BILL OF THE THRUSHES. 195 



are attributed to them would require to be well 

 authenticated. The bill of the shrikes can both strike 

 and squeeze more powerfully than that of most of the 

 division ; but still it is properly an insectivorous bill. 

 The next gradation of this character of bill is in 

 the thrush tribe, which have the middle and outer 

 toes united, so as to form a firmer walking foot than 

 that of the shrikes ; and they are accordingly more 

 of ground feeders. They partake more of the vege- 

 table feeding character ; inhabit colder climates, and 

 live upon berries in the severe weather ; but mollusca 

 and worms form the principal part of their summer 

 food. But whether animal or vegetable, these birds 

 prefer soft food mollusca to worms, and viscid pulpy 

 berries to farinaceous ones or seeds. Their flesh is 

 in consequence more sweet and juicy than that of 

 many birds ; and these qualities are increased by the 

 small tendency they have to flight, unless when, as is 

 the case with those that summer in the more inhos- 

 pitable climates, they are obliged to migrate. 



Mi?sel Thrush. 



In accordance with these habits, the tomia of their 

 bills are sharp cutting edges, as the hardest labour 

 they have to perform in feeding is breaking the shells 

 of snails, which they do by hewing them to pieces 

 with the point of the bill. The preceding is the 

 general figure of these bills. 

 o2 



