THE OONE-BILLED PEBOHERS. 231 



CHAPTEK X. 



DlVISIOUr I. —VERTEBRATES. 



CLASS II. — BIRDS. 

 ORDER II. — PERCHING BIRDS. 



The most numerous and varied of all the families of Birds 

 lb the Insessores or Perching Birds, which comprises all those 

 having their habitations in trees, excepting only the climbers and 

 birds of prey. Their feet are fitted for perching on branches, 

 having three toes in front and one behind, on the same level with 

 the others ; each toe being armed with long and partially curved 

 claws. This order is divided into Cone-billed, Tooth-billed, Slen- 

 der-billed, and Gaping-billed birds. 



THE CONE-BILLED PER C HERS. 



_ii: Jay, so well known for the beautiful blue markings on 

 its wings, is rather a shy bird, preferring to reside in the thickest 

 woods, and seldom coming into the open country. It is easily 

 tamed when young, and is very amusing when domesticated. 



This bird possesses, like several others of the same family, 

 considerable talents for mimicry. It has been known to imitate 

 the sound of a saw, the bleat of a lamb, or even the neighing of a 

 horse, ■«itb the most perfect accuracy. Nor do its powers cease 

 here, for although its natural voice is harsh and grating, yet it 

 can imitate the sweet notes of singing birds, such as the green- 

 finch, with wonderful fidelity. It has also frequently been taught 

 to articulate words. ■ 



The Jay feeds on vegetable productions, such as acoms, etc., 

 more than the true crows. It is also partial to friits, especially 

 ripe cherries, and is consequently persecuted by the gardener. It 

 is also said to devour eggs and young birds. Its nest is built 



