102 



NORTHERN ZOOLOGY. 



Typical group). 



Subtypical group.! 



Aberrant group. 



INSESSORES. 

 Bill more or less conic, strong, slightly emar- 

 ginate ; feet robust, formed both for perching 

 and walking, or leaping : omnivorous. 



Bill not conic, of a weaker structure, but 

 more deeply emarginate; feet more slender; 

 the mouth armed with bristles. 



Bill entire ; feet generally imperfect, very 

 short, and not adapted for walking. 



CONIROSTRES. 



Dentirostres. 



scansores. 

 Tenuirostres. 



FlSSIROSTRES. 



It may be further remarked, that the first and second groups are more perfectly 

 constructed than the third ; and that while the Conirostres are most conspicuous for 

 their bulk, the Dentirostres, in proportion to their size, evince the greatest strength 

 and courage. But distinctions, built only upon such considerations, are so vague 

 as obviously to be of little value. 



The decided analogy which Nature has preserved between the above groups of 

 the Insessores, and those into which she first resolves the whole feathered creation, 

 has recently been pointed out by Mr. MacLeay with his usual acumen. 



In an inquiry like the present it is, perhaps, of little importance at what point 

 we begin our investigation. Yet, as it has been customary with the majority of 

 ornithologists to commence with the Shrikes, immediately after treating on the 

 rapacious birds, to which, indeed, they bear the strongest analogy, we shall follow 

 the same plan, and commence, with M. Cuvier, by placing that family at the head 

 of his 



DENTIROSTRES. 



The most prominent distinction of this tribe, as already intimated, is the strong 

 emargination of one or of both mandibles. This notch is perfectly analogous to 

 the tooth or festoon in the birds of prey ; but, from its comparatively slight deve- 

 lopment, it merely enables the bird to take a firm grasp of its food, without the 

 power (except in one family) of tearing or dividing it in pieces. The Raptorial 

 birds exclusively employ their talons in seizing their quarry ; with these weapons 

 they transfix their victim, or strike it with such force as frequently to cause instant 



