THE SINGING BIRDS. 141 



THE SINGING BIRDS {Oscines). 



Under this name we class numerous families, all of which are more or less distinguished for the 

 perfection of their vocal apparatus. In appearance the members of this order are for the most part 

 pleasing and elegant, and their disposition usually attractive and engaging. Their body is long, the 

 neck short, and their head comparatively large ; the beak, though differing much as to its formation, 

 is almost invariably small, straight, or only very slightly curved, and the upper mandible is generally 

 more or less incised ; the tarsi are covered with horny plates, the toes long, and the claws large and 

 sharp ; the wings, invariably of moderate size, are formed of ten quills, the first of these being usually 

 much stunted or not at all developed ; the tail is by no means large, and composed of twelve feathers. 

 The plumage, which is soft, thick, and occasionally downy in texture, is simple and uniform in its 

 coloration ; some few species, however, are brilliantly ornamented. The young at first differ 

 considerably in appearance from the adult birds, and both young and old moult their feathers once 

 within the year. All the members of this extensive order are active, intelligent, and extremely 

 restless ; their flight is light and rapid, and their movements amongst the branches or upon the ground 

 are distinguished by extraordinary agility. In all, the sight and hearing are very perfect. They 

 live chiefly upon insects and seeds of various kinds, but some few species will kill and devour small 

 birds or similar prey. Every part of the world is enlivened by the presence of these delightful 

 warblers, whose cheerful voices are heard even in the most dreary and desolate regions, on burning, 

 sandy plains, as well as upon the ice-bound shores of arctic regions. Such as inhabit tropical 

 climates do not migrate ; but those within the temperate zones, as winter approaches, remove towards 

 the south, seeing that their native lands at that season do not afford them a sufficient supply of food. 

 Very great variety is observable in the construction of the nests built by different species of singing 

 birds, many exhibiting wonderful skill, and in some cases actually sewing together the materials they 

 employ, with their sharp beaks, whilst others are contented to drag a few leaves into a hole and thereon 

 deposit their brood. The eggs, sometimes five or six in number, are hatched by the agency of both 

 parents, who also assist each other in procuring food for the young progeny. The latter grow with 

 great rapidity, and are capable of providing for a family of their own after the first year. 



The TOOTH-BEAKED SINGING BIRDS (Daitirostres) constitute a large tribe, the members 

 of which are at once recognisable by a notch or tooth at the extremity of the upper mandible. 



The SHRIKES {Lanii) are a very numerous and well-known group, equally common in all 

 parts of the world. In these birds the body is powerful and the breast prominent ; their neck 

 is strong, the head comparatively large and round, the wings broad and rounded, the third or 

 fourth quill far exceeding the rest in length, while their tail is long and graduated. The beak is 

 powerful, compressed at its sides, and terminates in a strong hook, near which the upper mandible 

 has a very perceptible tooth-like appendage. The feet are large and robust, the toes long, and 

 armed with sharp claws ; the plumage is rich, thick, and lax, and its coloration pleasing and varied. 



Woods surrounded by meadows or pasture lands arc the favourite resorts of these birds ; but 

 they are also constantly found dwelling in hedges, among brushwood, or upon solitary trees. Such 

 species as frequent northern latitudes migrate regularly during the autumn, and find their way, in 



