LANIAD.E. 39 



For a synopsis of the groups and families which compose 

 this Order, we must refer to the remarks on classification in 

 a preceding part of this volume. 



DENTIROSTRES. TOOTH-BILLED BIRDS. 



These constitute the first group which claims our atten- 

 tion,, and the tooth-like projection which marks the bills of 

 the Falcons, and which aids them in tearing their prey, is 

 continued in a greater or less degree throughout it, but 

 exists in the subjects of our present remark only in the 

 horny covering, and not in the bone. The families belong- 

 ing to this group are the Shrikes, Thrushes, Warblers, 

 Chatterers, and Fly- catchers ; each of which is represented 

 in our list of British birds. 



LANIAD^E. SHRIKES. 



The members of this family are not very common ; but 

 three species are included in the British Fauna, and these 

 more prominently manifest the peculiarities of the group to 

 which they belong than do any others included in its re- 

 maining families; indeed, by some, the Shrikes have been 

 classed with the Raptorial Order, and their notched bills 



