The Titlarks, or Pipits (Anthus), the Farlouses of French writers, approach the Larks by the same characteristics which distinguish the Quaketails, and might be confounded with them were it not for their compressed bill. Hence their name of Meadow Larks. They feed on autumnal fruits. Anthus trivialis, the Tree Pipit; A. pratensis, the Meadow Pipit; A. aquaticus; and A. Ricardi are the British species figured by Mr. Gould.
The Lyretail (Mænura superba, Swainson), [Fig. 255], is a bird of New Holland, about the size of a common Fowl, and has been classed by some naturalists among Gallinaceous birds; but Temminck places it in his Insectivorous order, among the Thrushes, and between Cuculus and Pitta. Cuvier places it among the Passerines. Vigors places it in the order Rasores, and in the family of the Cracidæ. This curious bird has a long compressed bill, triangular at the base. It owes its name to the peculiar disposition of its tail, which in the male has the exact form of a lyre. The singular development of the feathers of the tail is its chief attraction, for the plumage is dull and sombre in colour. In Australia it inhabits the forests of Eucalyptus; builds its nest in trees, a short distance from the ground; and feeds upon worms and insects, which it seeks for under the dried leaves and the surface of the soil. Its song is described as not unpleasant.
The Orioles (Oriolus, Linn.) have the bill long, stout, nearly straight, rather broad at the base, the dorsal line arched, and the tarsi very short. They are found in all the warmer parts of the Old World, and in the islands of Oceania. Their plumage is richly coloured, shades of yellow and black blending in great variety.
Fig. 256.—The Golden Oriole (Oriolus galbula, Sw.).
The Golden Oriole (Oriolus galbula, Wood), [Fig. 256], is about the size of the Blackbird, which it much resembles in form. The plumage is of a bright yellow; the feathers are oblong, with disunited barbs; those on the fore part of the head very short. The wings, when closed, reach to within an inch of the end of the tail; hence its flight is easy and sustained; while the form of its feet is equally well adapted for hopping on the ground and gliding among the branches. It is a shy, solitary bird, and is approached with great difficulty. In the countries where it is a constant visitor it arrives in May, and departs in August; but while it arrives singly, on its return migration it departs in whole families. It establishes itself on the borders of woods, or on the banks of some water-course; especially is it found where there are large trees, such as oaks and poplars, in which it builds its nest. The bird is common in the South of France. It lays from four to six eggs, and during incubation feeds on insects' larvæ and caterpillars, and is especially fond of the more delicate fruits of the sunny South, such as mulberries, cherries, and figs. This food gives a delicious flavour to its flesh, which causes it to be much sought after. The Oriole will not live in confinement. It is the Beccafica of the Italians.
The Mino (Eulabes javanses, Vieill.), [Fig. 257], has been assigned to various families. Swainson places it among the Sturnidæ, Gray in the sub-family of Graculinæ, under the family of Corvidæ. However, we prefer placing it as we have. They are sought after by the Orientals in consequence of their gentle habits, and the facility with which they imitate, like the Parrakeets, all sorts of phrases, and even airs. Their song is very agreeable.
The Minos have a bill analogous to that of the Orioles; but their general form and habits approximate more to the Starlings, among which they ought to be ranged. They are eminently social in their habits, searching for their food in large flocks, and passing the night in numbers on the same or on neighbouring trees. Their natural disposition being peaceful, lively, and confiding, they appear to prefer the vicinity of man's residence, and the cultivated fields that surround his dwelling. They frequently attend upon flocks of sheep, to feed upon the insects that infest these ruminants' skins. In countries where locusts abound, they are of great service to man by feeding upon them.
The Isle of Bourbon was at one time so infested with locusts that it threatened to become uninhabitable. The idea was entertained of introducing some Minos, and these birds multiplied so fast that in a few years the pests had disappeared. Unfortunately, the services of the Minos had to be paid for dearly, for they showed a penchant for fruit, and made great havoc among the cherries, mulberry trees, &c. When insects became scarce they even attacked the cereals and other crops.
