AVES. 335 
sub-family, are peculiar to South America. They all resemble to a 
greater or less extent the wrens with which we are familiar, though 
some species live almost exclusively upon the ground. There is one genus 
(Hylactes) the species of which are remarkable for very robust legs and 
feet. HH. rufus is the best known species. 
Sus-Orper 8. Denrirostres, oR TOOTHED-BILLED Birps. 
This group embraces an immense number of birds, all of which in a 
greater or less degree subsist on insects. For this purpose the bill is 
always more or less toothed near the tip, which is frequently strongly 
hooked. The shrikes, thrushes, and robins, are familiar examples of the 
birds of this group. 
Fam. 1. Syiviapa, or Warsuers. Bill subulate, generally slender, tip 
of upper mandible emarginated ; wings more or less lengthened, generally 
rounded, sometimes pointed ; tail various, frequently rounded. ‘Tarsi long, 
slender ; toes mostly long, claws curved and acute. Size small. 
This extensive family is composed of a large number of birds, many of 
which are noted for their powers of song. They are found in all parts of 
the world. 
Sub-fam. 1. Malurine, or soft-tailed Warblers. Baill moderate, generally 
slender and straight, tip of upper mandible curved ; wings short, rounded ; 
tail more or less lengthened and rounded ; tarsi generally long and slender ; 
toes long, claws strong, acute. 
About one hundred and twenty species of birds are classed here, which 
are restricted to the old world and Australia. They have derived the 
name of soft-tailed warblers from having generally fan-like tails, the 
feathers of which frequently have webs of remarkable softness to the touch. 
Many of the species have very loud notes, sometimes agreeable, but fre- 
quently unpleasant. 
Australia produces about a dozen little birds of this sub-family which are 
very beautiful. The superb warbler (Malurus superbus) is one of the 
most common, and is clothed in plumage of splendid sky blue and black, 
presenting a singular contrast of colors. Others of this genus are equally 
handsome, though the species of this sub-family are generally of plain 
plumage. 
Sub-fam. 2. Sylviane, or true Warblers. Bill rather long, slender, 
nearly straight, compressed, curved at the tip; wings moderate, rounded ; 
tail rather long, rounded; tarsi lengthened, slender; toes long, slender ; 
claws long, curved, and sharp. Size small. 
This sub-family comprises about one hundred birds, including the 
warblers of Europe, the nightingales, golden crested wrens, and some other 
genera of birds not so well known, species of which inhabit the entire 
surface of the globe. The former, composing the old genus Sylvia, are 
common European birds. The nightingales, of which there are two 
species, have been celebrated for their transcendent powers of song from 
the earliest period of recorded history. 
The smaller species (Philomela luscinia, pi. 108, fig. 18) is the best 
singer, and is the bird usually alluded to as the nightingale. It is a small 
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