394 CLASSIFICATION OF BIRDS. 



wings are of moderate size, and they have generally light and 



slender forms. Some are 



insectivorous, others gra- 



nivorous, others again 



are omnivorous ; in this 



order are classed all Sing- / 



ing Birds, and most Birds FlG - 206 -BFLLS OF NUTHATCH AND KINGLET. 



of Passage. The number of INSESSORES is immense ; we may 

 cite as samples, Magpies, Blackbirds, Linnets, Swallows, Goat- 

 suckers, Larks, Sparrows, Crows, Birds of Paradise, Humming 

 Birds, "Wrens, King-fishers, Hornbills, &c. 



III. The SCANSORES, or Climbers, are Birds which, with the 

 general organisation of the Perchers, have two toes behind and 

 two before (Fig. 187) ; an arrangement which enables them 

 better to clasp the trunk and branches of trees on which they 

 climb in all directions, sometimes employing even their beak to 

 facilitate their movements. Among these we may class the 

 Toucans, remarkable for their enormous beak, Parroquets, 

 Cuckoos, and Woodpeckers. 



IV. The RASORES, or Gallinaceous Birds, have a beak of 

 moderate size, arched above, and calculated for a granivorous 

 diet only ; the wings are short, the body heavy, the feet of 

 ordinary structure, and the toes weak, but generally united at 

 their base by a small fold of skin. Most of these Birds fly badly, 

 do not perch on trees, and seek their food on the ground. This 

 order is composed of two distinct families ; Pigeons, and the 

 Gallinaceae properly so called, comprising the Fowl, Pheasant, 

 Quail, Partridge, Heathcock, &c. 



V. The CURSORES, or Runners, are distinguished by the 

 absence of wings ; and by the conformation of their legs and 

 feet, which enables them to run with rapidity on dry ground. 

 Their legs are usually long, and bare at their lower part, as in 

 the next order ; but their feet are not in any degree webbed. 

 They are mostly large Birds ; but the number of known species 

 is very small. The Ostrich, Cassowary, and Emu are examples 

 of this order. 



VI. The GRALLATORES, or Waders, are recognised by their 



