LAND-BIRDS.
Family Ieterida: Blackhirde, Orioles, etc. Page 166. 8 Species.
Forming a link between the Finch and Crow families and containing, beside Blackbirds and Orioles, the Meadowlark, Bobolink, and Cowbird. Sexes unlike. All species but the Orioles have large, muscular feet adapted to walking, and feed on or near the ground. They are both seed and insect eaters, and vary much in size and colour. The predominat- ing hues are black, white, orange-red, and What Dr. Coues calls a “niggled pattern” of brown in the Meadowlark. Musically the species are divided, half being highly vocal and half casually so.
Family Carvidae: Crows, Jaye, etc. Page 177. 3 Species.
The Crows are large black birds, having bills as long as the head, stout feet suitable for walking, pointed wings longer than the tail, appearing saw-toothed in flight. Gre- garious; sexes alike. The Jays are a great contrast to the Crows, being crested and having conspicuous plumage in which blue predominates. Both Crows and Jays are partly carnivorous, and though having harsh voices, moderate them to a not unpleasing song in the breeding season.
Family Alaudidaa: Larkn. Page 180. 1 Species.
True Larks, kin of the European Skylark, and not to be confused with Meadowlarks or Titlarks. Our species, a Shore Lark, seen here only in the fall and winter, is highly musical in the breedingseason. It has very long, straight hind claws, long, pointed wings, and two slender, feathered ear tufts that give it the name of Horned Lark.
SUB—ORDER CLAMATORES: SONGLESS PERCHING BIRDS.
Birds with but poorly developed singing apparatus, the vocal muscles being either small or few. 47
