southern Africa and India, and represent in the Old World 

 the Humming-birds of the New. They are gay and sprightly, 



and decked in the most 

 brilliant colours. Like the 

 other Cinnyridce^ they love 

 to plunge their tongue into 

 the corolla of flowers and 

 extract its sweets. Their 

 most brilliant colours are dis- 

 played in the breeding season. 

 The NUTHATCHES (Sitta), 

 Fig. 211, have the beak 

 straight, pyramidal, and 

 pointed, covered at the base 

 with small feathers directed 

 forward ; the long toes are 

 furnished with claws strong 

 and crooked ; their habitat resembles that of the Creepers. The 

 Nuthatch is found in Oceania. 



Fig. 211. Common Nuthatch (Sitta europeea, Gould). 



CONIROSTRES. 



The Conirostral Passerines are characterised by a strong, robust- 

 beak, more or less conical, and without notches. They are 

 generally granivorous, but some species are insectivorous or car- 

 nivorous. This group includes the Birds of Paradise, Crows, 

 Rollers, Starlings, Sparrows, Tits, and Larks. 



The BIRDS OF PARADISE have the beak straight, compressed, and 

 strong, the nostrils covered with velvety feathers. In brilliancy of 

 colouring-, and in graceful, pendent, gossamer-like plumage, they 

 take precedence in the feathered creation. 



They have a very restricted habitat, being only found in New 

 Guinea, Ternate, and in the island of Papua, situated to the north 

 of Australia : there they dwell in the thick forests, feeding on 

 fruit and insects. Occasionally they are found living in solitude, 



