THE SINGING BIRDS. 



231 



Order 11. Passeres (Percliing birds). — The highest 

 group of birds, those which sing, are the Passerine birds or 

 perchers. In tlicse birds tlie feet are adapted for grasp- 

 ing, one toe projecting backward, while the bill is horny. 



Fig. 273.— The Lyre-bii'd of Australia {Menura superha), 



usually sharp — conical, according to Ooues. Various as 

 are the shape of the wings, they agree in having the great 

 row of coverts not longer than half the secondaries; the 

 T3rimaries either nine or ten in number, and the secondaries 



