The birds of this group have the beak conical and pointed, in general
rather strong, with both the mandibles moveable, and fit for peeling and
cleaning grain. Their feet are slender, and their claws divided. Some of
them do not confine themselves to grain, but also eat insects. Those
which feed solely on seeds disgorge them into the crop of their young,
the others simply put the food into their beaks. The greater part of
them build their nests very skilfully. The females brood alone, or are
very rarely assisted by the males in hatching.
This group and the following are peculiarly the real _cage birds_; those
pretty and attractive little creatures which enliven our rooms with
their songs.
Those which feed only on seeds may be tamed at any age.