THE SINGING BIRDS. 



149 



formation of the latter varies considerably in different species. The beak is long, slender, and but 

 slightly curved or incised ; the tarsus high and weak. The thick plumage is brilliant in its hues, and 

 unusually developed on the lower portions of the body. All the members of this family live either in 

 pairs or small parties, amidst the leafy tops of forest-trees, or in such districts as are covered with a 

 thick growth of brushwood. They feed exclusively on insects, but with this exception we are almost 

 entirely without particulars as to their habits or mode of incubation. 



THE FLUTE shrike {Laniarius Mthiofiiau) 



-xrv *- 



The FLUTE-VOICED SHRIKES (Laniarius) are recognisable by their elongate body, short 

 neck, head of medium size, and moderately long wing, in which the fourth or fifth quills exceed the 

 rest in length. The rather long tail is rounded at its extremity ; the beak is long, very decidedly 

 hooked, and but slightly incised. The tarsus is high, the toes powerful, and armed with formidable 

 claws. 



THE SCARLET SHRIKE. 



The Scarlet Shrike {Laniarius erythrogastcr), a species inhabiting Eastern Africa, and 

 replaced in the western and southern portions of that continent by a somewhat similar species (the 



