PASSERINE BIRDS. 83 



PASSERINE BIRDS {Passeres). 



The Passerine order we understand to include the Finches and their nearest relations, as also the 

 Sparrows, and other families of similar structure. These birds have been usually grouped together 

 under the name of Conirostres, but as the adoption of this term would oblige us to include the 

 Ravens ( Coracirostres), we shall avoid it, considering that the many peculiarities of the- latter entitle 

 them to be regarded as forming an order by themselves. 



The Passeres, according to our definition, are rather small birds, the largest among them not 

 exceeding the size of a Starling. Their shape is compact, the body strong, the neck short, the head 

 thick, and the wings of moderate length, with nine or ten quills upon the primary, and the same 

 number upon the secondary region of the wing. The tail is generally long, and contains twelve 

 feathers ; the foot small, and what is termed a perching foot, three of the toes being in front and one 

 behind. The beak is thick and usually conical, occasionally hooked, and still more rarely crossed. 

 The plumage is generally thick, and the feathers comparatively large and soft ; their colouring is 

 usually quiet ; but this is by no means invariably the case ; all are, however, devoid of metallic lustre, 

 or possess it in a very trifling degree. There is a difference observable between the male and female, 

 not always dependent on the plumage, the male being the finer bird ; the young resemble the mother. 

 Many species moult twice in the year, so that at certain times their plumage exhibits a more brilliant 

 appearance than at others, owing to the rubbing off of the outer edge of the feathers. The internal 

 structure of the body presents nothing unusual. Although the Passerine Birds are unquestionably 

 far below the parrots in capacity, they are intelligent, acute, susceptible of being taught, and keen of 

 perception. 



Their flight is not so rapid as that of the smaller parrots, and consists of a succession of 

 undulating movements, which change into a hovering motion when the birds are excited or about to 

 alight. They can walk upon the ground, but generally hop ; and though the latter mode of progression 

 gives an air of awkwardness to some species, it contrasts favourably with the waddling gait of the 

 parrots. Many species are able to hop nimbly among the twigs and branches of trees, but few can 

 climb, and still fewer possess the peculiar clinging powers of the woodpecker and other really climbing 

 birds. They prefer the neighbourhood of water, but none of them are capable of swimming or diving. 



The Passerine Birds are citizens of the world ; they can endure the climate of icy mountains and 

 northern snows, and are met with in the glowing regions of the tropics. Hills and valleys, woods or 

 fields, the reed-covered swamps or treeless plains, are equally tenanted by various races, as is the 

 crowded city or the ban-en desert. In all these localities they will build their nests and educate their 

 young. Turn where we will, we see them — indeed, they are as much a part of the landscape as the 

 earth and sky. Notwithstanding the fondness they exhibit for wooded countries, we can by no means 

 ventvfre to call them tree-hvcAs, as many species live exclusively upon the ground, and all frequent it 

 more constantly than even the parrots. Open country near a wood is their favourite resort, and from 

 thence they visit the surrounding gardens and brushwood. They are found but in small numbers either 

 in deep forests, or on barren plains and mountains. Seeds, fruits, birds, and insects form their usual 

 nourishment, and but few appear to be dainty in their selection. The Passeres are, almost without 

 exception, of a social disposition, and solitary birds are seldom seen ; they live in pairs during the 

 breeding season, and keep together in parties throughout the remainder of the year, these parties 



