SINGlJSfG BIRDS. 



553 



Tliis bird, with tail feathers so strikingly developed (Fig. 

 •i77), is so peculiar among higher Passeres that it has been 

 proposed to separate it, with certain probable allies, from 

 all the rest. 



The Oscines are represented by a host of species. These 

 birds stand at the head of their class ; and as they are mostly 



Fig. 477. —The Lyrc-t>ird of Australia (Menura euperba). 



of small size, it may be said of them that they excel in qual- 

 ity, not quantity ; most of them sing, being highly wrought, 

 exquisite winged gems. Among the most notable are the 

 jays, including the magpie of the Kocky Mountains (Fig. 



