SYNOPSIS OF ORDERS AND FAMILIES. 
ORDER XVII. FLycatcHers, Jays, BLACKBIRDS, FINCHES, SWAL- 
Lows, WARBLERS, THRUSHES, AND OTHER PERCHING Birps. PAS- 
SERES. 
(18 families, about 325 species and 226 subspecies.) 
Bill, wings, and tail variable; feet with four toes not connected, the 
chind-toe as long as the middle one; its nail generally longer than that 
of the middle toe. This Order contains more species than the re- 
‘maining sixteen Orders put together. In it will be found over 80 per 
cent. of the birds commonly seen by field students. It is difficult of 
definition, but almost any small perching bird may, with more or less 
certainty, be referred to the Passeves. 
PHOEBE. 
Family 48. FLYCATCHERS. TYRANNIDA. : 
Bill broad, flat, hooked at tip, its base with bristles; wings rather pointed, the sec- 
ond to fourth primaries longest; tarsus rounded behind as well as in front; feathers of 
crown generally somewhat lengthened, forming when erected, a small crest; pose, when 
perching, erect; food of insects usually captured on the wing; voice generally unmusical. 
HORNED LARK. 
Family 49. LARKS. ALAUDIDA. E 
Hind toe-nail much lengthened; bill rounded, straight; tarsus rounded behind as well 
.as in front; our species with a tuft of feathers on either side of the head; outer primary 
-short or rudimentary; walking birds, singing while on the wing. 
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