PASSERINiE. 133 



Those in which it is the most pointed and sti'ong', have still a decidedly 

 insectivorous regimen : they are called Piauhau from then- note — ^the Que- 

 BULA, Vieill. They inhabit America, where they pursue Insects, in flocks. 



They are now distributed into several subgenera, such as Tarsina, Ceble- 

 pyris, Bomhycilla (the Chatterers), Procnias, &c. 



Edolius, Cuv. 

 Belongs also to the great series of the Flycatchers; the beak is depressed 

 and emarginato at the end; its upper ridge is acute; but what distinguishes 

 it, is, that both mandibles are slightly arcuated throughout their length; the 

 nostrils are covered with feathers, and there are, besides, long hairs form- 

 ing mustachios. 



The species are numerous in the countries bordering on the Indian Ocean. 

 They are generally of a black hue, have a forked taU, and live on Insects; 

 some of them, it is said, sing as sweetly as the Nightingale. 



Tanagea, Lin. 



The Tanagers have a conical beak, triangular at base, slightly arcuated at its 

 ridge, emarginate near the end; \vings and flight short. They resemble the 

 Finches in habits, and feed on grain as well as on berries and insects. The 

 greater number are remarkable for their bright colours. 



TuEDUs, Lin. 



The Thrushes have a compressed and arcuatedbeak, but its point is not hook- 

 ed, and its emarginations do not form such deep notches as in the Shrikes; 

 as we have already stated, however, there are gradual transitions from one 

 genus to the other. 



Theu- regimen is more frugivorous, generally feeding on berries. Their 

 habits are solitary. 



T. polyghttus, L. (The Mocking-Bird.) From North America; ash- 

 coloured above, paler beneath, with a white band on the wing. It is cele- 

 brated for the astonishing facility with which it imitates the notes of other 

 birds, and even all kinds of sounds. 



Buffbn has very properly separated from the Thrushes, the 



Myotheea, Illig. 

 The Ant-Catchers are known by their long legs and short tail. They live on In- 

 sects, and chiefly on Ants. They are found in both continents. 



M. rex. (King of the Ant-Catchers.) The largest of all, and stands the 

 highest; its tail, on the other hand, is the shortest, and at the first glance it 

 might be taken for a Wader; it is about the size of a Quail, and its grey plu- 

 mage is agreeably chequered. It Is more solitary than the others. 



We must also separate from the Tlu-ushes: 



CiNCLUs, Becbst. 

 Or the Water- Thrushes, wliich Ixave a compressed, straight beak, with man- 



