BIEDS. 



CHAPTER I. 



General Characteristics, — Class Aves. 



A TRAVELLER may in many parts of the world journey from one week's end to 

 another without coming across a single Mammal or Reptile, but few indeed are the 

 regions where bird-life, in some form, will not present itself more or less abundantly 

 to his gaze ; and in no country is this exuberance of bird-life, as contrasted 

 with the apparent scarcity of Mammals and Reptiles, more remarkable than in the 

 British Islands. This abundance is largely due to the great majority of Birds 

 being diurnal in their habits, whereas most Mammals are nocturnal, but it is 

 chiefly owing to the Birds being more numerous in most parts of the world, both 

 as regards individuals and species. On this account alone Birds have always 

 aroused a widespread interest even among those who pay no particular attention 

 to Natural History; and in addition to it we have the beauty of their form, the 

 gorgeous hues with which their plumage is so frequently adorned, and the power 

 of melodious song with which so many members of the class are endowed. Then, 

 again, the many interesting points connected with their habits, and more especial!}- 

 their conjugal affection and the care they bestow on their helpless young, have 

 combined to aid in producing the universal enthusiasm for what have been most 

 vol. m. — 19 



