554 PASSEEINES. 



plumage is of a bright yellow ; the feathers are oblong, with dis- 

 united barbs ; those on the fore part of the head very short. The 

 wings, when closed, reach to within an inch of the end of the tail ; 

 hence its flight is easy and sustained ; while the form of its 

 feet is equally well adapted for hopping on the ground and gliding 

 among the branches. It is a shy, solitary bird, and is approached 

 with great difficulty. In the countries where it is a constant 

 visitor it arrives in May, and departs in August ; but while 

 it arrives singly, on its return migration it departs in whole 

 families. It establishes itself on the borders of woods, or on the 

 banks of some water-course; especially is it found where there 

 are large trees, such as oaks and poplars, in which it builds its 

 nest. The bird is common in the South of France. It lays 

 from four to six eggs, and during incubation feeds on insects' 

 larvae and caterpillars, and is especially fond of the more delicate 

 fruits of the sunny South, such as mulberries, cherries, and figs. 

 This food gives a delicious flavour to its flesh, which causes it to 

 be much sought after. The Oriole will not live in confinement. 

 It is the Beccafica of the Italians. 



The MINO (Eulabesjavanses, VieilL), Fig. 257, has been assigned 

 to various families. Swainson places it among the Sturnidce, Gray 

 in the sub- family of Graculinae, under the family of Corvidae, 

 However, we prefer placing it as we have. They are sought 

 after by the Orientals in consequence of their gentle habits, and 

 the facility with which they imitate, like the Parrakeets, all sorts 

 of phrases, and even airs. Their song is very agreeable. 



The Minos have a bill analogous to that of the Orioles ; but 

 their general form and habits approximate more to the Starlings, 

 among which they ought to be ranged. They are eminently 

 social in their habits, searching for their food in large flocks, 

 and passing the night in numbers on the same or on neigh- 

 bouring trees. Their natural disposition being peaceful, lively, 

 and confiding, they appear to prefer the vicinity of man's resi- 

 dence, and the cultivated fields that surround his dwelling. 

 They frequently attend upon flocks of sheep, to feed upon the 

 insects that infest these ruminants' skins. In countries where 

 locusts abound, they are of great service to man by feeding upon 

 them. 



