60 



STURNlDiE. 



tion, their various parts being combined in such equal 

 proportions that no one appears to predominate. The 

 species comprised in the typical genera are usually a 

 crafty race, and their propensities are frequently com- 

 bined with a disposition to secrete various articles, 

 especially such as are of a shining nature : their voice 

 is hoarse and clamorous, but many of the individuals 

 are very docile, and may be taught to articulate 

 words : they usually construct their nests on trees, 

 and lay about six eggs : they are perfectly omni- 

 vorous. Among the aberrant genera may be found 

 some of the most magnificently plumaged birds, com- 

 monly known by the name of Paradise-birds : the 

 typical genera are of a more sombre cast, though not 

 inelegantly formed. 



STIRFS L— CPvACTICINA? 



GENUS CLXXIV.— < 



Rostrum basi rectum, gla- 

 brum, elongatum, com- 

 pressum, apice deflexum : 

 mandihulcs versus apicem 

 emarginatae ; superior basi 

 rotundata et inter frontis 

 plumas producta. 



Nares laterales, subbasales. 

 Alee mediocres, aut sub- 

 elongatas. 



GRACTiCUS, VieiUot. 



: Beak straight at the base, 

 ! glabrous, elongated, com- 

 pressed, its tip deflexed : 

 ' the mandibles eraarginated 

 at the tip; the upper round 

 at die base, and produced 

 among the feathers of the 

 forehead. 

 Nostrils lateral, subbasal. 

 Wing's moderate, or slightly 

 elongated. 



Bar IT A, Cuvier. 



