CLASS AVES (BIRDS). 



337 



birds are somewhat intermediate between the forms just 

 spoken of and the next order. 



The Perching Birds (Passeres) . This is the great order 

 of birds, including more than 6,000 species a greater 

 number than all the other orders put together. They 

 have three toes in front and one behind, which adapts them 

 to perching. They are the common birds of field and 

 meadow and orchard. Many of them have striking powers 



FIG. 143. Clark' 



U. S. Dept. Agriculture: " North American Fauna.' 



of song. Eighteen subdivisions or families of this order 

 are recognized in this country, of which the best known 

 are: the fly-catcher family (Tyrannidce) , including the 

 kingbird; the crow family (Corvida, Fig. 143) ; the family 

 of sparrows and finches (Fringillidce) , including also 

 snowbirds, crossbills, grosbeaks; the oriole family, 

 (Icterida), including orioles, bobolinks, meadow lark, 

 and the blackbirds; the warblers (Mniotiltida) , small 

 migrating birds with bright colors and most attractive 

 qualities; and, finest of all, the thrush family (Turdidce), 



