Fam. 3. Acalephan Birds, Cuckoos.
Bill rounded, slightly arched and obtuse; feet scansorial.
These Birds are less animated or lively than the preceding ones, keep themselves more concealed, and live mostly upon caterpillars in warmer countries. Some of them lay their eggs in the nests of other Birds.
Order 2. Conchozooid Birds—Conirostres.
3555. Bill short, thick, and straight, without a notch, three toes directed forwards.
These Birds usually perch upon branches, without, however, being able to walk upon them, since they usually hop, and must therefore make an auxiliary use of their wings. They are all of them granivorous, and in a condition both to crush the seeds with their strong bill, as well as pound them with their fleshy stomach or gizzard.
Their instruments of manducation and digestion are therefore perfect, added to which they are so allied to the subsequent order of Rapaces, that they could not be arranged lower; probably they ought even to rank higher.
Fam. 4. Mussel-Birds, Sparrows.
Bill short and coniform, without bristles; eat simply grains.
Fam. 5. Snail-Birds, Crows.