22 ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF BIRDS. 
among the shrikes, which they further resemble in the 
nature of their food ; in both groups the head is fre- 
quently black. Their analogy, in short, is direct and 
perfect. To this division belongs the magnificent Seri- 
culus chrysocephnlm, Sw., or regent oriole, of New South 
Wales, and the no less splendid Oriolus paradiseus. Tern, 
or golden bird of paradise, from New Guinea. Near to 
these we place the lovely Irena puella, Horsf. or fairy 
oriole, although it shows a considerable deviation in the 
colours, being blue and black instead of yellow. Of aU 
these extra- European forms we know nothing but their 
skins ; and even of the common European species a great 
deal is yet to be learned. The European oriole is said to 
build a long purse-shaped pendulous nest, hanging from 
the high branches of trees, in the same way as those of 
the American hangnests. But although we lived several 
years in Italy, where these birds are common, we never 
were able to procure or to see its nest. 
(21.) We are prepared for the Crateropodince, or 
long-legged thrushes, by the regent oriole, just men- 
tioned, which differs from its congeners by the superior 
size and length of its legs. These birds, notwithstand- 
ing the confusion introduced among them by M. Tem- 
minck and others!, are separated from all the Brachipo- 
dinre both by economy and structure. Their general 
dimensions are much larger, and their feet are of a size 
and strength far exceeding those of any other in the 
whole family. From the shortness of their wings they 
fly with much difficulty, and then only for short dis- 
tances, retreating among thickets of reeds, and other 
aquatic plants, to which they cling. They show a 
singular partiality for places in the vicinity of water, 
and their notes are particularly loud and disagreeable. 
The colour of the plumage in all the species is sombre ; 
it is long, lax, and soft, particularly the tail feathers, 
which are generally broad and much rounded. As 
these birds perch so much among reeds, the strength 
thrown into their feet is not surprising ; since, to retain 
a firm hold on such a slippery and awkward support 
