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TURDUS. 
Turpus, Ray, Briss., Linn., Gmel., Lath., Cuv. &c. 
Meruta, Ray, Brisson. 
CHARACTER GENERICUS. 
Rostrum sub arcuatum, apice deflexo, emarginato; nares 
ovate, nude, vel membranula semitecte. 
Pedes simplices, digitis tribus anticis, uno postico. 
Cauda mediocris. 
THRUSH. 
GENERIC CHARACTER. 
Beak very slightly arcuate, with the point bent downwards 
and notched ; nostrils ovate and naked, or half covered 
with a membrane. 
Legs simple, with three toes before, and one behind. 
The Turpi are extremely numerous, and are found in 
various parts of the globe: their food consists principally 
of berries ; but some of the species who inhabit temperate 
climates (especially in the winter season) also devour snails, 
slugs, and earth-worms. 
The old naturalists divided this genus into two sec- 
tions, viz. Turdi (Thrushes), those species with a spot- 
ted plumage, and Meruie (Orioles), including those, whose 
plumage is of nearly a uniform teint: these distinctions are 
still retained by English ornithologists. 
