OF ORNITHOLOGY 153 



Melano, a black variation of some different colored plumage. 



Membranaceous — membrane — covered with or having a 

 membrane or skinny covering. 



Mentum, the chin. 



Metacarpus, that portion which lies between the carpus and 

 the phalanges. 



Metagnathous, a state in which the points of both mandibles 

 cross one another. 



Metamorphosis, a change of form, shape, or structure. 



Migrant, (Migration,) (Migratory,) the passing from one 

 region to another at stated intervals, usually in both 

 Spring and Autumn : cause — temperature, food, etc. 



Morphology, treats of the forms of any given animal structure- 



Moult, the shedding of the old and the acquiring of the new 

 plumage (occurs once and often twice each year.) 



Mucronate, abruptly pointed by a sharp, spiney shaft. 



N. 



Nasal, pertaining to the nostrils. 



Nape, See Neck. 



Neck, The, the neck of a bird is really divided into three re- 

 gions : the occiput, just back of the crown of the head ; 

 the neuchal region, or nape ; and the hind neck or cer- 

 vix. The nape is often spoken of as the back of the 

 neck, and it lies between the occiput and the cervix. 



Neuchal region, See Neck. 



Nidify, Nidijication, to nest, to make a nest, the process of 

 nesting. 



Normal, regular, ordinary. 



Nude, naked. 



O. 



Oblique, stantiug, inclined. 



Oblong, longer than wide. 



Obtuse, not sharp-pointed (blunt). 



Occiput, See Neck. 



Omnivorous, the eating of all kinds of food indiscriminately. 



Orbital region, the region about the eye. 



