ORIOLE. INSESSORES. ORIOLUS. 175 



SUBFAMILY ORIOLANA. 



This group, in addition to the true Orioles (genus Oriolus, 

 as now restricted), embraces the genera Sericulus of SWAIN- 

 SON (represented by the splendid Sericulus Chrysoceplialus, 

 a native of New Holland); Mimeta of VIGORS; Irena of 

 Horsfield; and various others. Its connexion with the 

 Short-legged Thrushes (subfamily Brachypodina), is support- 

 ed by the intervention of Turdus Palmarum (Palm Thrush 

 of authors), which, in form and habits, makes a near approach 

 to the typical Orioles ; while the lengthened tarsus and larger 

 foot of the genus Sericulus, seems to lead the way to the 

 Strong-legged Thrushes (subfamily Crateropodina of SWAIN- 

 SON), of which we possess no examples in Britain. 



GENUS ORIOLUS, TEMM. ORIOLE. 



GENERIC CHARACTERS. 



Bill as long as the head ; broad and angular at the base ; 

 compressed towards the tip, and forming a prominent culmen 

 throughout its length ; strong, gently arched, and sharp- 

 pointed ; the tomia cultrated, and bending a little inwards ; 

 the upper mandible emarginated, its tip deflected, and longer 

 than the lower one. Nostrils basal, lateral, ovoid, and naked. 

 Wings having the first quill half the length of the second ; 

 and the third the longest. Tarsus shorter, or, at most, not 

 longer than the middle toe. Feet with three toes before and 

 one behind ; short, and formed for perching ; connected at 

 the base. Hind toe very strong. Claws much curved, and 

 very sharp ; that of the hind toe being the largest. 



The genus Oriole, as established by Mons. TEMMINCK, 

 comprehends those species only of the extensive genus Orio- 

 lus of former authors, that inhabit the Old Continent. 



