THRUSHES. 91 



FAMILY II. TURDID^E. 



(Thrwhes.) 



The average size of the birds of this Family is 

 considerably superior to that of the Warblers ; 

 though the one merges into the other by insensi- 

 ble gradations. The beak is as long as the head, 

 compressed at the sides ; the upper mandible 

 arched to the tip, which is not abruptly hooked ; 

 the notch is well-marked but not accompanied by 

 a tooth ; the gape furnished with bristles. The 

 feet are long, with curved claws. The food on 

 which the Thrushes subsist is less restricted than 

 that of the Warblers ; for besides insects and 

 their caterpillars, snails, slugs, earthworms, &c., 

 they feed largely on pulpy and farinaceous berries 

 of many sorts. Many of the species are gregarious 

 during the winter, and some through the whole 

 year. The colours are for the most part sombre, 

 often chaste and elegantly arranged ; various 

 shades of olive are the most prevalent hues, very 

 frequently taking the form of spots running in 

 chains, upon the breast and under parts. Excep- 

 tions to this subdued character of coloration are 

 not, however, wanting in this extensive Family: 

 thus the Orioles are distinguished for their fine 

 contrasts of rich black and golden yellow; and 

 the Breves (Pitta, TEMM.) for their dazzling blues 

 and greens, while some of the African Thrushes 

 shine in the metallic lustre of burnished steel. 



The Turdidce are found in all parts of the 

 world; the species are very numerous, and a 

 great number are eminent as song-birds. 



