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Genus II. — SIALIA, Swains. BLUE-BIRD. 
Bill of ordinary length, nearly straight, broader than high’ at the 
base, compressed toward the end ; upper mandible with the dorsal line 
straight and slightly declinate, until near the end, when it becomes convex, 
the ridge narrow, the sides convex toward the end, the edges overlapping, 
with a distinct notch close to the narrow deflected tip ; lower mandible 
with the angle of moderate length, and narrow, the dorsal line straight, 
the sides convex, the edges direct, the tip narrow. Nostrils basal, oval. 
Head rather large, ovate, neck short ; body moderately full. Feet of 
ordinary length, rather slender ; tarsus shorter than the middle toe and 
claw, its lower scutella only distinct ; toes of moderate length, the first 
stouter, the lateral equal, the third much longer ; the fourth adherent at 
the base ; claws moderate, well curved, compressed, laterally grooved, 
acute. Plumage soft and blended ; short bristles at the base of the upper 
mandible. Wings very long, pointed ; the first quill very small, second, 
third, and fourth longest. Tail rather long, emarginate, of twelve rather 
strong feathers. 
COMMON BLUE-BIRD. 
SlALIA WlLSONII, Swains. 
PLATE CXXXIY. — Male, Female, and Totjng. 
This lovely bird is found in all parts of our country, and is generally a 
permanent resident of the Southern States. It adds to the delight imparted 
by spring, and enlivens the dull days of winter. Full of innocent vivacity, 
warbling its ever pleasing notes, and familiar as any bird can be in its natural 
freedom, it is one of the most agreeable of our feathered favourites. The 
pure azure of its mantle, and the beautiful glow of its breast, render it con- 
spicuous, as it flits through the orchards and gardens, crosses the fields or 
meadows, or hops along by the road-side. Recollecting the little box made 
