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An order of herbivorous dinosaurs with birdlike characteristics in the skeleton, esp. in the pelvis and hind legs, which in some genera had only three functional toes, and supported the body in walking as in Iguanodon. See Illust. in Appendix.

ia, intermediate in structure (especially with regard to the pelvis) between reptiles and birds. -- Or`ni*tho*scel"i*dan, a.

Observation of birds and their habits. [R.] De Quincey.

The anatomy or dissection of birds.

An extinct order of reptiles which stood erect on the hind legs, and resembled birds in the structure of the feet, pelvis, and other parts.

A European singing bird (Emberiza hortulana), about the size of the lark, with black wings. It is esteemed delicious food when fattened. Called also bunting.

One of several species of East Indian birds of the genera Ortygis and Hemipodius. They resemble quails, but lack the hind toe. See Turnix.

Singing birds; a group of the Passeres, having numerous syringeal muscles, conferring musical ability.

One of the Oscines, or singing birds.

A large bird of the genus Struthio, of which Struthio camelus of Africa is the best known species. It has long and very strong legs, adapted for rapid running; only two toes; a long neck, nearly bare of feathers; and short wings incapable of flight. The adult male is about eight feet high.

A genus of birds including the bustards.

n the surface of it; as, a dog leaps over a stream or a table. Certain lakes . . . poison birds which fly over them. Bacon.

Any cpecies of raptorial birds of the family Strigidæ. They have large eyes and ears, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye. They are mostly nocturnal in their habits.

An African weaver bird (Textor alector).

An African bird of the genus Buphaga; the beefeater.

arket. See lst Scalp, n. -- Oyster catcher (Zoöl.), any one of several species of wading birds of the genus Hæmatopus, which frequent seashores and feed upon shellfish. The European species (H. ostralegus), the common American species (H. palliatus), and the California, or black, oyster catcher (H. Bachmani) are the b…

A bird or other animal having thick toes.

Unhusked rice; -- commonly so called in the East Indies. Paddy bird. (Zoöl.) See Java sparrow, under Java.

See To pair off, under Pair, v. i. Pairyng time, the time when birds or other animals pair.

A membrane extending between the toes of a bird, and uniting them more or less closely together.