316 



CLASS AVES. 



The Loocia Pytioysittaiyus, given as a race in the " Regne 

 Animal," seems to have some claims to distinction of species. 

 Its bill is stronger, more curved, and less long than that of 

 the preceding, and the point of the lower mandible does not 

 pass beyond the edge of the upper. This species is found in 

 North America, and particularly delights in the colder re- 

 gions. It nestles on the branches of the fir-tree ; and lays 

 four or five ash-coloured eggs, marked irregularly with 

 blood-red. 



The Leucoptera is also a native of North America, from 

 New York to Hudson's Bay. Nothing of its habits is 

 known. 



There are two species of the Hahd-bills known, one inha- 

 biting the North of Europe, Asia, and America, the other the 

 Sandwich Islands. The first called the Pine Grosbeak, is a 

 handsome bird, and sometimes migrates from the North in 

 winter. In America it proceeds, but rarely, as far south- 

 ward as New York. It is more common in Canada. As it 

 loves cortical seeds, it delights in forests of coniferous trees. 

 Its song in spring is agreeable, and often heard at night. The 

 nest is placed at no great distance from the ground, where the 

 female deposits four white eggs. The Flamengo is a variety 

 of this. Of the habits of the Psittacea inhabiting the Sand- 

 wich Islands, we know nothing. 



The CoLiEs live in families, and each family nestles in the 

 same bush. They sleep suspended to the branches with the 

 head down, and close pressed against each other. They walk 

 like the martins, leaning on the length of the tarsus, and 

 climb like parrots, using the bill to assist them. They live 

 on fruits, grains, the buds of trees, and the tender sprouts of 

 pottage plants. These birds belong to the old continent, and 

 are found in the warm countries of Asia and Africa. Eight 

 species are enumerated, of which nothing but external de- 

 scription can be adduced. 



