THE CLASS BIRDS. 



307 



fierceness. Of these, some are diurnal, and may be known by 

 their close plumage, and the lateral direction of their eyes. 

 These are, the vultures (Fig. 239), the gypaetes (Fig. 255), 

 the falcons, the eagles (Fig. 231), the sparrowhawks, the 

 kites (Fig. 236), the buzzards, &c. The others are nocturnal, 

 and constitute the family of the owls, known by their downy 

 plumage and the anterior direction of their eyes. 



Fig. 256. The Owl (Scops Vulgaris). 



Fig. 257. Bird of Paradise. 



449. The order passerine have their legs slender, feeble, 

 and formed in the usual way, neither armed with claws nor 

 elongated like stilts, and with a single toe, directed back- 

 wards. The bill is feeble (Fig. 

 258), straight, or but little curved 

 (Figs. 259, 260); their wings are 

 sufficiently large ; and they are all 

 small or of moderate size, and have 

 slight and light forms. 



Some live on insects, others on 

 grain, and others are omnivorous, 

 and to this order belong all sing- 

 ing birds and most birds of passage. 



The number of the passeres is immense : as specimens we 

 may mention the blackbird, linnet, swallow, goat-suckers 

 x2 



Fig. 258.-Sittelle. 



