Family II. Turdidæ.
(Thrushes.)
The average size of the birds of this Family is considerably superior to that of the Warblers; though the one merges into the other by insensible gradations. The beak is as long as the head, compressed at the sides; the upper mandible arched to the tip, which is not abruptly hooked; the notch is well-marked but not accompanied by a tooth; the gape furnished with bristles. The feet are long, with curved claws. The food on which the Thrushes subsist is less restricted than that of the Warblers; for besides insects and their caterpillars, snails, slugs, earthworms, &c., they feed largely on pulpy and farinaceous berries of many sorts. Many of the species are gregarious during the winter, and some through the whole year. The colours are for the most part sombre, often chaste and elegantly arranged; various shades of olive are the most prevalent hues, very frequently taking the form of spots running in chains, upon the breast and under parts. Exceptions to this subdued character of coloration are not, however, wanting in this extensive Family: thus the Orioles are distinguished for their fine contrasts of rich black and golden yellow; and the Breves (Pitta, Temm.) for their dazzling blues and greens, while some of the African Thrushes shine in the metallic lustre of burnished steel.
The Turdidæ are found in all parts of the world; the species are very numerous, and a great number are eminent as song-birds.
