168 
OMNIVOROUS BIRDS. 
Subgenus —Xanthornus. ( Cuv . Bonajp.) 
With the bill robust and straight, horizontally flattened above, and 
the frontal sinus ending in an acute but shallow angle. — The female 
somewhat less than the male. These birds are constantly gregari- 
ous, and live chiefly in meadows, or round open bushy swamps. 
They feed principally on insects and seeds ; build in society, and 
construct convenient, but not very artful nests. 
