556 



PASSEEINES. 



The characteristics of the Ouzels are a straight and slender bill; 

 large and stout toes, furnished with strong and hooked claws ; and 

 short wings and tail. The decidedly aqiiatic habits of these birds 

 form a curious exception to the rest of the Passerine order. They 

 live constantly on the edge of the water, or in the water itself, 

 hunting for the insects which constitute their food. Although their 

 toes are not webbed, they may often be noticed diving and moving 

 about imder water, by extending their wings and using them as 

 fins. They are frequently to be seen flying along streams, and 





Fig. 258. — The Dipper, or Water Ouzel [Ciiiclus aquaticus^ Beclist.). 



catching the winged insects skimming over the surface of the 

 water. They live a solitary life, except during the pairing season. 

 Ouzels principally frequent the banks of mountain streams, espe- 

 cially in rocky and precipitous countries. 



The European species, called the Dipper, or Water Ouzel 

 {Hydrobata cinclus, Wood), Fig. 258, is met with in Great Britain, 

 France, the Alps, Pyrenees, and other mountain chains in the 

 South, West, and North of Europe. 



The Solitary or Wood Thrushes {Turdus mustillmus, Gm.), 

 Fig. 259, are distinguished from the other Dentirostral Passerines 

 by their long and slender tarsi. They are natives of America, 

 and, in the midst of its vast forests, husj themselves in hiint- 



