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Genus II.— SIALIA, Swains. BLUE-BIRD. 



Bill of ordinary length, nearly straight, broader than high at the base, 

 compressed toward the end; upper mandible with the dorsal line straight 

 and slightly decimate, until near the end, when it becomes convex, the ridge 

 narrow, the sides convex toward the end, the edges overlapping, with a 

 distinct notch close to the narrow deflected tip; lower mandible with the 

 angle of moderate length, and narrow, the dorsal line straight, the sides 

 convex, the edges direct, the tip narrow. Nostrils basal, oval. Head rather 

 large, ovate, neck short; body moderately full. Feet of ordinary length, 

 rather slender; tarsus shorter than the middle toe and claw, its lower scutella 

 only distinct; toes of moderate length, the first stouter, the lateral equal, the 

 third much longer; the fourth adherent at the base; claws moderate, well 

 curved, compressed, laterally grooved, acute. Plumage soft and blended; 

 short bristles at the base of the upper mandible. Wings very long, pointed; 

 the first quill very small, second, third, and fourth longest. Tail rather 

 long, emarginate, of twelve rather strong feathers. 



COMMON BLUE-BIRD. 



Sialia Wilsonii, Swains. 

 PLATE CXXXIV.— Male, Female, and Young. 



This lovely bird is found in all parts of our country, and is generally a 

 permanent resident of the Southern States. It adds to the delight imparted 

 by spring, and enlivens the dull days of winter. Full of innocent vivacity, 

 warbling its ever pleasing notes, and familiar as any bird can be in its natural 

 freedom, it is one of the most agreeable of our feathered favourites. The 

 pure azure of its mantle, and the beautiful glow of its breast, render it con- 

 spicuous, as it flits through the orchards and gardens, crosses the fields or 

 meadows, or hops along by the road-side. Recollecting the little box made 



