DIFFERENT PARTS OF BIRDS. 13 



and Flj'-catchers, incessantly active, are plying their 

 bills voraciously among the insect life ; the Hawk 

 wheels his buoyant flight in graceful circles over- 

 head; and the Humming Bird darts like a meteor in 

 pursuit of some favorite flower. All these cast a 

 halo of attraction around the name of Spring, re- 

 minding us that " the time of the singing of birds 

 is come." 



Before entering fully upon our subject, there are 

 a few observations which it will be necessary for us 

 to make, which cannot but be of use to the young 

 student of Ornithology. How wonderfully is the 

 form of a bird adapted to the element in which it is 

 designed to move ! We perceive that the general 

 outline of its body is boat shaped, as being most 

 consistent with a rapid motion through the air. The 

 skeleton is admirably formed, both as to strength 

 and buoyancy, many of the larger bones being hol- 

 low, and filled with air instead of marrow. In the 

 development of the muscles, also, we see compact- 

 ness combined with prodigious force ; and the struc- 

 ture of the wing at once commends itself to our 

 notice as a propelling, as well as a supporting power, 

 peculiarly suited to the wants of the bird ; while the 

 whole body is clothed with a covering which, for 

 lightness, warmth, and beauty, could hardly be ex- 

 celled. 



By reference to the adjoining cut, the following 

 description of the different parts of a bird, and the 

 names applied to some of the most prominent fea- 

 thers, will be understood : 



