104 CASSELL'S BOOK OF BIRDS. 



THE GAPERS {Hiantes). 



The order to which we have given the name of GAPERS (Hiantes) includes a considerable 

 number of families, which, though differing considerably from each other in some trifling respects, 

 are related in many essential particulars. Nearly all these birds are of small or moderate size, 

 and are recognisable by their slender though powerful body, short neck, large and remarkably 

 flat head, long narrow-pointed wings, and short feeble legs. Their beak is short, broad, and 

 flat, tapering towards its extremity, and although somewhat varied in its formation, is always sur- 

 rounded by a stiff, bristle-like growth; the gape is so unusually wide as to constitute the most 

 remarkable feature they all have in common. The plumage is sometimes harsh and dusky, and 

 sometimes soft, glossy, and brilliantly coloured. The birds belonging to this order principally 

 frequent the warmest portions of our globe, and are rarely met with in high northern latitudes, as the 

 latter afford them but a very scanty supply of the insects upon which they mainly subsist. Heat 

 is essential to the abundance of their favourite food, and it is for this reason that such species as 

 inhabit the temperate zones are compelled to quit their native lands for sunnier climes as winter 

 approaches. Some occupy forests ; others mountains, valleys, or open plains ; and many, when 

 about to make their nests, seek the immediate vicinity of man. All the members of this order 

 are possessed of extraordinary powers of flight, and pass the greater part of their lives in pursuing 

 their tiny prey through the realms of air. Upon the ground they move awkwardly and slowly, 

 and are usually scarcely more adroit in climbing among the branches of trees. The sight of all 

 these birds is excellent, but their other senses appear to be only slightly developed. In temper 

 they are social, brisk, and restless, and exhibit much tenderness towards their young. Their 

 intelligence, however, is by no means great ; indeed, some species are unquestionably extremely 

 deficient in this respect. So very various is the formation of the nests, and the number and 

 appearance of the eggs of the different families into which this order is divisible, that we shall 

 not attempt to mention them here, but will describe them with the group or species to which 



they belong. 



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SWALLOWS. 



The Swallows (Hirundines) constitute the foremost family of this order, and are readily distin- 

 guished by their small, delicately-formed body, broad breast, short neck, and flat head ; their beak is 

 short, fiat, broad at its base, and terminates in a slight hook ; the gape is so wide as to extend as 

 far as the eyes. These birds have no crop ; their broad, flat, horny tongue is sharp at its edge, 

 divided at its tip, and furnished with small tooth-like appendages towards its base. The feet are 

 broad and feeble, the toes, three of which are placed in front, are very weak and the claws are slender. 

 The wing is long, narrow, composed of nine quills, and sharply-pointed at its extremity; the tail 

 forked, containing twelve feathers ; those at the exterior often far exceeding the centre ones in length. 

 The plumage is composed of small compact feathers, and frequently exhibits considerable metallic 

 lustre. Both sexes are alike in colour, but the young differ somewhat from the adult birds. 



Swallows are found throughout every division of both hemispheres, and occupying every latitude, 

 but they rarely breed and are far from numerous within the limits of the Polar regions. Such 



