Order II. PASSERES. 
Tribe IV. Conirostres. 
The third Family, 
STURjNTID^, or Starlings, 
have the Bill more or less long, with the sides compressed, the ciilmen slightly curved or straight to 
the tip, which is sometimes emarginated, and the gape often angulated ; the Wings long and pointed ; 
the Tail generally long, and even or graduated ; the Tarsi more or less long, strong, and covered in front 
with broad scales ; the Toes long and strong, the hind toe very long and robust ; the claws long, curved, 
and acute. 
The first Subfamily, 
PTILONORHYNCHIN/E, or Glossy Starlings, 
have the BiU strong, moderate, with the sides compressed, and the culmen curved to the tip, which is 
emarginated ; the Wings moderate and pointed ; the Tail of various length, and graduated or even ; the 
Tarsi strong, and covered with broad scales ; the Toes long, strong ; the lateral ones unequal ; and the 
hind toe long and strong. 
Ptilonorhynchus KuhL* 
Bill moderate, and compressed on the sides, with the culmen elevated and arched to the tip, which is 
emarginated ; the gonys long, and advancing slightly upwards ; the lateral margins curved ; the nostrils 
basal, lateral, and sunk, with the opening large, and more or less concealed by the projectmg plumes. 
Wings long and pointed, with the first three quills graduated, and the fourth and fifth equal and longest. 
Tail short and even. Tarsi much longer than the middle toe, robust, and covered with broad scales. 
Toes long and strong, with the outer toe the longest ; the hind toe long and robust ; the claws long, 
compressed, and acute. 
These remarkable birds, called by Mr. Gould the Bower Birds, ai-e peculiar to Australia, where they are found in 
the forests that border the principal rivers, as well as in the cedar brashes. Wlien perched on the lofty branches of 
the trees, they emit loud and hai-sh notes, which, with regard to one of the species, can only be compared to the noises 
of the domestic cat. In the autumn they congregate in small flocks, and are then often seen on the ground. The 
adult male birds of the satin bower birds arc more rarely seen than the females and young males ; and these latter are 
supposed to be from two to three years old before they exhibit their rich glossy black plumage. They feed on various 
berries and fruits, especially wild figs and the native cherry, which when ripe form their chief food. They are very 
* It was in 1820 that Kuhl established this genus in bis Beitriige. 
