AVES. 



65 



splendour, has given rise to the " Bird of Paradise," is attri- 

 buted to the influence of the climate they inhabit. This 

 influence has been noticed in several other genera. They 

 are natives of New Guinea and the adjoining islands, and 

 are usually procured by Europeans from the savages of 

 those regions, who prepare the birds for sale by cutting off 

 the wings and feet. This circumstance has given rise to the 

 common idea that they were really destitute of those mem- 

 bers, and supported themselves always in the air. They 

 live on fruit and are extravagantly fond of spices. 



FAMILY IV. TENUIROSTRES. 



Beak slim, elongated, without emargination, sometimes 

 straight, sometimes more or less arcuated. Three remark- 

 able genera. 



Genus Sitta, Lin. Nuthatch. 



Beak straight, prismatic, pointed, and serving the same 

 purposes as the Woodpecker's. Tongue not extensible ; 

 nostrils, upon close inspection, seem to be covered with hair; 

 quills of the tail of no support in the action of climbing. 



Genus Certhia, Lin. Creeper. 



Beak arcuated at three angles, compressed and pointed; 

 tongue entire ; nostrils half closed by an arched membrane. 

 Quills of the tail serving to climb. 



Genus Trochilus, Lin. Humming- Bird. 



Beak long, slim, straight or arcuated, and tubulous. Tongue 

 extensible and split almost to its base. The subgenus Ortho- 

 rhynchus has the beak straight. The subgenus Trochilus 

 proper has it arcuated. These birds, like the Birds of Para- 

 dise, are celebrated for the metallic lustre of their plumage, 

 and, especially, for a species of laminae as brilliant as precious 

 stones, which are formed by a peculiar kind of scaly feather 

 on the throat and head. The split tongue is protruded to a 

 great length, and employed in taking up the nectar of flowers. 

 They feed also on small Insects, of which the stomach is fre- 

 quently found to be full. Their very small feet, long and 

 narrow wings, displayed tail, short humerus and broad ster- 

 num without emargination, give them extraordinary powers 

 i 



