Gen. Merula, Leach.

Char. - Bill slightly lengthened, compressed at the tip, and notched; nostrils feathered at the base ; rictal bristles short and trong ; tarsus of moderate length ; feet strong ; wings long ; 2nd quill shorter than 5th, which is nearly as long as the 3rd and 4th; tail square or nearly so.

The 'Blackbirds' form a group of nearly allied species, from most parts of the world, chiefly of black plumage, with yellow ororange- colored bills. They are remarkable for their fine power of voice. We possess three species in India, and Ceylon has another.