5,56 



TASSEEIXES. 



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

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

 short wings and tail. The decidedl}^ aquatic habits of these birds 

 tbrm a curious excejjtion to the rest of the Passerine order. They 

 live constantljr 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, the^r may often be noticed diving and moving 

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

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



(a^ 



Fiit. 2.58,— Tlie Dililier. w Water (Uizcl ICindiis ii,ji, 



, Eeclist,). 



catching the winged insects skimming over the surface of the 

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

 <Juzels principally frequent the banks of mountain streams, espe- 

 cially in rocky and precipitous countries. 



Tlic European species, called the Dipper, or 'Water Ouzel 

 {Ihjdrohnta cinrliis. 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 .Si)LrrAr,v or Woon Thrushes (Tiirdiis m/(sti//u)>f.'<, Gm.), 

 I'^ig, 'J,iil, are distinguished from the other Dentirostral Passerines 

 by tlieir long and slender tarsi. Tliey arc natives of America, 

 ;i.iid, in the midst of its vast forests, busv themselves in hunt- 



