Characteristics

The order is divided into three suborders, Tyranni (suboscines), Passeri (oscines), and the basal Acanthisitti. Oscines have the best control of their syrinx muscles among birds, producing a wide range of songs and other vocalizations (though some of them, such as the crows, do not sound musical to human beings); some such as the lyrebird are accomplished imitators. The Acanthisittids or New Zealand wrens are tiny birds restricted to New Zealand, at least in modern times; they were long placed in Passeri; their taxonomic position is uncertain, though they seem to be a distinct and very ancient group.

Most passerines are smaller than typical members of other avian orders. The heaviest and altogether largest passerines are the Thick-billed Raven and the larger races of Common Raven, each exceeding 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) and 70 cm (28 in). The Superb Lyrebird and some birds-of-paradise, to 110 cm (43 in) due to very long tails or tail coverts, are longer overall.[verification needed] The smallest passerine is the Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant, at 6.5 cm (2.5 in) and 4.2 g (0.14 oz).


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