ORIOLES. MUSCICAPID^, OR FLY-CATCH EHS. 447 



Birds; but one species inhabits this country during the summer, 



Fro. 247. HEAD AND FOOT OK GOLDEN ORIOLB. 



and is commonly known as the Golden Thrush. They are gene- 

 rally remarkable for the beauty of their plumage, and for their 

 courageous disposition ; but they have no power of song. A 

 large proportion of their food consists of fruits. 



403. The family of MUSCICAPID^E, or Fly-catchers, is much 

 more limited in its distribution ; comparatively few species being 

 found elsewhere than in the warmer portions of the globe. They 

 belong to both hemispheres ; but are most abundant in the New 

 World. They are characterised by the breadth and horizontal 

 flattening of the beak ; the base of which is armed with stiff 

 bristles, that serve to protect the corners of the mouth from the 

 struggles of the insects that are being swallowed. These cha- 

 racters are best seen in the Tyrants of South America ; which 

 are very bold and spirited birds, preying not merely on Insects, 

 but also on small Birds; and pursuing them very much in 

 the manner of the Shrikes. The smaller species, however, con- 

 fine their destructive powers to insects, and bear a general 



