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diff --git a/old/60254-0.txt b/old/60254-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 92c086b..0000000 --- a/old/60254-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,18036 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Casell's Book of Birds, by -Thomas Rymer Jones and Alfred Edmund Brehm - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll -have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using -this ebook. - - - -Title: Casell's Book of Birds - Volume 3 (of 4) - -Author: Thomas Rymer Jones - Alfred Edmund Brehm - -Release Date: September 7, 2019 [EBook #60254] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CASELL'S BOOK OF BIRDS *** - - - - -Produced by Jane Robins and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - +---------------------------------------------------------+ - | Note: | - | | - | _ around word indicats italics _IN FOUR VOLUMES._ | - | = around word indicats bold =T= | - +---------------------------------------------------------+ - -[Illustration: _Plate 21, Cassell's Book of Birds_ - -THE BLUE GRANDALA ____ Grandala Coelicolor - -_about 2/3 Nat. size_] - - - - - CASSELL'S - - BOOK OF BIRDS. - - _FROM THE TEXT OF DR. BREHM._ - - BY - - THOMAS RYMER JONES, F.R.S., - - PROFESSOR OF NATURAL HISTORY AND COMPARATIVE ANATOMY IN KING'S COLLEGE, - LONDON. - - WITH UPWARDS OF - - Four Hundred Engravings, and a Series of Coloured Plates. - - _IN FOUR VOLUMES._ - - VOL. III. - - LONDON: - CASSELL, PETTER, AND GALPIN; - AND NEW YORK - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - PAGE - - -THE SEARCHERS (_Investigatores_). - - THE CLIMBERS. The CLIMBING BIRDS (_Scansor_):--The Tenuirostral. - The FLOWER BIRDS (_Certhiola_). The BLUE BIRDS (_Cæreba_):--The - Sai, or Blue Caereba. The PITPITS (_Certhiola_):--The Banana Quit, - or Black and Yellow Creeper. The HONEYSUCKERS (_Nectarinia_):--The - Abu-Risch. The FIRE HONEYSUCKERS (_Æthopyga_):--The Cadet. The - BENT-BEAKS (_Cyrtostomus_):--The Australian Blossom Rifler. The - SPIDER-EATERS (_Arachnothera_). The HALF-BILLS (_Hemignathus_):--The - Brilliant Half-bill. The HANGING BIRDS (_Arachnocestra_):--The True - Hanging Bird. The HONEY-EATERS (_Meliphaga_). The TRUE HONEY-EATERS - (_Myzomela_):--The Red-headed Honey-eater. The TUFTED HONEY-EATERS - (_Ptilotis_):--The Yellow-throated Tufted Honey-eater. The BRUSH - WATTLE BIRDS (_Melichæra_):--The True Brush Wattle Bird--The Poe, - or Tui. The FRIAR BIRDS (_Tropidorhyncus_):--The "Leatherhead." - The HOOPOES (_Upupa_):--The Common Hoopoe. The TREE HOOPOES - (_Irrisor_):--The Red-beaked Tree Hoopoe 1-15 - - THE TREE CLIMBERS (_Anabata_). The BUNDLE-NESTS - (_Phacellodomus_):--The Red-fronted Bundle-nest, or Climbing - Thrush. The OVEN BIRDS (_Furnarius_):--The Red Oven Bird. The - GROUND WOODPECKERS (_Geositta_):--The Burrowing Ground Woodpecker. - The STAIR-BEAKS (_Xenops_);--The Hairy-cheeked Stair-beak. THE - NUTHATCHES (_Sitta_)--The Common Nuthatch--The Syrian Nuthatch. The - CREEPERS (_Sittella_):--The Bonneted Creeper. The WALL CREEPERS - (_Tichodroma_):--The Alpine or Red-winged Wall Creeper. The TRUE - TREE CREEPERS (_Certhia_):--The Tree Peckers. TREE CLIMBERS - (_Scandentes_):--The Common Tree Creeper--The Sabre-bill--The - Woodpecker Tree-chopper. The WOODPECKERS (_Picida_). The BLACK - WOODPECKERS (_Dryocopus_):--The European Black Woodpecker. The - GIANT WOODPECKERS (_Campephilus_):--The Imperial Woodpecker--The - Ivory-billed Woodpecker. The BLACK WOODPECKERS (_Melanerpes_):--The - Red-headed Black Woodpecker--The Ant-eating Black Woodpecker. - The VARIEGATED WOODPECKERS (_Picus_):--The Great Spotted - Woodpecker--The Harlequin Woodpecker--The Three-toed Woodpecker. - The GREEN WOODPECKERS (_Cecinus_):--The Green Woodpecker. The - CUCKOO WOODPECKERS (_Colaptes_):--The Golden-winged Woodpecker--The - Red-shafted or Copper Woodpecker--The Field Woodpecker. The - SOFT-TAILED WOODPECKERS (_Picumnus_):--The Dwarf Woodpecker. The - WRY-NECKS (_Yunx_):--The Wry-neck 15-45 - - HUMMING BIRDS. The HUMMING BIRDS (_Stridor_). The GIANT GNOMES - (_Eustephanus_):--The Giant Humming Bird--The Sword-bill Humming - Bird. The GNOMES (_Polytmus_):--The Saw-bill--The Sickle-billed - Humming Bird. The SUN BIRDS (_Phäetornis_):--The Cayenne Hermit. - The MOUNTAIN NYMPHS (_Oreotrochilus_):--The Chimborazian Hill-star. - The SABRE-WINGS (_Campylopterus_):--De Lattrei's Sabre-wing. - The TRUE SABRE-WINGS (_Platystylopterus_):--The Fawn-coloured - Sabre-wing. The JEWEL HUMMING BIRDS (_Hypophania_):--The Crimson - Topaz Humming Bird--The Black-capped Humming Bird. The WOOD NYMPHS - (_Lampornis_):--The Mango Humming Bird--The Ruby and Topaz Wood - Nymph. The FLOWER NYMPHS (_Florisugus_):--The Brazilian Fairy. - The FLOWER SUCKERS (_Florisuga_):--The Pied Jacobin. THE FAIRIES - (_Trochilus_):--The Ruby-throated Fairy Humming Bird. The AMETHYST - HUMMING BIRDS (_Calliphlox_):--The Amethyst Humming Bird. The - WOODSTARS (_Calothorax_, or _Lucifer_):--Mulsant's Wood-star. The - ELVES (_Lophornithes_). The PLOVER-CRESTS (_Cephalolepis_):--De - Laland's Plover-crest. The COQUETTES (_Lophornis_):--The Splendid - Coquette. The AMAZONS (_Bellatrix_):--The Royal Amazon. The SUN GEMS - (_Heliactinus_):--The Horned Sun Gem. The SYLPHS (_Lesbiæ_). The - RACKET-TAILED SYLPHS (_Steganurus_):--The White-footed Racket-tail. - The COMETS (_Sparganura_):--The Sappho Comet. The MASKED HUMMING - BIRDS (_Microrhamphi_):--The Sharp-bearded Masked Humming Bird--The - Columbian Thornbill. The HELMET CRESTS (_Oxypogon_):--Linden's - Helmet Crest 45-75 - - THE LIGHT-BEAKS (_Levirostres_). The BEE-EATERS (_Meropes_):--The - Common Bee-eater--The Bee-wolf--The Bridled Bee-eater--The Swallow - Bee-eater--The Australian Bee-eater. The NOCTURNAL BEE-EATERS - (_Nyctiornis_):--The Sangrok. The ROLLERS (_Coracii_):--The - Blue Roller. The DOLLAR BIRDS (_Eurystomus_):--The Australian - Dollar Bird--The Oriental Dollar Bird. The SAW-BILL ROLLERS - (_Prionites_):--The Mot-mot. The BROAD-THROATS (_Eurylaimus_):--The - Sumatran Trowel-beak. The TRUE BROAD-THROATS (_Eurylaimus_):--The - Java Broad-throat--The Raya. The TODIES (_Todi_):--The Tody, or - Green Flat-bill 75-87 - - THE KINGFISHERS (_Alcedines_):--The European Kingfisher. The PURPLE - KINGFISHERS (_Ceyx_):--The Purple Kingfisher. The GREY KINGFISHERS - (_Ceryle_):--The Grey Kingfisher 87-91 - - THE ALCYONS (_Halcyones_). The TREE ALCYONS (_Halcyones_):--The - Red-breasted Tree Alcyon. The WOOD ALCYON (_Todiramphus_):--The - Yellow-headed Wood Alcyon--The Blue Alcyon. The GIANT ALCYONS - (_Paralcyon_, or _Dacelo_):--The Laughing Jackass, or Settler's - Clock. The PARADISE ALCYONS (_Tanysiptera_):--The True Paradise - Alcyon. The SAW-BEAKED ALCYONS (_Syma_):--The Poditti. The SLUGGARDS - (_Agornithes_). The JACAMARS (_Galbulæ_):--The True Jacamars--The - Green Jacamar 91-96 - - THE BUCCOS (_Buccones_). The SLEEPERS (_Nystalus_):--The Tschakuru. - The TRAPPISTS (_Monasta_):--The Dusky Trappist, or Bearded Cuckoo. - The DREAMERS (_Chelidoptera_):--The Dark Dreamer. The TOURACOS, - or TROGONS (_Trogones_). The FIRE TOURACOS (_Harpactes_):--The - Karna, or Malabar Trogon. The FLOWER TOURACOS (_Hapaloderma_):--The - Narina. The TROGONS PROPER (_Trogon_):--The Surukua, or Touraco--The - Pompeo--The Tocoloro. The BEAUTIFUL-TAILED TROGONS (_Calurus_):--The - Peacock Trogon--The Beautiful Trogon--The Quesal, or Resplendent - Trogon 96-105 - - THE CUCKOOS (_Cuculidæ_). The HONEY GUIDES (_Indicator_):--The - White-beaked Honey Guide. The CUCKOOS (_Cuculus_):--The Common - Cuckoo. The JAY CUCKOOS (_Coccystes_):--The Jay Cuckoo. The - KOELS (_Eudynamys_):--The Koel, or Kuil. The GOLDEN CUCKOOS - (_Chrysococcyx_):--The Didrik, or Golden Cuckoo. The GIANT CUCKOOS - (_Scythrops_):--The Giant Cuckoo, or Channel-bill. The BUSH CUCKOOS - (_Phœnicophæi_):--The Kokil, or Large Green-billed Malkoha. The - RAIN CUCKOOS (_Coccygi_):--The Rain or Yellow-billed Cuckoo--The - Rain Bird. The LONG-TAILED CUCKOOS (_Pyrrhococcyx_):--The - Long-tailed Cuckoo. The TICK-EATERS (_Crotophagæ_). The TRUE - TICK-EATERS (_Crotophaga_):--The Coroya--The Ani, or Savanna - Blackbird--The Wrinkled-beaked Tick-eater. The COUCALS, or - SPURRED CUCKOOS (_Centropodes_):--The Egyptian Coucal. The - CROW PHEASANTS (_Centrococcyx_):--The Hedge Crow. The PHEASANT - COUCALS (_Polophilus_):--The Pheasant Coucal. The BARBETS - (_Capitones_):--The Pearl Bird--The Golden Barbet--The Toucan Barbet - 105-127 - - THE HORNBILLS (_Bucerotidæ_). The TOUCANS (_Ramphastidæ_). The - ARASSARIS (_Pteroglossus_):--The Arassari. The TOUCANS PROPER - (_Ramphastus_):--The Toco Toucan--The Kirima, or Red-billed - Toucan--The Tukana. The HORNBILLS PROPER (_Bucerotes_). The - SMOOTH-BEAKED HORNBILLS (_Rhynchaceros_):--The Tok. The TWO-HORNED - HORNBILLS (_Dichoceros_):--The Homray--The Djolan, or Year Bird--The - Abbagamba, or Abyssinian Hornbill 127-140 - - -GALLINACEOUS BIRDS (_Gallinæ_). - - PIGEONS (_Gyratores_). The FRUIT PIGEONS (_Trerones_):--The Parrot - Pigeon. The DOVES (_Columbæ_):--The Ring-dove, Wood Pigeon, - or Cushat--The Stock Dove--The Rock Dove. The CUCKOO PIGEONS - (_Macropygiæ_):--The Passenger Pigeon, or Carolina Turtle-dove. - The TURTLE-DOVES (_Turtures_):--The Turtle-dove. The INDIAN - RING-DOVES (_Streptopeleia_):--The Indian Ring-dove--The Dwarf - Pigeon. The GROUND PIGEONS. The AMERICAN GROUND PIGEONS (_Zenaidæ_). - The SINGING DOVES (_Melopeleia_):--The Kukuli. The SPARROW - PIGEONS (_Pyrgitœnas_):--The Sparrow Pigeon, or Ground Dove. The - SPARROW-HAWK PIGEONS (_Geopeleia_):--The Striped Sparrow-hawk - Pigeon--The Speckled or Wedge-tailed Turtle-dove. The RUNNING - PIGEONS (_Geotrygones_):--The Partridge Dove. The BRONZE-WINGED - PIGEONS (_Phapes_):--The Crested Bronze-wing. The TRUE BRONZE-WINGS - (_Phaps_):--The Common Bronze-wing 141-166 - - THE QUAIL PIGEONS (_Geophaps_):--The Partridge Bronze-wing. The - WHITE-FLESHED PIGEONS (_Leucosarcia_):--The Wonga-Wonga Pigeon--The - Hackled Ground Pigeon. The CROWNED PIGEONS (_Gouræ_):--The Crowned - Pigeon--The Victoria Crowned Pigeon--The Didunculus, or Toothed - Pigeon 166-172 - - TRUE GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. The SAND GROUSE (_Pteroclæ_):--The - Ganga, or Large Sand Grouse--The Large Pin-tailed Grouse, or - Khata--The Common Sand Grouse--The Striped Sand Grouse--Pallas's - Sand Grouse. The GROUSE TRIBE (_Tetraonidæ_). The GROUSE PROPER - (_Tetraones_):--The Capercali. The HEATH COCKS (_Lyrurus_):--The - Black Cock--The Hybrid Grouse--The Hazel Grouse--The Prairie Hen, or - Pinnated Grouse 172-195 - - THE PTARMIGANS (_Lagopus_):--The Willow Ptarmigan--The Alpine or - Grey Ptarmigan--The Red Grouse, Brown Ptarmigan, or Gar Cock 195-202 - - THE PARTRIDGES (_Perdices_). The SNOW PARTRIDGES - (_Tetraogallus_):--The Caspian Snow Partridge--The Himalayan Snow - Cock, or Snow Pheasant. The RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGES (_Caccabis_):--The - Greek Partridge--The Chuckore--The Red-legged Partridge--The - Barbary Partridge--The Common Partridge. The FRANCOLINS - (_Francolinus_):--The Black Partridge. The BARE-NECKED PHEASANTS - (_Pternistes_):--The Red-necked Pheasants. The AMERICAN PARTRIDGES - (_Odontophori_):--The Capueira Partridge--The Virginian or American - Partridge. The CALIFORNIAN PARTRIDGE (_Lophortyx Californianus_) - and GAMBEL'S PARTRIDGE (_Lophortyx Gambelii_):--The Californian - Partridge--Gambel's Partridge. The QUAILS (_Coturnices_):--The - Common Quail. The DWARF QUAILS (_Excalfactoria_):--The Chinese - Quail. The BUSH QUAIL (_Turnices_):--The Black-breasted Bustard - Quail--The African Bush Quail--The Collared Plain-wanderer 202-228 - - THE PHASIANIDÆ. The TUFTED PHEASANTS (_Lophophori_):--The Monaul - or Impeyan Pheasant--Lhuys' Pheasant. The TRAGOPANS, or HORNED - PHEASANTS (_Ceriornis_):--The Sikkim Horned Pheasant--The Jewar, - or Western Horned Pheasant. The JUNGLE FOWLS (_Galli_):--Kasintu, - or Red Jungle Fowl--The Jungle Fowl of Ceylon--The Javanese Jungle - Fowl--The Sonnerat Jungle Fowl, or Katakoli. The MACARTNEY PHEASANTS - (_Euplocamus_):--The Siamese Fireback--The Sikkim Kaleege, or Black - Pheasant--The Kelitsch, or White-crested Kaleege Pheasant--The - Silver Pheasant. The PHEASANTS PROPER (_Phasiani_):--The Common - Pheasant--The Chinese Ring-necked Pheasant--The Japanese - Pheasant--Soemmerring's Pheasant--Reeves' Pheasant. The GOLDEN - PHEASANTS (_Thaumalea_):--The Golden Pheasant--Lady Amherst's - Pheasant. The EARED PHEASANTS (_Crossoptilon_):--The Chinese Eared - Pheasant--The Argus Pheasant, or Kuau. The PEACOCK PHEASANTS - (_Polyplectron_):--The Chinquis, or Assam Peacock Pheasant. The - PEACOCKS (_Pavones_):--The Common Peacock--The Black-winged - Peacock--The Japan Peacock. The GUINEA FOWLS (_Numidæ_). The ROYAL - GUINEA FOWLS (_Acryllium_):--The Vulturine Royal Guinea Fowl 228-257 - - THE TUFTED GUINEA FOWLS (_Guttera_):--Pucheran's Tufted Guinea Fowl. - The GUINEA FOWLS (_Numida_):--The Common Guinea Fowl--The Mitred - Pintado--The Tuft-beaked Pintado. The TURKEYS (_Meleagrides_):--The - Puter, or Wild Turkey. The AUSTRALIAN JUNGLE FOWLS - (_Megapodinæ_). The TALLEGALLI (_Tallegalli_). The BRUSH TURKEYS - (_Catheturus_):--The Brush Turkey, or Wattled Tallegallus--The - Maleo--The Ocellated Leipoa. The MEGAPODES (_Megapodii_):--The - Australian Megapode 256-275 - - THE CURASSOWS, or HOCCOS (_Cracidæ_). The TRUE CURASSOWS, or - HOCCOS (_Craces_):--The Common or Crested Curassow--The Wattled - Curassow--The Red Curassow--The Galeated Curassow--The Mountain - Curassow, or Lord Derby's Guan. The GUANS (_Penelopæ_):--The - Supercilious Guan--The Pigmy, or Piping Guan--The Aracuan--The - Hoactzin, or Stink Bird. The TINAMOUS (_Crypturidæ_):--The - Tataupa--The Inambu 275-285 - - THE AMERICAN QUAILS (_Nothura_):--The Lesser Mexican Quail--The - Macuca. The SPUR-FOWLS (_Galloperdices_):--The Painted Spur-fowl - 285-286 - - -SHORT-WINGED CURSORIAL BIRDS (_Brevipennes_). - - THE OSTRICH (_Struthio camelus_). The NANDUS (_Rhea_):--The Nandu, - or American Ostrich--The Long-billed Nandu--The Dwarf Nandu 287-299 - - THE EMUS (_Dromæus_):--The Emu--The Spotted Emu 300-302 - - THE CASSOWARIES (_Casuarii_):--The Helmeted Cassowary--The - Mooruk--The Australian Cassowary. The KIVIS (_Apteryges_):--The - Kivi-Kivi--Mantell's Apteryx--Owen's Apteryx 302-312 - -[Illustration] - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. - - -COLOURED PLATES - - PLATE XXI.--THE BLUE GRANDALA. - - " XXII.--THE WHISKERED FANTAIL. - - " XXIII.--THE CRIMSON TOPAZ. - - " XXIV.--THE EUROPEAN BEE-EATER. - - " XXV.--THE BEAUTIFUL TROGON. - - " XXVI.--THE TOUCAN. - - " XXVII.--THE ROCK PIGEON. - - " XXVIII.--THE PTARMIGAN. - - " XXIX.--THE SANGUINE FRANCOLIN. - - " XXX.--THE HASTINGS TRAGOPAN. - - -WOOD ENGRAVINGS. - - FIG. PAGE - - 1. The Sai, or Blue Caereba (_Cæreba cyanea_) 3 - - 2. The Banana Quit (_Certhiola flaveola_) 4 - - 3. The Abu-Risch (_Hedydipna metallica_) 5 - - 4. The Hanging Bird (_Arachnocestra longirostris_) 9 - - 5. The Poe, or Tui (_Prosthemadera circinata_) 13 - - 6. The Hoopoe (_Upupa epops_) 16 - - 7. The Red Oven Bird (_Furnarius rufus_) 17 - - 8. The Hairy-cheeked Stair-beak (_Xenops genibarbis_) 20 - - 9. The Common Nuthatch (_Sitta cæsia_) 21 - - 10. The Alpine Wall-creeper (_Tichodroma muraria_) 24 - - 11. The Common Tree-creeper (_Certhia familiaris_) 25 - - 12. The Woodpecker Tree-chopper, (_Dendraplex picus_) 28 - - 13. The European Black Woodpecker (_Dryocopus martius_) 29 - - 14. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker (_Campephilus principalis_) 32 - - 15. The Red-headed Black Woodpecker (_Melanerpes - erythrocephalus_) 33 - - 16. The Green Woodpecker (_Gecinus viridis_) 40 - - 17. The Golden-winged Woodpecker (_Colaptes auratus_) 41 - - 18. The Wry-neck (_Yunx torquilla_) 44 - - 19. The Giant Humming Bird (_Patagona gigas_) 48 - - 20. The Sword-bill Humming Bird (_Docimastes ensifer_) 49 - - 21. The Sickle-billed Humming Bird (_Eutoxeres aquila_) 52 - - 22. The Chimborazian Hill-star (_Oreotrochilus Chimborazo_) 53 - - 23. The Crimson Topaz Humming Bird (_Topaza pella_) 56 - - 24. The Brazilian Fairy (_Heliothrix auriculata_) 61 - - 25. The Amethyst Humming Bird (_Calliphlox amethystina_) 65 - - 26. The Splendid Coquette (_Lophornis ornata_) 67 - - 27. The Horned Sun-gem (_Heliactinus cornutus_) 68 - - 28. The White-footed Racket-tail (_Steganurus Underwoodii_) 69 - - 29. The Sappho Comet (_Sparganura Sappho_) 72 - - 30. Humming Birds 73 - - 31. The Bee-wolf (_Melittotheres nubicus_) 77 - - 32. The Australian Bee-eater (_Cosmäerops ornatus_) 80 - - 33. The Blue Roller (_Coracias garrulus_) 81 - - 34. The Mot-mot (_Prionites momota_) 84 - - 35. The Java Broad-throat (_Eurylaimus Javanicus_) 85 - - 36. The European Kingfisher (_Alcedo ispida_) 88 - - 37. Grey Kingfishers (_Ceryle rudis_) 92 - - 38. The Laughing Jackass (_Paralcyon gigas_, or - _Dacelo gigantea_) 93 - - 39. The Green Jacamar (_Galbula viridis_) 97 - - 40. The Dusky Trappist, or Bearded Cuckoo (_Monasta fusca_) 99 - - 41. The Narina (_Hapaloderma narina_) 101 - - 42. Quesals, or Resplendent Trogons (_Calurus paradiseus_, or - _C. resplendens_) 104 - - 43. The Cuckoo (_Cuculus canorus_) 108 - - 44. The Jay Cuckoo (_Coccystes glandarius_) 109 - - 45. The Didrik, or Golden Cuckoo (_Chrysococcyx auratus_) 112 - - 46. The Giant Cuckoo, or Channel-bill (_Scythrops - Novæ-Hollandiæ_) 113 - - 47. The Kokil, or Large Green-billed Malkoha (_Zanclostomus - tristis_) 115 - - 48. The Ani, or Savanna Blackbird (_Crotophaga ani_) 120 - - 49. The Wrinkled-beaked Tick-eater (_Crotophaga rugirostris_) 121 - - 50. The Pheasant Coucal (_Polophilus phasianus_) 124 - - 51. The Pearl Bird (_Trachyphonus margaritatus_) 125 - - 52. The Arassari (_Pteroglossus aracari_) 128 - - 53. The Toco Toucan (_Ramphastus toco_) 129 - - 54. The Tok (_Rhynchaceros erythrorhynchus_) 133 - - 55. The Homray (_Dichoceros bicornis_) 136 - - 56. The Djolan, or Year Bird (_Rhyticeros plicatus_) 137 - - 57. The Abbagamba, or Abyssinian Hornbill (_Bucorax - Abyssinicus_) 139 - - 58. Nestlings of the Abbagamba 140 - - 59. The Parrot Pigeon (_Phalacroteron Abyssinica_) 144 - - 60. The Ring-dove, or Wood Pigeon (_Palumbus torquatus_) 145 - - 61. The Passenger Pigeon (_Ectopistes migratorius_) 148 - - 62. Turtle Doves 156 - - 63. Dwarf Pigeon (_Chalcopeleia Afra_) 157 - - 64. The Kukuli (_Melopeleia meloda_) 160 - - 65. The Striped Sparrow-hawk Pigeon (_Geopeleia striata_) 161 - - 66. The Crested Bronze-wing (_Ocyphaps lophotes_) 164 - - 67. The Bronze-winged Pigeon (_Phaps chalcoptera_) 165 - - 68. The Hackled Ground Pigeon (_Callœnas Nicobarica_) 168 - - 69. The Victoria Crowned Pigeon (_Goura Victoria_) 169 - - 70. Sand Grouse 173 - - 71. The Khata (_Pterocles alchata_) 176 - - 72. The Common Sand Grouse (_Pterocles exustus_) 177 - - 73. Pallas's Sand Grouse, or Sand Grouse of the Steppes 180 - - 74. The Capercali (_Tetrao urogallus_) 184 - - 75. The Black Cock (_Lyrurus tetrix_) 185 - - 76. Hybrid Grouse (_Tetrao medius_) 188 - - 77. Hazel Grouse (_Bonasia sylvestris_) 189 - - 78. The Prairie Hen (_Cupidonia Americana_) 192 - - 79. The Willow Ptarmigan (_Lagopus albus_) 197 - - 80. The Alpine Ptarmigan (_Lagopus Alpinus_), in Summer - plumage 200 - - 81. The Alpine Ptarmigan (_Lagopus Alpinus_), in Winter - plumage 201 - - 82. The Red-legged Partridge (_Caccabis rubra_) 208 - - 83. The Common Partridge (_Perdix cinerea_, or _Starna - cinerea_) 209 - - 84. The Virginian Partridge (_Ortyx Virginianus_) 217 - - 85. The Californian Partridge (_Lophortyx Californianus_) 220 - - 86. The Common Quail (_Coturnix communis_) 221 - - 87. The Chinese Quail (_Excalfactoria Chinensis_) 224 - - 88. The African Bush Quail (_Turnix Africanus_, or _T. - Gibraltariensis_) 228 - - 89. The Monaul, or Impeyan Pheasant (_Lophophorus resplendens_, - _refulgens_, or _Impeyanus_) 229 - - 90. The Sikkim Horned Pheasant (_Ceriornis Satyra_) 233 - - 91. The Kaleege, or Black Pheasant - (_Euplocamus-Gallophasis-melanotus_) 240 - - 92. The Silver Pheasant (_Nycthemerus argentatus_, or - _Euplocamus nycthemerus_) 241 - - 93. Reeves' Pheasant (_Phasianus Reevesii_, or _P. veneratus_) 244 - - 94. The Golden Pheasant (_Thaumalea picta_) 245 - - 95. The Chinese Eared Pheasant (_Crossoptilon auritum_) 248 - - 96. The Argus Pheasant, or Kuau (_Argus giganteus_) 249 - - 97. The Chinquis, or Assam Peacock Pheasant (_Polyplectron - chinquis_) 252 - - 98. The Common Guinea Fowl (_Numida meleagris_) 257 - - 99. The Ocellated Turkey (_Meleagris ocellata_) 260 - - 100. The Brush Turkey (_Catheturus Lathami_) 265 - - 101. The Maleo (_Megacephalon Maleo_) 269 - - 102. The Crested Curassow (_Crax alector_) 277 - - 103. The Hoactzin, or Stink Bird (_Opisthocomus cristatus_) 281 - - 104. The Inambu (_Rhynchotus rufescens_) 284 - - 105. The Ostrich (_Struthio camelus_) 288 - - 106. An Ostrich Hunt 292 - - 107. Nandus (_Rhea Americana_), with Nest and Eggs 293 - - 108. The Nandu, or American Ostrich (_Rhea Americana_) 297 - - 109. The Emu (_Dromæus Novæ-Hollandiæ_) 300 - - 110. Cassowary (_Casuarius galeatus_) 304 - - 111. The Kivi-Kivi (_Apteryx Australis_) 308 - - 112. The Nandu, or Rhea 312 - - - - -_CASSELL'S_ - -BOOK OF BIRDS. - - -THE SEARCHERS (_Investigatores_). - -The families which, according to natural arrangement, seem to constitute a -third division of the great class of birds are principally characterised -by the conditions under which they procure their food, viz., by -searching for it in situations where it can only be obtained by diligent -investigation or laborious exertion. Their diet is usually of a very mixed -description, consisting partly of insects and partly of materials derived -from the vegetable creation. Many of them were at one time considered to -subsist entirely upon the honeyed juices of the fruits and blossoms, among -which they spend the greater part of their lives; and, although it is now -generally admitted that the insects which abound in the nectared chalices -whence they draw their supplies constitute a principal article of their -nutriment, they are not the less on that account to be regarded as riflers -of the saccharine stores laid up for their use in many a beautiful cup -temptingly held forth for their enjoyment. Such are the Honeysuckers and -the gorgeously decorated Humming Birds, whose sumptuous garb would seem -literally intended to "gild refined gold and paint the lily." A second -important group, constituted likewise for the purpose of preying upon -insects, has been specially adapted to climb the trunks of trees in search -of the innumerable hosts of destroyers that lurk beneath the bark, or in -the crevices of wood in progress of decay. These constitute an extensive -family, well exemplified by the Woodpeckers; while others, furnished -with beaks and feet of very diverse structure, search everywhere for the -particular kind of nourishment upon which they are destined to subsist. - -The name we have selected for this extensive division of the feathered -creation was first employed by Reichenbach, although not exactly in the -same sense as that in which we are going to apply the term, neither can -we hit upon any single character whereby all the species included under -this denomination can be easily designated; nevertheless, however they -may differ among themselves, there is a certain conformity in their -structure, and a general resemblance in their habits, which will probably -be appreciated when we have put the reader in possession of the details -contained in the following pages. - -We shall, therefore, at once commence their history, by describing them -under the following headings. - - -THE CLIMBERS. - -The CLIMBING BIRDS (_Scansor_) are for the most part recognisable by -their slender though powerful body, short neck, and large head. The -long or medium-sized beak is either strong and conical, or weak and of -a curved form; the feet are short, and the long toes either arranged -in pairs or placed together in the usual manner, and armed with long, -hooked, and sharp claws. The moderate-sized wing, which is usually rounded -at its extremity, and occasionally of great breadth, is never slender -or pointed; the formation of the tail is very various. Anything like a -general description of the plumage possessed by the different groups -of this order would be impossible; some, glittering with gay and even -resplendent colours, dart through the air like living gems, whilst others -are clad in such dull and sombre livery as to be scarcely distinguishable -from the earth or trees upon which they are formed to live. The various -representatives of the _Scansor_ may be said to occupy almost every region -of our earth; some groups are migratory, and leave their native lands -annually with the utmost regularity, whilst others remain throughout the -entire year within a certain limited district. Woods and forests are the -localities principally occupied by these birds, though they are by no -means incapable of ascending rocks, or seeking for their food upon the -ground, over the surface of which they run with considerable facility. -Their flight is good, but it is upon the trees alone that the _Scansor_ -exhibit the full beauty and ease of their movements. All the members of -this order consume insects, and many devour fruit, berries, seeds, honey, -and the pollen of plants. As regards their powers of song they are by no -means gifted; indeed, the most highly endowed amongst them rarely rise -above the utterance of a few pleasing notes during the breeding season. -The construction of the nests of the _Scansor_ varies so considerably that -we shall confine ourselves to speaking of them in their appropriate places. - -It is usual among systematic writers to associate many of the birds -which we have included in the present order as slender-billed forms of -one or other of the preceding divisions, more especially those usually -denominated TENUIROSTRES, and perhaps we shall be harshly judged for -our departure from the usual custom; be that as it may, the resemblance -between some of the Climbing Birds and some Singing Birds is undeniable, -and it is upon that ground that we treat of them in this place. - - * * * * * - -The TENUIROSTRAL species are distinguishable from all others by the -slenderness of their beak, which is usually more or less curved, and by -the feebleness of their feet, the toes of which are not arranged in pairs. -They may be grouped as follows:-- - - * * * * * - -The FLOWER BIRDS (_Certhiola_) constitute a small group of South American -species, remarkable for the great beauty of their plumage. All possess a -slender body, moderate-sized wing, containing nine primaries (of which the -second, third, and fourth are the longest), and a somewhat soft-feathered -tail, of medium length. The beak is also of moderate size, much arched -at its base, and curved slightly inwards at its margins. The tongue is -long, divided, and thread-like at its tip, but not protrusible; the foot -is short and powerful. The sexes are readily distinguishable by the -diversity of their coloration, the plumage of the male being blue, and -that of the female usually green. All the members of this group closely -resemble our singing birds in their habits and mode of life; they subsist -upon insects, seeds, corn, and berries, in pursuit of which they hop from -branch to branch, with ever restless activity. According to the Prince -von Wied, they regard fruit of various kinds, particularly oranges, with -especial favour, and, when these are ripe, constantly venture into the -gardens, even close to dwelling-houses, with all the fearlessness of the -Domestic Sparrow; at other seasons they prefer to keep within the shelter -of well-wooded thickets. Their song, we believe, consists of but a single -note. - - * * * * * - -The BLUE BIRDS (_Cæreba_) are at once recognisable by their long, thin -beak, which is compressed at its sides, and slightly notched near its very -sharp tip; the wing is long and pointed, its second and third quills, -which are of equal size, exceeding the rest in length. The moderate-sized -tail is straight at its extremity; the legs are weak, and the tongue, -which is tolerably long, composed of two lobes, terminating in fringed -margins. - - -THE SAI, OR BLUE CAEREBA. - -The SAI, or BLUE CAEREBA (_Cæreba cyanea_). The prevailing colour of this -beautiful species is a brilliant light blue, shading towards the top of -the head into resplendent blueish green; the upper part of the back, -wings, and tail, as well as a stripe surrounding the eye, are black, and -the inner margins of the wings yellow. The eye is greyish brown, the beak -and foot bright orange-red. The plumage of the female is siskin-green -on the upper parts of the body, and pale green beneath; the throat is -whitish. The length of this species is four inches and two-thirds, the -wing measures two inches and a quarter, and the tail one inch and a -quarter. - -[Illustration: THE SAI, OR BLUE CAEREBA (_Cæreba cyanea_).] - -These beautiful birds are met with throughout the greater part of South -America, and are especially numerous about Espirito Santo. The Prince von -Wied found them in large numbers inhabiting the forests near the coast, -and tells us, that except during the breeding season, they live in small -parties of six or eight, which disport themselves among the topmost -branches of the trees, frequently associating with Tangaras, and such -other of the feathered inhabitants of their leafy retreats as are about -their own size. Fruit, seeds, and insects constitute their principal -means of subsistence, and in pursuit of these they display an agility and -dexterity fully equalling that of our own Titmouse. The voice of the Sai -is only capable of producing a gentle twitter. Schomburghk mentions that -large numbers of a very similar species are destroyed by the natives, who -employ the gay and glossy feathers as personal ornaments. - - * * * * * - -The PITPITS (_Certhiola_) have a high slender beak, which curves gently -towards its sharp tip; their wings are long, their tail short, and their -tongue divided into two parts, each of which terminates in a brush of -thread-like fibres. - - -THE BANANA QUIT, OR BLACK AND YELLOW CREEPER. - -The BANANA QUIT, or BLACK AND YELLOW CREEPER (_Certhiola flaveola_), is -blackish brown on the upper parts of the body, and of a beautiful bright -yellow on the under side and rump; a line that passes above the eyes, the -anterior borders of the primary quills, the tips of the tail, and its two -outer feathers are white; the throat is ash-grey, the eye greyish brown, -the back is black, and the foot brown. The female is blackish olive on the -back, and pale yellow on the under side; in other respects her plumage -resembles that of her mate. The length of this species is three inches and -five-sixths; the wing measures two inches and one-sixth, and the tail one -inch. - -[Illustration: THE BANANA QUIT (_Certhiola flaveola_).] - -"Scarcely larger than the average size of Humming Birds," writes Mr. -Gosse, "this little Creeper is often seen in company with them, probing -the same flowers, and for the same purpose, but in a very different -manner. Instead of hovering in front of each blossom, a task to which -his short wings would be utterly incompetent, the Quit alights on the -tree, and proceeds in most business-like manner to peep into the flowers, -hopping actively from twig to twig, and throwing his body into all -positions, often clinging by his feet with his head downwards, the better -to reach the blossoms with his curved beak and pencilled tongue; the -minute insects which are concealed in the flowers are always the objects -of his search. Unsuspectingly familiar, these birds resort much to the -blossoming shrubs of enclosed gardens. The soft, sibilant note of the -Quit is often uttered while the bird peeps about for food. The nest is -frequently built in those low trees and bushes from whose twigs depend -the paper nests of the brown wasps, and in close contiguity with them. On -the 4th of May, as I was riding to Savannah-le-Mar, I observed a Banana -Quit with a bit of silk cotton in her beak, and, on searching, found a -nest just commenced in a sage bush (_Lautana camara_). The structure, -though incomplete, was evidently about to be a dome, and so far was -entirely constructed of silk-cotton. A nest now before me is in the form -of a globe, with a small opening in the side. The walls are very thick, -composed of dry grass, intermixed irregularly with the down of Asclepias. -This nest I found between the twigs of a branch of Bauhinia that projected -over the high road, near Content, in St. Elizabeth's. The two eggs were -greenish white, thickly but indefinitely dashed with red at the broad end." - -[Illustration: THE ABU-RISCH (_Hedydipna metallica_).] - -In the Eastern Hemisphere the Flower Birds are represented by-- - - * * * * * - -The HONEYSUCKERS (_Nectarinia_). These are small and -delicately-constructed birds, adorned with plumage of the most brilliant -hues; their body is compact, their beak thin, slightly curved, and -sharply pointed. The moderately long wing contains ten primary quills. -The formation of the tail is very varied, being either straight, rounded, -or wedge-shaped at its extremity; its two centre feathers occasionally -extend considerably beyond the rest. The tongue is long, very protrusible, -and divided at its tip; the feet are high, and the toes slender. The -coloration of the plumage varies not only in the two sexes, but also at -different seasons; the feathers are moulted twice in the year, and only -exhibit their gay tints during the period of incubation; towards the end -of the season the males are clad in the same sombre hues that belong to -the females and young. The Honeysuckers inhabit the whole of Africa, -Asia, and Oceania, the first-mentioned continent being especially rich -in species. Everywhere their glowing colours entitle them to be regarded -as the most striking ornaments of the woods, groves, or gardens they -inhabit, whilst their intelligence renders the study of their habits -extremely interesting. During the greatest part of the year they live in -pairs, which occasionally associate into small parties during the breeding -season. The nests of the Honeysuckers are constructed with great skill, -and are usually suspended from thin branches or twigs. The eggs, which are -few in number, are of a pure white. - - -THE ABU-RISCH. - -The ABU-RISCH (_Hedydipna metallica_) represents a group recognisable by -their slightly-curved beak, scarcely equalling the head in length; their -comparatively short wings, in which the second, third, fourth, and fifth -quills are of equal length; and their wedge-shaped tail, the two centre -feathers of which are usually considerably prolonged. The male is of a -metallic green on the head, throat, back, and shoulder-covers; the under -side is bright yellow, a line upon the breast and the rump have a violet -sheen; the quills and tail-feathers are blackish blue, the eye brown, and -the beak and feet black. The back of the female is of a light olive-brown, -and her under side sulphur-yellow; her quills and tail-feathers have -light edges. The young resemble the mother, but are of a paler hue. The -length of this species is six inches, of which three and a half belong to -the centre tail-feathers, the rest do not exceed thirteen and a quarter; -the wings measure two inches and one-sixth. The Abu-Risch is met with -in all such parts of Africa as afford it the shelter of its favourite -mimosa-trees, upon and around which it may literally be said to spend its -whole existence. Early in the morning, and towards the close of the day, -it usually perches quietly among the branches, and only displays its full -vivacity during the noontide heat, when it flutters rapidly from blossom -to blossom, in search of food, singing and chirping briskly as it flies -in cheerful companionship with its almost inseparable mate. The song of -the male is pleasing, and accompanied by a great variety of gesticulations -and attitudes, calculated to exhibit his crest and plumage in all their -varied beauty to the admiring gaze of the female, who usually endeavours -to imitate her partner, but, owing to the comparative dullness of her -colours, with a far less imposing result. In Southern Nubia the breeding -season commences in March or April. The nest, which is variously formed, -is neatly and skilfully woven with cotton-wool and similar materials, and -lined with hair or spiders' webs. This pretty little structure is usually -suspended from the end of a branch, at no great height from the ground, -and is entered by an aperture at the side, frequently so situated that the -leaves of the branch overhang and shade the entrance hole. Both parents -work busily in constructing this snug apartment for their young, and have -seldom completed their labours in less than a fortnight's time. The eggs, -which are oval in shape, and white, are incubated by the female alone. - - * * * * * - -The FIRE HONEYSUCKERS (_Æthopyga_), the Indian representatives of the -above group, are recognisable by the comparative thinness of their short -but distinctly curved beak. In their wings the fourth quill exceeds the -rest in length; the tail is wedge-shaped at its sides, and furnished with -two long and slender feathers in its centre. The plumage of the male is -enlivened by brightly-tinted stripes on the cheeks, while that of the -female is sombre, and almost of uniform tint. - - -THE CADET. - -The CADET (_Æthopyga miles_), one of the most beautiful members of this -family, is blood-red on the back; the throat and upper part of the breast -are of a somewhat paler crimson; the top of the head is violet, with a -bright, metallic, green lustre. The nape is deep olive-yellow, and the -belly pale greenish yellow; a steel-blue line, that becomes gradually -broader, passes from the corners of the mouth to the sides of the neck; -the quills are brown, edged with olive; the two centre tail-feathers are -glossy violet-green, and those of the exterior brown, with a purple sheen -on the outer web. The eye is dark brown, the upper mandible black, the -lower one brown, and the foot greyish black. The female is olive-green on -the back, and yellowish green on the under side. The wing measures two -inches and three-eighths, and the tail three inches. - -The Cadet inhabits the northern and eastern parts of India, and is often -met with in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,500 feet above the level of -the sea. - - * * * * * - -The BENT-BEAKS (_Cyrtostomus_) are distinguishable by their very decidedly -curved beak, which equals the head in length, is blunt at its margins, and -slightly incised towards its very sharp tip; the tarsus is comparatively -high, the tail short and rounded, and the wings, in which the fourth and -fifth quills are the longest, of moderate size. The plumage is of an -olive-green on the upper parts of the body, and brightly coloured in the -region of the throat. - - -THE AUSTRALIAN BLOSSOM RIFLER. - -The AUSTRALIAN BLOSSOM RIFLER (_Cyrtostomus Australis_) is olive-green -on the back, and of a beautiful bright yellow on the under side; the -throat and upper breast are steel-blue. A short yellow streak passes -over the eyes, and beneath this runs a long line of deeper shade; the -eye is chestnut-brown, and the beak and feet black. The female is of an -uniform yellow on the under side. According to Gould, the body of this -species measures four inches and three-quarters, the wing two inches and -one-eighth, and the tail two inches and a half. - -"This pretty bird," says Macgillivray, as quoted by Gould, "appears to -be distributed along the whole coast of Australia, the adjacent islands, -and the whole of the islands in Jones's Straits. Although thus generally -distributed, it is nowhere numerous, seldom more than a pair being seen -together. Its habits resemble those of the _Ptilotes_, with which it -often associates, but still more closely those of the _Myzomela azura;_ -like those birds, it resorts to the flowering trees, to feed upon the -insects which frequent the blossoms, especially those of a species of -_Sciodophyllum_. This singular tree, whose range on the north-eastern -coast and that of the Australian Sun Bird appears to be the same, is -furnished with enormous spike-like racemes of small scarlet flowers, -which attract numbers of insects, and thus furnish an abundant supply of -appropriate food. The Blossom Rifler is of a pugnacious disposition, as I -have more than once seen; it drives away and pursues any visitor to the -same tree. Perhaps this disposition is only exhibited during the breeding -season. The nests we found at Cape York were pensile, and attached to the -twig of a prickly bush; one, measuring seven inches in length, was of an -elongated shape, with a rather large opening on one side, close to the -top; it was composed of shreds of Melaleuca bark, a few leaves, various -fibrous substances, rejectamenta of caterpillars, &c., and lined with the -silky cotton of the _Bombyx Australis_. The eggs were pear-shaped, mottled -with dirty brown, on a greenish grey ground. Another nest, found at Mount -Ernest, Jones's Straits, differs from those seen in Cape York, in having -over the entrance a projecting fringe-like hood, composed of the panicles -of a delicate grass-like plant. It contained two young birds, and I saw -the mother visit them twice in an interval of ten minutes. She glanced -past like an arrow, perched at once on the nest, clinging to the lower -side of the entrance, and looked round very watchfully for a few seconds -before feeding the young, after which she disappeared as suddenly as she -arrived." - - * * * * * - -The SPIDER-EATERS (_Arachnothera_) are short, compactly-built birds, with -extraordinarily long and often strangely-formed beaks, which in most -species are very decidedly curved and delicately incised at the margins. -The nostrils are covered with a skin, and only open inferiorly, where -they terminate in a horizontal slit-shaped aperture. The thread-like -tongue, which is very long, and greatly resembles that of a butterfly, -consists of two fine tubes, which run side by side, and are closely -connected along their under surface; a longitudinal groove is interposed -between them above. The arrangement of the bones at the base of the -tongue, whereby the lingual apparatus is capable of considerable -protrusion, is very similar to that observable in the Woodpecker. The feet -are powerful, but of medium length, and the wings (in which the fourth -quill is the longest) are of moderate size. The sexes are very similar in -the coloration of their plumage, in which brownish green, and more or less -lively yellow, grey, or green, predominate. - -The Spider-eaters usually frequent the most shady retreats in their -favourite woods, and but rarely ascend the branches to more than -fifteen or twenty feet from the ground. In the Sunda Islands they are -principally met with in the coffee plantations, the brushwood that -skirts the mountains, or in the thickets of trees and shrubs that -surround the villages. In all these situations they are numerous, and are -constantly to be seen as they flit from flower to flower in search of -the insects and honey upon which they subsist. Small spiders are said to -be eagerly devoured by all the members of this family, hence their name -of _Arachnothera_. The flight of the Spider-eaters, which is extremely -rapid, and in many respects like that of the Woodpecker, is observed by -the natives with a superstitious attention, fully equalling the reverence -paid by the Romans to the predictions drawn by their augurs from a similar -source. - - * * * * * - -The HALF-BILLS (_Hemignathus_) are a group of Spider-eaters that are -easily recognisable by the strange formation of their beak; the upper -mandible terminates in a sharp point, and is always much longer than the -under portion of the bill, sometimes twice its length. The toes, also, are -comparatively long, and the foot short. The plumage is usually green upon -the back, and of a yellowish tint beneath. All the members of this group -inhabit Oceania. - - -THE BRILLIANT HALF-BILL. - -The BRILLIANT HALF-BILL (_Hemignathus lucidus_), one of the most beautiful -members of this group, is olive-green upon the entire mantle, shading -into grass-green on the top of the head and at the edges of the wings. A -stripe over the eyes, and the sides of the head and throat are orange-red; -the breast is bright yellow, the belly of a paler shade, and its lower -portion greenish grey. In young birds the back and region of the eye -are olive-green, the under side light greenish grey, and the belly pale -yellow. This species is six inches long, but of this measurement one inch -and three-quarters belong to the tail, and one inch and a quarter to the -beak; the lower mandible does not exceed eight lines in length. We are -without particulars as to the life of this bird, except that it inhabits -the Pisang plantations. - - * * * * * - -The HANGING BIRDS (_Arachnocestra_) are recognised by the great length of -their slightly-curved beak, the base of which is as broad as it is high; -the upper mandible is delicately incised, and the entire bill of almost -equal thickness, only tapering gently towards the extremity; the legs are -slender, the toes long, and the wings (in which the fourth, fifth, and -sixth quills exceed the rest in length) of moderate size; the tail is -short and rounded. - - -THE TRUE HANGING BIRDS. - -The TRUE HANGING BIRDS (_Arachnocestra longirostris_) are olive-green -on the back, and sulphur-yellow on the under side; the throat and upper -breast are white, the quills and tail-feathers deep brown, the former -edged with olive, and the three outer tail-feathers tipped with white; the -beak and feet are blackish grey. This species is six inches and a half -long, the wing measures two inches and two-thirds, and the tail one inch -and three-quarters. - -[Illustration: THE HANGING BIRD (_Arachnocestra longirostris_).] - -These birds frequent banana plantations, and usually betray their presence -by their shrill chirping cry. Were it not for the constant repetition of -their note they would rarely be observed, as the hues of their plumage -render it almost impossible to detect them among the foliage. We learn -from Bernstein that their manner of building is very remarkable. The -oval-shaped nest, some six or seven inches long, and three or four inches -broad, is attached by threads to a large leaf, in such a manner that the -latter forms the fourth side. Fine grass and fibres are employed for the -interior, and half-decayed leaves, of which little more than the fibrous -portion remains, are used for the outer wall, so that, when completed, -the curious structure has rather the appearance of a substantial spider's -web than of a bird's nest. The entrance is at one end. The eggs, two in -number, are pure white, spotted with reddish brown at the broad extremity. - - * * * * * - -The HONEY-EATERS (_Meliphaga_) have a long, slender, slightly-curved beak, -the upper mandible of which extends considerably beyond the lower portion. -The feet are strong but moderate-sized, and furnished with powerful hinder -toes; the wing, also moderate, is rounded, its fourth quill being the -longest; the tail varies in its dimensions, but is usually rounded at its -extremity; the nostrils are concealed by a cartilaginous skin; the gape is -narrow, and the tongue provided with a tuft of delicate fibrous bristles -at its tip. The stomach is very small, and but slightly muscular. The -plumage, which differs little in the two sexes, varies considerably in -different species. In some it is thick, variegated, and much developed in -the region of the ear, in others smooth, compact, and of almost uniform -colour. - -All the Honey-eaters are of a lively and restless disposition, and -exhibit the utmost activity both when running upon the ground or climbing -amongst the branches; in the latter case, especially, their movements are -extremely agile. They are constantly to be seen hanging head downwards -from the twigs, whilst engaged in busily searching under the leaves for -insects, and in extracting honey from the flowers. Some species fly well, -and disport themselves freely in the realms of air, whilst others are -incapable of continuing their undulatory flight for more than a short -distance. The voice of all is rich and varied, indeed, some members of -the group may be regarded as really good singers. Few species are social -in their habits; they keep together only in pairs, even when of necessity -compelled to take up their abode near each other. Towards man they show -the utmost confidence, and come freely down into streets and dwellings; -indeed, they exhibit no timidity even towards the more formidable of the -feathered kind. Instances have been frequently recorded in which they have -boldly opposed Crows, Falcons, and other large birds. Their nests are -variously constructed, and the number of eggs is always small. - - * * * * * - -The TRUE HONEY-EATERS (_Myzomela_) are small birds, with delicate, much -curved beaks, powerful feet, and moderate-sized wings and tail. The latter -is either straight or slightly incised at its extremity. The plumage is -remarkable for its brilliancy. - - -THE RED-HEADED HONEY-EATER. - -The RED-HEADED HONEY-EATER (_Myzomela erythrocephala_) is a beautiful -species, bright scarlet upon the head, throat, and rump; the tail and -a band upon the breast are chocolate-brown; the lower breast and belly -are brownish yellow, the eye is reddish brown, the beak olive-brown, and -the foot olive-grey. The female is brown above, and light fawn-colour on -the under side. The length of this species is four inches and a half. -The wing measures two inches and a quarter, and the tail one inch and -three-quarters. - -This magnificent little bird frequents the groves and groups of -almond-trees that abound in the northern parts of Australia, and enlivens -its favourite haunts as much by the briskness and activity of its -movements as by the brightness of its plumage. Its voice is sharp and -twittering. We are entirely without particulars of the manner in which -incubation is carried on. - - * * * * * - -The TUFTED HONEY-EATERS (_Ptilotis_) are remarkable for the unusual -development of the feathers in the region of the ear. Their body is -elongate, their wings short, and tail long. The strong, slightly-curved -beak is short, and the foot of moderate size. - - -THE YELLOW-THROATED TUFTED HONEY-EATER. - -The YELLOW-THROATED TUFTED HONEY-EATER (_Ptilotis flavigula_) is yellowish -green on the back, wings, and tail. The dark grey under side glistens -with a silver sheen; the belly and sides are pale olive, the top of the -head dark grey, and the throat bright yellow. The feathers that compose -the ear-tufts are tipped with yellow, and the outer web of the quills is -deep brown. The eye is brown, the beak black, and the foot lead-grey; the -gullet and tongue are of a brilliant orange-red. The length of this bird -is eight inches; the wing measures four inches and a half, and the tail -four inches and a quarter. - -"This fine and conspicuous species," says Gould, "is abundant in all the -ravines around Hobart Town, and is very generally spread over the whole -of Van Dieman's Land, to which island I believe it to be exclusively -confined. It is very animated and sprightly, extremely quick in its -actions, elegant in its form, and graceful in all its movements; but -as its colouring assimilates in a remarkable degree with that of the -foliage it frequents, it is somewhat difficult of detection. When engaged -in searching for food, it frequently expands its wings and tail, creeps -and climbs among the branches in a variety of beautiful attitudes, -and often suspends itself to the extreme ends of the outermost twigs. -It occasionally perches on the branches of trees, but is mostly to be -met with in dense thickets. It flies in an undulating manner, like a -Woodpecker, but this power is rarely exercised. Its note is a full, loud, -powerful, and melodious call. The stomach is muscular, but of very small -size, and the food consists of bees, wasps, and other hymenoptera, also of -coleoptera of various kinds, and the pollen of flowers. It is a very early -breeder, as is proved by my finding a nest containing two young birds -covered with down, and about two days old, on the 27th of September. The -nest, which is generally placed in a low bush, differs considerably from -those of all other Honey-eaters with which I am acquainted, particularly -in the character of the material forming the lining. It is the largest -and warmest of all, and is usually formed of ribbons of stringy bark, -mixed with grass, and the cocoons of spiders; towards the cavity it is -more neatly built, and is lined internally with opossum's or kangaroo's -fur. In some instances the hair-like material from the base of the large -leaf-stalks of the tree-fern is employed for the lining, and in others -there is merely a flooring of wiry grasses or fine twigs. The eggs, which -are either two or three in number, are of the most delicate fleshy buff, -rather strongly but sparsely spotted with small prominent roundish dots -of chestnut-red, intermingled with which are a few indistinct spots of -purplish grey. The average length of the egg is eleven lines, and the -breadth eight lines." - - * * * * * - -The BRUSH WATTLE BIRDS (_Melichæra_) are recognisable by their powerful -body, strong and slightly curved beak, comparatively short foot, short -rounded wing, and long, wedge-shaped, tapering tail. - - -THE TRUE BRUSH WATTLE BIRD. - -The TRUE BRUSH WATTLE BIRD (_Melichæra mellivora_) is deep brownish -grey on the back, each feather having a white stripe in the centre. The -feathers on the throat and breast are brown, tipped with white; the rest -of the under side appears lighter than the back, owing to the greater size -of the white shaft-stripe. The upper quills are chestnut-brown on the -inner web, and the rest brown tipped with white, as are the tail-feathers. -The eye is grey, the beak black, and the foot brown. This species is about -eleven inches long; the wing measures four inches and a quarter, and the -tail five inches and one-sixth. - -These birds inhabit all such parts of Tasmania, New South Wales, and -South Australia as offer them the shelter of their favourite Banksias. -Everywhere they are numerous, and display the utmost confidence and -fearlessness towards man. In disposition they are lively, active, and -so pugnacious as to live in a state of constant warfare with all their -feathered companions. "The Brush Wattle Bird," says Gould, "is a bold and -spirited species, evincing a considerable degree of pugnacity, fearlessly -attacking and driving away all other birds from the part of the tree on -which it is feeding, and there are few of the Honey-eaters whose actions -are more sprightly and animated. During the months of spring the male -perches on some elevated branch, and screams forth its harsh and peculiar -notes, which have not unaptly been said to resemble a person in the act -of vomiting; whence the Australian name of 'Goo-gwar-ruck,' in which the -natives have endeavoured to imitate these very singular sounds. While -thus employed, it frequently jerks up its tail, throws up its head, and -distends its throat, as if great exertion were required to force out these -harsh and guttural sounds. The Banksias are in blossom during the greater -portion of the year, and the early flower, as it expands, is diligently -examined by the Wattle Bird, which inserts its long feathery tongue into -the interstices of every part, extracting the pollen and insects, in -searching for which it clings to and hangs about the blossoms in every -variety of position. The breeding season commences in September, and lasts -for three months. The very small nest is round in shape, open at the top, -and formed of delicate twigs and fibres. This pretty little structure is -usually placed in the fork of a branch, at the height of a few feet from -the ground. The two or three eggs are bright red, spotted slightly with -dark brown; these markings are most numerous at the broad end." - - -THE POE, OR TUI. - -The POE, or TUI (_Prosthemadera circinata_), is readily distinguished -by the two remarkable tufts of feathers that decorate each side of -the throat; in other respects its formation closely resembles that of -its congeners. The coloration of the plumage is principally of a deep -metallic green, which appears black in some lights, and in others shines -like bronze. The back is umber-brown, but glistens with the same varying -shades. A white line passes over the shoulders, and the long feathers on -the nape are enlivened by white streaks upon the shafts. The strange tufts -on the sides of the throat to which we have alluded are pure white, and -form a dazzling contrast to the dark plumage by which they are surrounded. -The belly is deep umber-brown; the quills and tail-feathers black, very -glossy and resplendent above, and quite lustreless on the lower side. -This species is twelve inches long. The wing measures five inches and a -half, and the tail four inches and a half. Layard tells us that of all the -feathered inhabitants of the New Zealand forests the Poe is most certain -to attract the notice of the traveller, as it flutters noisily from branch -to branch, or sails in airy circles over the tree tops. It is not uncommon -to see eight or ten of these birds at a time turning somersaults as they -circle after each other, or rise and sink with outspread wings and tail, -until at last they return to seek repose after their gambols under the -sheltering branches of the trees. The Poe has been frequently described -as the most wonderful of songsters, and some writers have gone so far -as to declare that its performance far exceeds that of the Nightingale, -both in beauty of tone and clearness of execution. Such accounts as these -are, in our opinion, much exaggerated, though we admit that it certainly -ranks with the finest songsters inhabiting Australia. The food of the -Poe, we are told, consists of insects, in search of which it exhibits -a very restless activity. It also devours berries and earthworms. This -species possesses a most wonderful talent for imitating the notes of all -the feathered inhabitants of the woods; hence it is sometimes called the -Mocking Bird. In confinement it also learns to mimic other sounds, such -as the noises of dogs, cats, or poultry, and readily pronounces long -sentences with great correctness. - - * * * * * - -The FRIAR BIRDS (_Tropidorhyncus_) are recognisable from all their -congeners by a knob at the base of the upper mandible, a bare place on the -head and throat, and the long feathers that adorn the nape or breast. The -tongue is provided at its extremity with a double brush-like appendage. - - -THE "LEATHERHEAD." - -The "LEATHERHEAD" (_Tropidorhyncus corniculatus_) is greyish brown on -the back and brownish grey upon the under side, a long lancet-shaped -feather on the breast, and the chin-feathers, are of a pure glossy white, -delicately spotted with brown; the tail is tipped with white. The eye -is red, but turns brown after death; the beak, and some bare places on -the head, are of silky blackness, and the feet lead-grey. The female -is smaller than her mate, and the young are distinguishable from the -adult birds by the inferior size of the knob on the beak and of the -breast-feathers; the bare places on the head are also smaller. This -species is about twelve inches long, the wing measures five inches and -three-quarters, and the tail four inches and two-thirds. - -Gould tells us that in New South Wales these birds are very common during -the summer, and are especially numerous in the thick brushwood near the -coast. Their undulatory flight is strong, and their movements amongst the -branches nimble and adroit; it is by no means uncommon to see them hanging -head downwards from a branch to which they attach themselves solely by -one of their powerful claws; such formidable use, indeed, do they make of -these sharp weapons, that he who unwarily seizes a wounded bird is sure -to receive a series of deep and really painful wounds in repayment of his -temerity. - -[Illustration: THE POE, OR TUI (_Prosthemadera circinata_).] - -The strange cry of this species has been supposed to resemble the words, -"Poor soldier," "Pimlico," and "Four o'clock," while the bare places -on its head have procured for it the names of "Monk," "Friar," and -"Leatherhead." Figs, berries, insects, and the pollen from the gum-tree -blossoms constitute its favourite and principal means of existence. At the -approach of the breeding season, which commences about November, the males -become more than usually active and bold, chasing and doing battle with -even the most formidable of their feathered brethren should they intrude -upon the privacy of the brooding female. The comparatively large and -cup-shaped nest is roughly formed of bark, twigs, and wool; the interior -lined with more delicate materials. This structure is generally suspended -from an upright branch of a gum or apple tree (_Angophora_), and is -often found at but a few feet from the ground. In the well-wooded plains -of Aberdeen and Yarrund, on the upper part of the Hunter, this species -breeds in such numbers that the nests may almost be described as forming -settlements. The eggs, usually three in number, are pale red, delicately -spotted with a deeper shade. - - * * * * * - -The HOOPOES (_Upupa_) may be regarded as the most aberrant of the -Tenuirostral group. They are moderately large, and slenderly formed; -their beak is long, slender, higher than it is broad, and in some species -much curved; the small, oval, and open nostrils are situated immediately -beneath the feathers that cover the brow; the strength of the foot varies -considerably; the wings (in which the fourth and fifth quills are the -longest) are much rounded; the tail, formed of ten feathers, is either -short and straight at its extremity or long and graduated. The compact -and variegated plumage differs considerably as to its coloration, and but -little variety is observable between the two sexes. - - -THE HOOPOE. - -The COMMON HOOPOE (_Upupa epops_) is recognisable by its elongate body; -long, slender, slightly curved, and pointed beak (which is much compressed -at its sides); and short powerful foot armed with blunt claws. The wing is -decidedly rounded; the tail of moderate size, composed of broad feathers, -and straight at its extremity. The soft, lax plumage, which is prolonged -into a crest on the top of the head, is much variegated, and almost alike -in the various species with which we are acquainted. Reddish brown of a -more or less lively hue usually predominates in its coloration, while -the wings and tail are striped with white. In the Common Hoopoe the -upper portion of the body is of reddish brown, variegated with black and -yellowish white on the middle of the back, and on the shoulder and wings. -The crest is of a deep reddish yellow, tipped with black; the under side -is bright reddish yellow, spotted with black on the sides of the belly; -the black tail is striped with white about its centre. All the colours in -the plumage of the female are duller than in that of her mate. The young -are recognisable by the comparative smallness of their crest. The eye is -deep brown, the beak greyish black, and the foot lead-grey. The length -of this species is about ten and its breadth eighteen inches. The wing -measures five, and the tail four inches. - -The greater portion of Europe, Northern Africa, and Central Asia are -inhabited by these birds, which are specially numerous in the more -southern portions of those regions, and instances are recorded of -stragglers having been seen as far north as the Loffoden Isles. In some of -the central provinces of Europe they appear about the end of March, and -leave again in pairs, or small parties, at the commencement of autumn. -Such as inhabit North-eastern Africa do not migrate, but merely wander at -certain seasons over the surface of the country. In Southern Europe these -birds frequent the vineyards, but in North-eastern Africa they prefer the -immediate vicinity of towns and villages, and render great benefits to the -inhabitants by assisting the Vultures, whose proceedings we have already -described, in their revolting but most valuable labours. - -Anything like sociability is unknown to this bird; each lives for its -mate or its family alone, and carries on a constant warfare with all its -neighbours. Strange to say, however, if taken young from the nest they -soon become extraordinarily tame, and learn to obey and follow those who -feed them with all the fidelity and devotion of a favourite dog. Carrion, -beetles, larvæ, caterpillars, ants, and many other kinds of insects are -devoured by the Common Hoopoe in large numbers, its long beak enabling -it to search for its victims in any hole or crevice into which they may -have crept. Large beetles are killed by repeated blows, and by crushing -them against the ground until the wings and feet have been broken off. The -morsel is then tossed aloft and dextrously caught and swallowed. The young -birds are at first unable to perform this rather difficult feat, and, -therefore, require to be fed by those who may wish to rear them. It would -appear that but little care or fastidiousness is exhibited in selecting -a spot suitable for building their nests: trees, fissures in walls, -houses, or holes in the ground are indiscriminately employed; and Pallas -mentions having found a nest containing seven young in the thorax of a -human skeleton. Dry grass, roots, and cow-dung are the materials employed -in the construction of the nest. The brood consists of from four to seven -small elongate eggs, with a dirty greenish white or yellowish grey shell, -occasionally finely spotted with white. The female alone broods, and -the young are hatched in a fortnight. Both parents assist in the task -of feeding their charge, and tend them with much affection; this care, -however, does not extend to clearing away such daily accumulations as are -usually removed, and the consequence is that before the family are fully -fledged the nest has become a mere mass of seething flies and maggots, -giving forth a stench from which the birds themselves are only freed after -having been exposed for many successive days to the pure winds of heaven. - - * * * * * - -The TREE HOOPOES (_Irrisor_) inhabit the forests of Africa, and are -recognisable by their slender body, long beak, short foot and wing, and -long tail. The slightly-curved beak has a ridge at its margin, and is -compressed at its sides. The powerful tarsus is much shorter than the -centre toe, which, like the rest, is armed with a strong hooked claw. The -fourth and fifth quills of the rounded wing exceed the rest in length; and -the broad tail is much graduated. Those species with which we are familiar -inhabit the forests of Central and Southern Africa, and pass their lives -exclusively upon trees. - - -THE RED-BEAKED TREE HOOPOE. - -The RED-BEAKED TREE HOOPOE (_Irrisor erythrorhyncus_). The prevailing -colour of this species is a beautiful metallic blue, shimmering with dark -green and purple. The inner web of the first three quills is decorated by -a single white spot, whilst the six next in order have two white spots. -The three first tail-feathers are similarly adorned, and are also marked -with white near the tip. The eye is brown, and the beak and foot bright -red. The female is smaller, and her plumage less glossy. The young are -deep green, nearly black, and almost lustreless. This species is from -seventeen to eighteen inches long, and eighteen inches and a half broad. -The wing measures six, and the tail nine inches. - -According to our own observations these beautiful birds principally -inhabit the forests of North-eastern Africa, and are usually met with -hopping or climbing incessantly from tree to tree, or bough to bough, -in parties of from four to ten. These parties exhibit extraordinary -unanimity in their manner of proceeding, and in all their movements seem -to be playing an active game of follow-my-leader. Should one member of -the little society suspend itself from a branch, all the rest immediately -do the same; and even when uttering their cry as they rise into the -air, the sounds are often so simultaneous that it is almost impossible -to distinguish the individual voices. Ants and, according to some -authorities, various kinds of insects, constitute their principal food. -Few birds exhibit such strong attachment to their companions as we have -frequently observed amongst groups of Tree Hoopoes; it is not uncommon for -them to remain close together as though for mutual defence until repeated -shots from the hunter's gun have brought one of the party to the ground, -when the rest come rushing down, flapping their wings and uttering loud -cries as they settle on the branches depending over the spot on which the -victim lies. Despite the shortness of their legs, they run over the ground -with tolerable ease. Their flight alternates between a gentle gliding -motion and a series of rapid strokes with the pinions. Le Vaillant tells -us that the female deposits her bluish green eggs, from four to six in -number, at the bottom of a hole in a tree, and is assisted in the labour -of incubation by her mate. - - * * * * * - -The TREE-CLIMBERS (_Anabata_) constitute a family of South American -birds, with slender bodies, short wings, and long tails. Their straight -or but slightly curved beak is strong, and of the same length as the -head. The tarsi are of medium height; the toes small, armed with short -and slightly-curved claws. The fourth quill of the wings is the longest. -The very decidedly graduated tail is composed of twelve short feathers. -All the members of this family inhabit forest or woodland districts, -and but rarely venture forth into the open country. Insects form almost -exclusively their means of subsistence; and in search of these they climb -the branches with an agility fully equalling that of the Titmouse. Many -species are remarkable for the peculiarity and loudness of their cry. -Their nests, which are usually suspended from the trees, and closed above, -are frequently very striking in appearance. - -[Illustration: THE HOOPOE (_Upupa epops_).] - - * * * * * - -The BUNDLE-NESTS (_Phacellodomus_) are recognisable by their short, almost -straight beak, which is much compressed, and very slightly hooked towards -its tip. The tarsi are high and strong; the wings rounded; and the broad -tail formed of narrow, soft feathers. - - -THE RED-FRONTED BUNDLE-NEST, OR CLIMBING THRUSH. - -The RED-FRONTED BUNDLE-NEST, or CLIMBING THRUSH (_Phacellodomus -rufifrons_), is of a light brownish greenish grey on the upper parts of -the body, and light brownish white on the under side. The quills are -greyish brown, with a reddish gloss on the outer web; the brow is deep -rust-red, and a stripe over the eyes pure white. The eye is grey, the -upper mandible dark greyish brown, and the lower one whitish grey. The -foot is pale blueish grey. This species measures six inches and a quarter, -the wing two inches and a quarter, and the tail two inches and a half. - -[Illustration: THE RED OVEN BIRD (_Furnarius rufus_).] - -The Prince von Wied tells us he only met with these elegant little birds -upon the arid interior highland tracts of Geroes and Bahia, where they -inhabited the open country, and passed their time in hopping or flying -from one bush or tree to another. As regards its nidification, the Prince -von Wied remarks, "I found the nests of the _Phacellodomus rufifrons_ -about February; they were usually suspended on the low, slender branches -of high trees. Those I saw are best described as large oval bundles, -often more than three feet long, and formed of thin twigs heaped together -and interwoven with each other, or fastened together by a variety of -materials. The interior was filled with small bundles of moss, hair, -wool, or fibres interlaced, so as to form a warm and compact lining. The -small round hole that serves as an entrance is situated at the bottom of -this suspended mass, so that the birds ascend from below into their huge -domicile. Year by year these nests are added to and enlarged until at -last it is not uncommon to find that they have so increased in size as -to render it a difficult task for a man to stir one of them. On opening -a nest of this description a row of chambers is seen, under the one last -made." These ancient apartments are, we believe, frequently employed as -retiring-rooms for the male parent. Swainson tells us that these strange -and shapeless masses are very conspicuous features in the landscape. -The brood usually consists of four eggs, which are round in shape, and -generally of a pure white. - - * * * * * - -The OVEN BIRDS (_Furnarius_) possess a moderately strong beak, either -quite straight or slightly curved, compressed at its sides, and almost -equalling the head in length; the blunt wing is of medium size, its third -quill is the longest, while its first is considerably, and its second -slightly shortened; the short tail is composed of soft feathers; the -tarsus is high, and the toes strong; the claws are somewhat hooked, but -only the first is of any considerable size. These birds frequent both open -woodlands and inhabited districts; they live for the most part on the -ground, as their powers of flight and climbing are very limited. Their -voice is loud, harsh, and peculiar. The strange nests built by the members -of this group, and from which their name is derived, have been described -by Azara, the Prince von Wied, Burmeister, Darwin, and other writers. -"After passing over the lofty chain of mountains that separate the -well-wooded coasts of Brazil from the Campos, travellers are astonished -at beholding large, melon-shaped masses of clay standing erect upon the -branches of the high trees surrounding the settlers' houses. Were it not -for the regularity of their size and shape, a stranger would at once -pronounce these masses of clay to be nests built by the termite ants. On -closer inspection of one of these the eye detects an oval-shaped hole -at the side, and a little patience is rewarded by a sight of the actual -inhabitant of this most remarkable nest as he slips in and out of the -entrance to his strange abode. This bird, known to us as the _Furnarius -rufus_, is called the João de Barro, or Clay Jack, by the Brazilians." -We learn from Darwin that these nests are also placed in such exposed -situations as the top of a post, a bare rock, or on a cactus, and are -composed of mud and bits of straw. The strong, thick walls in shape -precisely resemble an oven, or a depressed bee-hive. The opening is large, -and directly in front; within the nest there is a partition, which reaches -nearly to the roof, thus forming a passage or antechamber to the true nest. - - -THE RED OVEN BIRD. - -The RED OVEN BIRD (_Furnarius rufus_) is about seven inches long and ten -and a half broad; the wing measures three inches and three-quarters, and -the tail three inches. The plumage is principally of a reddish yellow; the -top of the head brownish red, and the quills brown; the under side is of -a lighter tint, and the throat pale white; a bright reddish yellow stripe -passes from the eyes to the back of the head; the quills are grey, the -primaries edged with pale yellow towards their base, and the tail-feathers -yellowish red; the eyes are yellowish brown, the beak brown, except at the -whitish base of the lower mandible; the foot is also brown. - -These strange birds live in pairs, and but rarely associate, even in small -parties. Their food consists of insects and various kinds of seeds, the -former, according to Burmeister, being always obtained from the surface -of the ground, over which they run and hop with great facility. Nor are -their movements less adroit amongst the branches, from whence their -most peculiar cry is constantly to be heard as they disport themselves -from bough to bough. These birds are regarded with great respect by -the Brazilians, on account of a very strange but prevalent idea that -they never proceed with their building operations on the Sabbath, a -superstitious fancy that we need hardly say has been frequently disproved, -but has no doubt arisen from the unusually short time required by this -species to complete its remarkable and elaborate home. - -"The nest of the Red Oven Bird," says Burmeister, "is usually constructed -upon the branch of a tree, and occasionally upon house-tops, steeples, or -similar situations. Both male and female unite in the labour of building, -and form their nests of round pellets of mud, working each pellet firmly -into place, intermixed with small portions of plants, until the foundation -is some eight or nine inches high. On each end of this groundwork the -birds proceed to erect a side wall of such a form and height as to give -the entire mass the appearance of a half-crescent. When this foundation is -quite dry a second wall of similar shape is erected within the first. This -again is left to dry, and so the work proceeds until the mass has assumed -the proper dome-like form, and is six or seven inches in height, eight or -nine inches long, and some four or five inches deep. The interior of this -remarkable structure (which sometimes weighs as much as nine pounds) is -entered by an oval-shaped hole at the side, and is neatly and warmly lined -with hay, cotton, wool, feathers, or similar materials. The eggs, from two -to four in number, have a white shell, and are incubated by both parents. -The first brood is produced early in September, and a second later in the -season." - - * * * * * - -The GROUND WOODPECKERS (_Geositta_) are birds with slender bodies, long, -pointed wings, and short incised tails; the slightly curved beak is -triangular at its base, and nearly equals the head in length; the legs are -of medium height, the outer toes short, and the claws small. - - -THE BURROWING GROUND WOODPECKER. - -The BURROWING GROUND WOODPECKER (_Geositta cunicularia_) is of a deep -brown on the upper portions of the body and wings; the under side is pale -brown, the throat whitish, breast spotted and striped with black, and the -belly rust-red. The region of the eye is pale red, the shoulder-feathers -have light edges, and the exterior quills are bordered and tipped -with blackish brown, and shaded with red upon the inner web. The eye -is brown, the beak whitish at its base and black towards its tip; the -feet are blackish brown. According to Kittlitz these birds inhabit the -barren plains of Chili and Patagonia, and are met with on the Bolivian -Cordilleras to a height of from 3,500 to 4,500 feet above the level of -the sea. We learn from the same authority that in its general habits the -_Geositta cunicularia_ closely resembles the Common Lark. - -"The Casaeita, as this bird is called by the natives," says Darwin, -"builds its nest at the bottom of a narrow cylindrical hole, which is said -to extend horizontally to nearly six feet under ground, in any low bank -of sandy soil by the side of a wood or stream. Here, at Bahia Blanca, -the walls of those I have seen are built of hardened mud. I noticed -that a bank that enclosed the courtyard of the house where I lodged was -penetrated by round holes in a score of places. On asking the owner the -cause of this, he explained that they were made by the Casaeitas, several -of which I afterwards saw at work. It is strange that though the birds -were constantly flitting over the low wall they were evidently incapable -of forming an idea as to its thickness, otherwise they would not have -made so many vain attempts. I do not doubt that each bird as it came to -daylight on the opposite side was greatly surprised at the marvellous -fact." - -Gray tells us that this species is extremely tame, and almost constantly -in motion. The stomachs of such as he examined contained the remains -of beetles; whilst Kittlitz mentions having only found seeds and small -stones. At certain seasons the call is a shrill, tremulous note. - - * * * * * - -The STAIR-BEAKS (_Xenops_) are a group of Brazilian birds, possessing -a very peculiar formation of beak, the lower mandible being graduated -upwards, whilst the upper portion of the bill is quite straight. The tail -is formed of soft, rounded feathers, and the feet are powerful. We learn -from the Prince von Wied that the members of this group associate in -pairs, or small parties, and lead a very quiet, retired life within their -native forests. Their food consists principally of insects, and whilst in -search of these they tap upon the bark of the tree after the manner of the -Woodpecker. According to our own experience they will also eat some kinds -of nuts. The nest is usually placed in a hole in a tree. The various -species, as far as we have ascertained, have nothing striking or peculiar -in their cry. - - -THE HAIRY-CHEEKED STAIR-BEAK. - -The HAIRY-CHEEKED STAIR-BEAK (_Xenops genibarbis_), an inhabitant of the -Brazilian forests, is olive-brown on the upper parts of the body, greyish -brown beneath, and white on the breast; a yellowish white line passes over -the eyes, and there is a white patch behind the ear; the wings are striped -with two shades of brown; the centre tail-feathers are reddish brown, the -rest become deeper in shade towards the exterior; the outermost are almost -black, spotted with rust-red. The length of this species is about four -inches; the wing measures two inches, and the tail one inch and a half. - -[Illustration: THE HAIRY-CHEEKED STAIR-BEAK (_Xenops genibarbis_).] - -Numerous specimens of these birds were captured by Burmeister in the -vicinity of Neufreiburg, where they came even into his garden, and ran -gaily along the branches like Tree Creepers. - - * * * * * - -The NUTHATCHES (_Sitta_) are recognisable by their very compact body, -moderate beak and tail, long wings, and powerful feet. The strong, hard -beak is straight above, but bulges outwards below, and is very sharply -pointed at its extremity; the nostrils are round, situated beneath the -brow, and covered with short hairs. The tarsi are short and the toes -long, the inner and centre toes being only slightly connected, while the -exterior and centre toes are united as far as the first joint; the large -pointed nails are much hooked; the broad, blunt wing, in which the third -and fourth quills exceed the rest in length, is soft and flexible; the -short, broad tail is formed of twelve weak feathers, so pliable in texture -as to render that member quite useless for climbing. The sexes are almost -alike in colour, the plumage of both being usually of a blueish grey above -and brownish red beneath; the young closely resemble their parents. -Almost every part of the world, if we except Central and Southern Africa -and South America, affords a home to some members of this family; and -everywhere forests and woodland districts are their principal resort, but -they are also occasionally found in rocky localities. So extraordinary are -the climbing powers of these birds that they not only exhibit unrivalled -agility when disporting themselves in their favourite trees, but are -actually capable of descending a perpendicular wall or mass of rock; a -feat, we believe, never attempted by any other members of the feathered -creation. All the various groups remain throughout the entire year in -their native lands, and merely wander to a short distance from their -birthplace after the breeding season. Insects and seeds of various kinds -afford them means of subsistence. The nest is placed in a hole of a tree, -or a fissure in a rock or wall, the entrance being carefully covered with -clay or similar material. The eggs, from six to nine in number, have a -light shell, spotted with red. - -[Illustration: THE COMMON NUTHATCH (_Sitta cæsia_).] - - -THE COMMON NUTHATCH. - -The COMMON NUTHATCH (_Sitta cæsia_) is deep grey on the mantle, and -reddish yellow on the under side; a black stripe passes across the eyes to -the nape; the chin and throat are white, the sides and lower tail-covers -reddish brown, and the quills blackish grey, with light borders (those at -the exterior are white at the root); the centre tail-feathers are blueish -grey, the rest deep black, marked with blueish grey at the tip; those at -the exterior are also decorated with white spots. The eye is brown, the -beak light grey above and deep grey on its lower portion, and the foot -greyish yellow. This species is six inches long, and ten broad; the wing -measures three inches and a quarter, and the tail one inch and two-thirds. -The female is distinguished from her mate by her inferior size, the -comparative paleness of her under side, and the narrowness of the black -line across the eyes. - -The _Sitta Europæa_ is a very similar species, also inhabiting Europe. -These birds are met with in all parts of our continent, from Jutland -to the most southern latitudes, and are usually to be seen in pairs -or small parties. Although they by no means avoid the society of man, -they principally frequent woods and forests, but leave these retreats -during the autumn, to wander for a time over the surrounding country. -Insects, spiders, seeds, and berries constitute the principal food of the -Nuthatches, and they also occasionally swallow gravel or small stones, in -order to assist digestion. - -The eggs, from six to nine in number, are laid about May; these are white, -marked and spotted with deep red. The female alone broods, and the eggs -are hatched within a fortnight. Both parents assist in the labour of -instructing and tending the little family, and rear them principally upon -caterpillars. The young remain in the nest until fully fledged, and do not -begin life on their own account until after the moulting season. - - -THE SYRIAN NUTHATCH. - -The SYRIAN NUTHATCH (_Sitta Syriaca_) is somewhat larger than the species -above described, from which it also differs in its mode of life and -habits. The upper parts of the body are greyish blue, and the under side -partially of a yellowish shade; the throat, a large portion of the breast, -and the centre of the belly are white; the tail is grey, spotted with -yellowish brown on the inner web of the exterior feathers. - -This species, which is somewhat larger than the bird last described, is -commonly met with in Greece, and is also found in Syria, and on the lofty -mountains between Bosnia and Dalmatia. Everywhere it exclusively frequents -rocky heights, ascending and descending the most precipitous declivities -with the utmost facility. It never enters forests, but occasionally seeks -shelter in detached clumps of trees. Insects, seeds, and berries afford it -the means of existence, and when in quest of these it displays activity -and cleverness fully equalling its congeners. - -The strange, penetrating cry of the Syrian Nuthatch closely resembles a -burst of shrill laughter. Muhle tells us that the nest is constructed in -a nook in some rock, so situated that it is warmed by the rays of the -sun, either in the morning or at noon. The nest itself is about eleven -inches long, and carefully formed of clay; the entrance passage sometimes -terminates in a cavity, warmly lined with different kinds of hair. The -exterior wall, according to Muhle, is frequently decorated with the wings -of some species of beetles. The eggs, usually eight or nine in number, -have a white shell, spotted with red, and are laid about May. The female -is so devoted to her young that she may be taken by hand while engaged in -the duty of incubation. - - * * * * * - -The CREEPERS (_Sittella_) inhabit New Holland, and are distinguishable -from the members of the group above described by their awl-shaped beak, -which is much compressed at its sides, and notched at the extremity of the -upper mandible. The second and third quills in the wing are the longest, -and extend as far as the end of the short even tail. As regards their -general habits, these birds closely resemble the other members of their -family; the nests, however, are entirely different, both as to position -and structure. - - -THE BONNETED CREEPER. - -The BONNETED CREEPER (_Sittella pileata_), a species inhabiting -South-western Australia, is black on the top of the head, greyish brown -on the nape and back, and blackish brown on the wings; the brow, a stripe -over the eyes, the throat, breast, and centre of the belly are all white, -the two latter shaded with greyish brown toward the side; the quills are -blackish brown, with a reddish brown patch in their centre, and a greyish -brown tip. The eye is yellowish brown, the beak yellow at its base and -black at its tip; the foot is yellow. The length of this bird is four -inches and three-quarters, the wing measures three inches and a half, and -the tail one inch and a half. - -Gould tells us that these Creepers exhibit great facility in climbing and -descending the branches of trees, and are usually seen frequenting their -favourite haunts in small parties. Although endowed with very considerable -powers of flight, they rarely employ their wings, except when desirous of -attaining a neighbouring tree. Their cry is a short, weak, piping note. -The small nest, which is usually placed upright on the foot of a branch, -is smoothly and artistically formed of strips of bark, fastened together -by spiders' webs. Incubation commences in September. The eggs, three in -number, are white, marked with circular green spots. - - * * * * * - -The WALL CREEPERS (_Tichodroma_) are recognisable by their compact body, -short neck, large head, and very long, thin, and almost rounded beak, -which is slightly curved and pointed at its tip. The feet are strong, the -toes slender, and armed with large hooked and pointed claws. The first -quill of the small, rounded wing is very short, and the fourth or fifth -longer than the rest; the short tail is formed of soft, broad feathers, -rounded at their tips. The lax, silky plumage is usually bright in hue, -but varies in its coloration at different seasons. The tongue, which -resembles that of the Woodpecker, is three-quarters of an inch long, sharp -at its extremity, and furnished with numerous bristle-like hooks. - - -THE ALPINE OR RED-WINGED WALL CREEPER. - -The ALPINE or RED-WINGED WALL CREEPER (_Tichodroma muraria_) is -principally of an ash-grey tint; the region of the throat is black in -winter and white in summer; the wings and tail are mostly black; but all -the quills of the former, from the third to the fifteenth, are of a bright -red towards the base, as are the smaller shoulder-feathers, and a narrow -border on the outer web of the large wing-covers. The quills are decorated -with white or yellow spots on the inner web, and the tail-feathers are -bordered with white; the eye is brown; the beak and foot are black. This -species is six inches and one-third long, and ten inches and a half broad; -the wing measures three inches and a half, the tail two inches and a -quarter; the beak is from eighteen to twenty lines long. - -This interesting bird is very commonly met with upon the Alps, Pyrenees, -Apennines, Balkan, Carpathian, and other mountains. Rüppell saw it on the -Altai and Abyssinian ranges. Jerdon tells us that it is common on the -Himalayas, and is also found in Cashmere and Afghanistan. - -"This bird," writes Jerdon, "is found throughout the Himalayas, from -whence it descends in winter to the Alpine parts of the Punjab. It is -also found in Cashmere, Afghanistan, and the southern parts of Europe. I -saw it frequently near Darjeeling, but only in the winter, at a height of -from 2,500 to 5,000 feet or so. I first met with it in a tea plantation at -Kursim, hunting along some small, bare ravines that the heat of the sun -had made in the ground, and occasionally on the bank of a road. I have -also seen it on a rock by the wayside, and on perpendicular cliffs along -some of the rivers. It looks very beautiful when flitting about, the fine -red on its wings fully displayed; and, indeed, has the appearance rather -of a butterfly than a bird. Such specimens as I have examined had eaten -spiders and coleoptera." This species has no call-note. In Europe it -descends from the Alps, and is found on walls of old buildings, whence the -name given by Linnæus. It is stated to breed in clefts and holes of rocks, -and in old buildings. The eggs, we are told, are of a fine bright red. - - * * * * * - -The smallest of the Climbing Birds may be conveniently divided into two -groups, the TREE CREEPERS and TREE PECKERS. - - * * * * * - -The TRUE TREE CREEPERS (_Certhia_) are very small and slender, with -delicate, sharply-pointed beaks, more or less curved, weak feet, and long -toes, armed with large, hooked, and sharp claws. The wings, of which the -third or fourth quills exceed the rest in length, are blunt, and formed of -weak feathers; the long, narrow, conical tail is divided into two points -at its tip, and formed of strong feathers; the lax, soft plumage is of -a brownish hue above, and white beneath; the horny tongue has a sharp -margin, the tip is thread-like, and the base is furnished with tooth-like -appendages. These birds principally inhabit the Eastern Hemisphere and -North America. - -[Illustration: THE ALPINE WALL CREEPER (_Tichodroma muraria_).] - - * * * * * - -The TREE PECKERS are more powerfully formed than the above-mentioned -birds. Their beak is comparatively long, more or less curved, and very -sharply pointed at its tip; the feet are short, the toes long, armed -with high, sharp, and much-curved claws; the wing, in which the third or -fourth quill is the longest, is pointed; the long, stiff tail usually -terminates in two points; the plumage is of a uniform tint on the back, -but variegated on the under side; the tongue is horny at its tip. - -The above groups resemble each other so closely in their habits that one -description will suffice for them both; and, to avoid confusion, we shall -combine them under the general name of-- - - * * * * * - -TREE CLIMBERS (_Scandentes_). The Tree Climbers pass their time within -the shelter of their native woods, keeping together in pairs or families; -some species, however, associate with other birds, and in their company -make short excursions within the boundaries of their forest home. Insects, -eggs, larvæ, spiders, and similar fare constitute their principal means -of support. In search of these the larger species bore the bark of trees -after the manner of the Woodpecker, while the weaker members of the group -obtain a meal by exploring holes and crannies in the trunks and branches -by the aid of their sharp beaks. The voices of all are insignificant, and -their habits generally quiet and unsocial. Almost all build a large nest -within the shelter of a tree-hole. - - -THE COMMON TREE CREEPER. - -The COMMON TREE CREEPER (_Certhia familiaris_) is of a deep grey, spotted -with white, the under side being entirely of pure white; the bridles and -rump are brownish grey, the latter shaded with yellowish red; a white -stripe passes over the eyes. The quills are deep brownish grey, and -all except the first are tipped with white, and have a whitish yellow -line across the centre; the tail-feathers are brownish grey, those at -the exterior edged with light yellow. The eye is dark brown, the upper -mandible black, and the lower portion of the beak reddish grey, as is the -foot. The length of this species is five, and its breadth seven inches; -the wing measures two inches and one-third, and the tail two inches and -one-sixth. - -[Illustration: THE COMMON TREE CREEPER (_Certhia familiaris_).] - -The Common Tree Creeper is an inhabitant of the woodland districts and -orchards of Europe and Siberia, and is frequently found at a considerable -elevation on such mountains as are not entirely destitute of trees. -Like other members of its family, it remains within a certain limited -tract during the breeding season, and after that period wanders over the -surrounding country in company with Titmice, Woodpeckers, and other birds. -Its flight is rapid, but unsteady; and during the greater part of the year -it is restricted to the slight effort required to pass from one tree to -another. Upon the ground its movements are extremely awkward; it is only -among the branches that it displays the wonderful activity of which it -is capable. Its cry closely resembles that of the Golden-crested Wren. -Towards man it exhibits the utmost friendliness, and frequently ventures -close to his dwellings, or even occasionally makes its nest within some -tempting hole in an old house or wall. - -During the summer the temperament of the Tree Creeper is joyous and -brisk, but wintry weather soon renders it dull and uneasy. No doubt this -very visible discomfort arises in some measure from the impossibility of -keeping its feathers in the neat, trim state in which it delights at other -seasons of the year. - -Holes and fissures are usually employed by this species, both for building -purposes and as sleeping places. The nest, which varies considerably -in size, is formed of dry twigs, grass, leaves, straw, or bark, woven -together with spiders' webs, and lined with feathers and fibres of various -kinds. The chamber of the young is round and deep, and so compactly and -neatly finished off as to render it a real work of art. The brood consists -of eight or nine white eggs, spotted with red, and deceptively like those -of the Titmouse. Both parents assist in the labour of incubation, and feed -their hungry family with great devotion. The young usually remain for a -long time in the nest, but if alarmed will scramble out, and hurry along -the branches to some safe retreat, even before they are fully fledged. The -female lays twice during the summer, the first time about April, and again -in June. The second brood rarely consists of more than from three to five -eggs. - - -THE SABRE-BILL. - -The SABRE-BILL (_Xiphorhynchus trochilirostris_) is readily known by its -unusually long, slender, sickle-shaped beak, and short tail. The wings, -in which the fourth quill is the longest, are also comparatively short, -and the legs are slender. The tongue is short, and broad at its tip. The -plumage is of a dull olive-brown, streaked with yellowish white on the -head, throat, and breast; the wings and tail are deep reddish brown; the -eye is brown, the beak reddish brown, and the foot of a dull brownish hue. -This species is nine inches and a half long, and eleven and a quarter -broad; the wing measures three inches and three-quarters, the tail three -inches and a quarter, and the beak two inches and one-third. - -"I found this strange bird," says the Prince von Wied, "in the vast, -unbroken forests that extend from Ilheos to Bahia, where it lives in pairs -upon the trees from which it gathers the insects and beetles upon which it -subsists." - - -THE WOODPECKER TREE-CHOPPER. - -The WOODPECKER TREE-CHOPPER (_Dendroplex picus_) is recognisable by -its straight, pointed beak, which is much compressed at its sides, and -furnished with a high sharp ridge at its culmen. The wing is comparatively -short, the tail long, and the foot large. The plumage is entirely of -a reddish brown, the feathers on the head, throat, and breast being -enlivened by broad white patches, surrounded by a greyish brown margin. -This bird is eight inches long; the wing measures four and the tail three -inches. - -The _Dendroplex picus_ is found over almost the whole of South America, -and everywhere frequents the primitive forests, obtaining its food from -the bark of trees, after the manner of the True Woodpeckers. At the -conclusion of the breeding season it quits its native fastnesses with its -companions, and ventures freely down, even near the abode of man. The -voice is clear, but confined to one note. The eggs are laid in the holes -of trees. - - * * * * * - -The WOODPECKERS (_Picida_), the last group of the tree-climbing races, -possess a slender body and powerful peak, which is usually straight, -conical, and furnished with a sharp ridge at its culmen. The short, -strong feet turn inwards; the toes are long, and placed in pairs, the -exterior pair being connected as far as the first joint; the hinder toe, -which is the smallest of all, is so situated as to pair with the innermost -and longest toe; in some instances this short fourth toe is but slightly -developed, or entirely wanting; the claws are long, strong, very sharp, -and much hooked. The wings are rounded, and of medium size; their ten -primaries are narrow and pointed, whilst the secondaries (from nine to ten -in number) are broader, but not much shorter, than the primary quills. -Of these latter, the first is very small, those next in order graduated -to the third or fourth, which is the longest. The very remarkable tail -is formed of ten large and two small feathers. These latter are placed -above instead of under the rest; the centre tail-feathers are the largest, -and very stiff. The strangely constructed tongue, by the aid of which -the Woodpeckers are enabled to capture the small insects upon which they -in a great measure subsist, is sharp, barbed, pointed, and endued with -a glutinous secretion, derived from glands situated in the throat, and -communicating with the mouth by two long ducts, the glutinous coating -being thus renewed every time the tongue is drawn within the bill. The -plumage of these birds is thick; the feathers on the head (which in -some species form a crest) are small and slender, whilst those on the -hinder parts of the body are short and broad. The Woodpeckers inhabit -the woods and forests of both hemispheres, and are especially numerous -in warm latitudes. Fruits, seeds, and insects constitute their food, and -in pursuit of the latter they exhibit wonderful dexterity--climbing with -astonishing activity upon the trunks and branches of trees; and when, by -tapping with their bills, a rotten place has been discovered, they dig at -once vigorously in search of the grub or larvæ snugly embedded beneath the -bark--thus rendering inestimable service to man, by destroying hosts of -insects. - -The Woodpeckers both roost and breed in hollow trunks, or holes in -trees, enlarged to the requisite size by the aid of their strong, -sharp mandibles. The eggs, which are smooth, glossy, and white, vary -considerably in number; they are deposited upon a bed of chips, or -_débris_, placed at the bottom of the hole selected for their reception. - - * * * * * - -The BLACK WOODPECKERS (_Dryocopus_) comprise the largest and most powerful -of the race, and are at once recognisable by the crest that adorns their -head, and the prevalence of black in the coloration of their plumage. -America must be regarded as the central home of these birds, as there -several kinds inhabit every latitude; whilst, in the Eastern Hemisphere, -but one species is met with in Europe, and few are found even in India. - - -THE EUROPEAN BLACK WOODPECKER. - -The EUROPEAN BLACK WOODPECKER (_Dryocopus martius_) has the plumage of a -uniform black, with the exception of the top of the head, which is of a -bright crimson; in the female the bright feathers are limited to a small -patch at the back of the head. The eye of both sexes is pale yellow, the -beak pearl-grey, tipped with blueish grey, and the foot lead-colour. The -young closely resemble the adult birds. This species is from seventeen to -eighteen inches long, and twenty-eight to twenty-nine broad. The wing, in -which the fifth quill is the longest, covers two-thirds of the tail, which -measures from six inches to six inches and a half; the tarsus is almost -entirely covered with feathers, and exceeds the centre toe and claw in -length. The strong beak is broader than it is high, and straight at its -culmen. - -Although all the wooded tracts of Europe, from sixty-eight degrees -north latitude as far as Greece and Spain, are inhabited by the Black -Woodpecker, it is seldom met with in England, and is but rarely seen -in Holland. It also frequents Asia, as far as the northern side of the -Himalayas. Everywhere fir and pine forests are its favourite resorts, even -when these extend over mountain ranges; indeed, it rarely visits tracts -covered with any other description of trees, except during its wanderings -from one place to another. Like all other European Woodpeckers, this -species does not migrate, and but rarely travels to any great distance -from its native haunts. - -[Illustration: THE WOODPECKER TREE-CHOPPER (_Dendroplex picus_).] - -The Black Woodpecker is shy and retiring in its habits, and, if -approached, studiously conceals itself from observation by creeping round -the tree or branch on which it happens to be at work. Its food is obtained -by perforating the bark or searching the fissures of trees, a process -which it performs with great dexterity, the tail being habitually employed -as a means of support whilst climbing. The night is passed in holes in the -trunk of some old tree; and in a cavity of this description the glossy -white eggs are also deposited. We learn from Temminck that the Black -Woodpecker lays three eggs; and that when other food is scarce it will eat -seeds or berries. Its voice somewhat resembles a harsh, loud laugh. - - * * * * * - -The GIANT WOODPECKERS (_Campephilus_), a group comprising the largest -members of the family, inhabit America. These birds are characterised -by their powerful body, large head, and long, thin neck. Their beak is -long, straight, and strongly formed; their feet muscular, and the tarsi -unfeathered. Of the toes, the outermost of the hinder pair exceeds the -rest in length. The wings and tail are long, the third and fourth quills -of the former being the longest. The plumage is black, marked with -white. The feathers on the head form a crest, which in the male is of -considerable size, and of a red colour. - -[Illustration: THE EUROPEAN BLACK WOODPECKER (_Dryocopus martius_).] - -Two species of Giant Woodpeckers are worthy of special notice, named -respectively the IMPERIAL and the IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKERS. - - -THE IMPERIAL WOODPECKER. - -The IMPERIAL WOODPECKER (_Campephilus imperialis_) is almost entirely -black. A stripe on the shoulders, the tip of the hinder quill, and the -lower wing-covers are white, the latter spotted with black on the exterior -edge; the crest of the male is scarlet, and that of the female black. This -species is above twenty-five inches long; the wing measures twelve and the -tail nine inches. - - -THE IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER. - -The IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER (_Campephilus principalis_) is also black; and -the centre as well as the hinder quills are white; the lower wing-covers -are striped with black; and the white lines on the shoulder extend to the -sides of the head. The eye is bright yellow, the beak as white as ivory, -and the foot greyish blue. This bird is twenty-one inches long, and thirty -broad; the wing measures ten inches and a half, and the tail seven inches -and a quarter. - -The Imperial Woodpecker inhabits the mountain tracts of California, as -far as the boundaries of Mexico, whilst the Ivory-beak frequents the -forests that extend along the Mississippi to the Ohio. We are but little -acquainted with the habits of the first-mentioned bird, but are indebted -to Audubon for a most graphic description of the life and habits of the -Ivory-beak. - -"The Ivory-billed Woodpecker," says that writer, "confines its rambles -to a comparatively small portion of the United States. Descending to -the Ohio, we met with this splendid bird for the first time near the -confluence of that river and the Mississippi; after which, following -the windings of the latter, either towards the sea or in the direction -of the Missouri, we frequently observe it. On the Atlantic coast, North -Carolina may be taken as the limit of its distribution, though individuals -are occasionally seen in Maryland. To the west of the Mississippi it is -found in all the dense forests bordering the streams which empty their -waters into that majestic river, from the very declivities of the Rocky -Mountains. The lower part of the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, -and Mississippi are, however, the favourite resorts of this bird; and in -these States it constantly resides, breeds, and passes a life of peaceful -enjoyment, finding a profusion of food in all the deep, dark, and gloomy -swamps dispersed over them. I wish, kind reader, that it were in my power -to present to your mind's eye the favourite resort of the Ivory-billed -Woodpecker. Would that I could describe the extent of those deep morasses, -overshadowed by millions of gigantic dark cypresses, spreading their -sturdy moss-covered branches as if to admonish intruding man to pause -and reflect on the many difficulties he must encounter should he persist -in venturing farther into their almost inaccessible recesses, extending -for miles before him, where he would be interrupted by huge projecting -branches, here and there the massive trunk of a fallen and decayed tree, -and thousands of creeping and twining plants of numberless species! -Would that I could represent to you the dangerous nature of the ground, -its oozing, spongy, miry condition, although covered with a beautiful, -but treacherous carpeting, composed of the richest mosses, flags, and -water-lilies, no sooner receiving the pressure of the foot than it yields, -and endangers the very life of the adventurer; whilst here and there, -as he approaches an opening that proves merely a lake of black, muddy -water, his ear is assailed by the dismal croaking of innumerable frogs, -the hissing of serpents, or the bellowing of alligators! Would that I -could give you an idea of the sultry, pestiferous atmosphere, that nearly -suffocates the intruder during the meridian heat, in those gloomy and -horrible swamps! - -"The flight of the far-famed Ivory-billed Woodpecker is graceful in the -extreme, although seldom prolonged to more than a few hundred yards at a -time, unless when it has to cross a large river, which it does in deep -undulations, opening its wings at first to their full extent, and nearly -closing them to renew the propelling impulse. The transit from one tree -to another, even should the distance be as much as a hundred yards, is -performed by a single sweep; the bird appears as if merely swinging -itself from the top of the one tree to that of the other, forming an -elegantly-curved line. At this moment all the beauty of the plumage is -exhibited, and strikes the beholder with pleasure. It never utters any -sound whilst on the wing, except during the love season; but at all other -times no sooner has this bird alighted than its remarkable voice is heard -at almost every leap that it makes whilst ascending against the upper -parts of the trunk of a tree or its highest branches. Its notes are clear, -loud, and rather plaintive; they are heard at a considerable distance, -perhaps half a mile, and resemble the false, high note of a clarionet. -They are repeated three times in succession, and may be represented by the -syllables 'Pait, pait, pait.' These are heard so frequently that the bird -spends few minutes of the day without uttering them; and this leads to its -destruction, not because, as some suppose, this species is a destroyer of -trees, but because it is a beautiful bird, and the rich scales attached to -its upper mandible form an ornament for the war-dress of the Indians, or -for the shot-pouch of the hunter or squatter. - -"The food of this species consists principally of beetles, larvæ, and -large grubs; no sooner, however, are the grapes of our forests ripe than -they are eaten by the Ivory-billed Woodpecker with great avidity. This -bird seldom comes near the ground, but prefers the tops of the tallest -trees. Should it, however, discover the half-standing, broken shaft of a -large, dead tree, it attacks it in such a manner as nearly to demolish -it in the course of a few days. I have seen the remains of some of these -ancient monarchs of our forest thus excavated, and that so singularly that -the tottering fragments of the trunk appeared to be merely supported by -the great pile of chips by which its base was surrounded. The strength of -this Woodpecker is such that I have seen it detach pieces of bark seven -or eight inches in length at a single blow of its powerful beak; and by -beginning at the top branch of a dead tree tear off the bark to an extent -of twenty or thirty feet in the course of a few hours, leaping downwards -with its body in an upright position, tossing its head to the right -and left, or leaning it against the bark to ascertain the precise spot -where the grubs were concealed, and immediately after renewing its blows -with great vigour, all the while sounding its loud notes, as if highly -delighted. This species generally moves in pairs. The female is always the -most clamorous and the least shy. Their mutual attachment is, I believe, -continued through life. Except when digging a hole for the reception of -their eggs, these birds seldom, if ever, attack living trees for any other -purpose than that of procuring food, in doing which they destroy insects -that would otherwise prove injurious to the trees. I have frequently -observed the male and female retiring to rest for the night into the same -hole in which, long before, they had reared their young. - -"The Ivory-billed Woodpecker nestles earlier than any other species of -its tribe. I have observed it boring for that purpose in the beginning of -March. The hole, I believe, is always made in the trunk of a live tree, -and at a great height. The birds pay great attention to the situation of -the tree and the inclination of its trunk, because they prefer retirement, -and because they are anxious to secure the aperture against the entrance -of water during beating rains; to prevent such a calamity, the hole is -generally dug immediately under the junction of a large branch with the -trunk. It is first bored horizontally for a few inches, and then directly -downwards. The average diameter of the different nests I have examined -was about seven inches within, although the entrance, which is perfectly -round, is only just large enough to admit the bird. Both birds work most -assiduously at this excavation, one waiting outside to encourage the -other whilst it is engaged in digging, and when the latter is engaged, -taking its place. For the first brood there are generally six eggs. They -are deposited on a few chips at the bottom of the hole, and are of a pure -white colour. The second brood makes its appearance about the tenth of -August." - -[Illustration: IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER (_Campephilus principalis_).] - -[Illustration: Plate 22. Cassell's Book of Birds - -PTILOGONYS ARMILLATUS ____ WHISKERED FANTAIL - -(_Life size_) - - (Swainson) -] - -"The first place I observed the bird at," says Wilson, "when on my way to -the South, was about twelve miles north of Wilmington, in North Carolina. -Having wounded it slightly in the wing, on being caught it uttered a -loudly-reiterated and most piteous note, exactly resembling the violent -crying of a young child, which terrified my horse so much as nearly to -have cost me my life. It was distressing to hear it. I carried it with me -under cover to Wilmington. In passing through the street its cry surprised -every one within hearing, particularly the females, who hurried to the -doors and windows with looks of alarm. I drove on, and on arriving at the -piazza of the hotel where I intended to put up, the landlord came forward -and a number of other persons, all equally alarmed at what they heard. -This alarm was greatly increased by my asking whether they could find -accommodation for myself and my baby; the man looked blank and foolish, -while the others stared with still greater astonishment. After diverting -myself for a minute or two at their expense, I drew my Woodpecker from -under the cover, and a general laugh took place. I took him upstairs, -and locked him in my room while I went to look after my horse. In less -than an hour I returned, and on opening the door he set up the same -distressing shout, which now appeared to proceed from grief that he had -been discovered in his efforts at escape. He had mounted along the side -of the window, nearly as high as the ceiling, a little below which he had -begun to break through. The bed was covered with large pieces of plaster. -The latter was exposed for at least fifteen inches square, and a hole -opened large enough to admit the fist close to the weather-boards; so that -in less than another hour he would certainly have made his way through. I -now tied a string to his leg, fastened him to the table, and again left -him. As I re-ascended the stairs I heard him again hard at work, and on -entering had the mortification to find that he had almost ruined the -mahogany table, on which he seemed to have wreaked his whole vengeance. -While engaged in taking a drawing of him, he cut me severely in several -places, and, on the whole, displayed such an unconquerable spirit that I -was frequently tempted to restore him to his native woods. He lived with -me nearly three days, but refused all sustenance, and I witnessed his -death with regret." - -[Illustration: THE RED-HEADED BLACK WOODPECKER (_Melanerpes -erythrocephalus_).] - -The head and bill of this species are held in great esteem, as a sort of -charm or amulet, by many tribes of the American Indians, who ornament -their belts with them; and Europeans eagerly purchase them as curiosities. -When wounded, this Woodpecker generally ascends the nearest tree in a -spiral direction, till it attains the topmost branches, where it hides; -but if intercepted and laid hold of, it defends itself desperately, both -with its beak and claws, inflicting severe lacerations. - - * * * * * - -The BLACK WOODPECKERS (_Melanerpes_) are less remarkable for their size -than for the beauty of their plumage. In these birds the body is powerful, -the head large, and the neck short. The beak is straight, broader than it -is high at the base, its upper mandible is arched, and its margins turned -inwards; the distinguishing characteristics of the bill, however, are the -four small parallel ridges that commence at the nostrils, and extend as -far as the centre of the beak. The tarsus equals the reversible toe and -its claw in length; the fourth and fifth wing-quills are of equal size, -and longer than the rest; the tail is much rounded; and a small space -around the eyes is quite bare. Black, red, and white predominate in the -coloration of the plumage. All the various members of this group inhabit -North and South America. - - -THE RED-HEADED BLACK WOODPECKER. - -The RED-HEADED BLACK WOODPECKER (_Melanerpes erythrocephalus_) is of a -bright red colour on the head and neck. The mantle, wings, and tail are -of a jetty blackness; the hinder quills, rump, and under side pure white. -The eye is brown, the beak and feet blueish black. The female is smaller -and less brightly coloured than her mate. In the young the head, throat, -mantle, and breast are of a greyish brown, marked with blackish brown, -crescent-shaped spots. The exterior quills are blackish brown, the inner -ones reddish white, striped with blackish brown towards the tip; the -tail-feathers are deep brownish black. This species is nine inches long -and seventeen broad; the wing measures four inches and five-sixths, and -the tail two inches and three-quarters. - -"The Red-heads," says Audubon, "may be considered as residents of the -Northern States, inasmuch as many of them remain in the southern districts -during the whole winter, and breed there in summer; the greater number, -however, pass to countries farther south. Their migration takes place at -night, is commenced in the middle of September, and is continued for a -month or six weeks. They then fly high above the trees, far apart, like a -disbanded army, propelling themselves by reiterated flaps of the wing at -the end of each successive curve which they describe in their flight. The -note which they emit at this time is different from the usual one--sharp -and easily heard from the ground, although the birds may be out of sight; -this note is continued as if it were necessary for keeping the straggling -party in good humour. At dawn of day the whole alight on the tops of the -dead trees about the plantations, and remain in search of food until the -approach of sunset, when they again, one after the other, mount the air -and continue their journey. - -"With the exception of the Mocking Bird, I know no species so gay and -frolicsome; indeed, their whole life is one of pleasure. They find a -superabundance of food everywhere, as well as the best facilities for -raising their broods. They do not seem to be much afraid of man, although -they have scarcely a more dangerous enemy. When alighted on a fence-stake -by the road or in a field, and one approaches them, they gradually move -sidewise out of sight, peeping now and then to discover your intention; -and when you are just close and opposite, lie still until you are past, -when they hop to the top of the stake and rattle upon it with their bill, -as if to congratulate themselves upon the success of their cunning. -Should you approach within arm's length, the Woodpecker flies to the next -stake from you, bends to peep and rattle again, as if to provoke you to -a continuance of what seems to him excellent sport. No sooner are the -cherries ripe than these birds attack them; and I may safely say that a -hundred have been shot on one tree during a single day. Pears, peaches, -apples, figs, mulberries, even peas are also thus attacked. They have -another bad habit--that of sucking the eggs of small birds, and are -often successful in entering the pigeon-houses; the corn as it ripens -is laid bare by their bill, when they feed on the top parts of the ear. -All this while the Red-heads are full of gaiety. No sooner have they -satisfied their hunger than small parties of them assemble in the tops -and branches of decayed trees, from which they chase different insects, -launching after them for eight or ten yards, at times performing the most -singular manœuvres; and on securing their victim return to the tree, where -immediately after a cry of exultation is heard. They chase each other in -a very amicable manner, in long beautifully-curved sweeps, during which -the remarkable variety of their plumage becomes conspicuous. When passing -from one tree to another their flight resembles the motion of a swing. -They move upwards, sidewise, or backwards without apparent effort, but -seldom with the head downwards. Their manner of curving from one tree to -another is frequently performed as if they intended to attack a bird of -their own species, and it is amusing to see the activity with which the -latter baffles his antagonist, as he scrambles sidewise down the tree with -astonishing celerity; in the same manner in which one of these birds, -suspecting a man armed with a gun, will keep winding round the trunk of a -tree, until a good opportunity presents itself for sailing off to another. -In this manner a man may follow from one tree to another over a whole -field without procuring a shot, unless he watches his opportunity, and -fires while the bird is on the wing. On the ground this species is by no -means awkward, and hops with perfect ease after the beetles it has espied -while perching on a tree or fence. - -"It is seldom that a nest newly perforated by these birds is found, as -they generally resort to those of preceding years. These holes are found -often to the number of ten or a dozen in a single decayed trunk. So few -green or living trees are perforated for this purpose by this species that -I have never myself seen a single instance. In Louisiana and Kentucky the -Red-headed Woodpecker rears two broods every year, in the middle districts -more generally only one. The female lays from two to six eggs, which are -pure white and translucent, sometimes in holes not six feet from the -ground, sometimes as high as possible. The young birds have the upper part -of the head at first grey; but towards autumn the red begins to appear. -During the first winter the red is richly intermixed with grey, and at -the approach of spring scarcely any difference is perceptible between -the sexes. The flesh of the Red-head is tough, and smells so strongly of -the ants and other insects on which it feeds as to be scarcely eatable. -In Kentucky and the Southern States many of these birds are killed in -the following manner:--As soon as they have begun to visit an apple or -cherry tree a pole is placed along the trunk, passing up among the central -branches, and extending six or seven feet beyond the highest twigs. The -Red-head alights by preference on the pole, and while its body is close -to it a man standing beneath gives the pole a smart blow with the head of -an axe, on the opposite side to that on which the Woodpecker is, when, in -consequence of the sudden violent vibration produced in the upper part, -the bird is thrown off dead." - -"So common are these birds," says Wilson, "that wherever there is a tree -of the wild cherry covered with ripe fruit there you see them busy amongst -the branches; and in passing orchards you may readily know where to find -the sweetest apples by observing those trees on or near which a Red-head -is skulking; for so excellent a connoisseur is he in fruit that wherever -an apple or pear tree is found broached by him it is sure to be the ripest -and best flavoured. When alarmed at his work he secures a fine one by -striking his bill deep into it, and bears it off into the woods. - -"Notwithstanding the care," continues the same writer, "which this bird, -in common with the rest of the genus, takes to place its young beyond the -reach of enemies, within the hollows of trees, there is one deadly enemy -against whose depredations neither the height of the tree nor the depth -of the cavity is the least security; this is the black snake (_Coluber -constrictor_), who frequently glides up the trunk of the tree, and, like -a skulking savage, creeps into the Woodpecker's peaceful abode, devours -the eggs and helpless young, in spite of the cries and flutterings of the -parents, and, if the place be large enough, coils himself up in the spot -they occupied, where he will often remain for several days. The eager -school-boy, often hazarding his neck to reach the Woodpecker's hole, at -the triumphant moment when he thinks the nestlings his own, strips his -arm, launching it down the cavity, and grasps what he imagines to be the -callow young, starts with horror at the sight of a hideous shape, and -retreats down the tree with terrified precipitation. Several adventures -of this kind have come to my knowledge, and one of them was attended with -serious consequences--both snake and boy fell to the ground; and a broken -thigh and long confinement cured the youngster of his ambition for robbing -Woodpeckers' nests." - - -THE ANT-EATING BLACK WOODPECKER. - -The ANT-EATING BLACK WOODPECKER (_Melanerpes formicivorus_) is an -inhabitant of California and Mexico. Its body is black; the brow, a spot -on the exterior quills, the anterior border of the hinder quills, and the -rump are white; the top of the head as far as the nape is light red; the -throat and a band upon the breast are black; the region of the throat is -relieved by the sulphur-yellow feathers, by which the black portion is -surrounded; the back and sides are streaked longitudinally with white; the -eye is yellow, the beak and feet are black. This species is nine inches -long; the wing measures five inches and a quarter, and the tail two and a -quarter. - -"The _Melanerpes formicivorus_," Hermann tells us, "is the noisiest and -most numerous of all the Woodpeckers inhabiting California. During the -summer these birds are constantly to be seen chasing their insect prey -about the topmost branches of the trees, and in autumn are equally busy -in laying up a store of acorns against the approach of winter. This is -accomplished by boring a series of holes in the trunk of a tree, into each -of which an acorn is so firmly introduced as to render its extrication a -work of difficulty. An oak or pine tree thus pierced often presents the -appearance of being studded with a multitude of bronze nails." - - * * * * * - -The VARIEGATED WOODPECKERS (_Picus_) constitute a group of small or -moderate-sized and compactly-built birds. Their straight beak almost -equals the head in length, and is as broad as it is high at the base; the -toes are short, and in some species but three in number; in the wing the -third quill is the longest; and the tail is conical. The plumage is black, -marked with white, and enlivened in some parts by an intermixture of red -or yellow. The various members of this group inhabit all those parts of -the earth frequented by their congeners, with the exception of Central and -Southern Africa. - - -THE GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. - -The GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER (_Picus major_) is black upon the upper -portion of the body, of a dull yellowish grey beneath, and the brow -indicated by a yellow line. The cheeks, a line on the sides of the throat, -the large spots on the shoulders, and some irregular markings on the wings -are all white; the back of the head and lower part of the belly are light -red; and a black line passes from the base of the beak to the nape. The -female is without the red upon the nape; and in the young the top of the -head is bright red. The eye of all is brownish red, the beak light grey, -and the foot greenish grey. - -These well-known birds inhabit the whole of Europe and Siberia, as far -as Kamschatka. Woods, forests, and plantations of all kinds are their -principal resorts, and they especially delight in fir or pine trees. In -these localities each bird appropriates a certain district as its own -particular domain, and within this boundary no intruder is permitted to -forage; for no sooner does the vigilant proprietor hear the bony tap that -indicates a close inspection of his hunting-ground than he sallies forth -and encounters the unwelcome visitor, chasing it from tree to tree, until -it is glad to retire in search of more hospitable quarters. Nuts and the -seeds from fir and pine cones are largely consumed by these birds, who -exhibit the utmost adroitness in extricating the latter from their hard -covering. - -This species, which is found throughout the British Isles, though -less common than the Green Woodpecker, "is," says Gosse, "much more -strictly an arboreal bird than that species. It climbs with great -ease and dexterity, traversing the trunks and limbs of trees in all -directions--perpendicularly or horizontally--and digging with great -diligence and effect into the bark and wood for insects. In Kensington -Gardens, London, where this bird is quite common, it usually keeps -about the highest branches of lofty trees, and the loud tappings of its -carpentry may frequently be heard; though a fair sight of its person is -difficult to obtain, as it dodges from side to side of the trunk or branch -on which it happens to be with much cunning and adroitness whenever an -observer approaches. It does not, however, confine itself entirely to the -tall trees, for it occasionally alights on pollards, as well as on the -rails and posts of fences, where, in the accumulated moss and lichen, or -in the various holes and crevices, it finds a harvest of spiders, ants, -caterpillars, and other insects; while in the season it varies its bill of -fare by stealing cherries, plums, and other fruit." - -Colonel Montague gives the following instance of the devotion of the -female of this species for her young:--"It was with difficulty that the -bird was made to quit her eggs; for, notwithstanding a chisel and mallet -were used to enlarge the hole, she did not attempt to fly out until the -hand was introduced, when she quitted the tree at another opening." The -eggs, from five to seven in number, are pure glossy white. - - -THE HARLEQUIN WOODPECKER. - -The HARLEQUIN WOODPECKER (_Piculus minor_), as the least of all European -Woodpeckers is called, differs from its congeners in the comparative -shortness of its slightly conical beak, rounded tail, and the very -peculiar coloration of its plumage. In the male the brow is yellowish -grey, the crown of the head bright red, the upper part of the back -entirely black, and the lower portion white, streaked with black; the -whole of the wings are striped black and white, and relieved by a black -line that passes along the sides of the neck, which it thus divides from -the grey belly, which is longitudinally streaked with black at its sides. -The centre tail-feathers are black, and those at the exterior of a whitish -hue, striped with black. The female is without the red patch on the head; -the young resemble the mother, but are somewhat duller in their hues. In -all the eye is yellowish brown or fiery red, the beak lead-grey, with -black tip and culmen, and the foot dark grey. This species is six inches -long, and from eleven to eleven inches and a half broad; the wing measures -two inches and three-quarters, and the tail two inches and a quarter. - -The habitat of the Harlequin Woodpecker extends over the whole of -Europe and Central Asia, and it is, we believe, occasionally seen in -North-western Africa. Like its congeners, it does not migrate, but only -quits its native woodlands to wander over the face of the country during -the spring and autumn. At other seasons it keeps strictly within the -limits of a certain spot selected as a home, and which invariably contains -a large hollow tree suitable as a sleeping-place. - -"In England," says Mr. Gould, "this small Woodpecker is far more abundant -than is generally supposed. We have seldom sought for it in vain wherever -large trees, particularly elms, grow in sufficient numbers to invite its -abode. Near London it is very common, and may be seen by an attentive -observer in many of the parks in the neighbourhood. The Lesser Spotted -Woodpecker appears to perform a certain daily round, traversing a given -extent of district, and returning to the same spot whence it began its -route. In its actions it is very lively and alert. Unlike the Large -Woodpecker, it frequents the smaller and more elevated branches, which it -traverses with the utmost ease and celerity. Should it perceive itself -noticed it becomes shy, and retires behind the branches; if, however, -closely engaged in searching for food it sometimes is so absorbed as to -allow itself to be closely approached without suspending its operations. -When spring commences it becomes clamorous and noisy, its call being an -oft-repeated note, so closely resembling that of the Wry-neck as to be -scarcely distinguishable from it. At other times of the year it is mute, -and its presence is only betrayed by the reiterated tap which it makes -against the bark of the tree." - -Naumann tells us that as this bird retires to rest later than many of the -other feathered inhabitants of its favourite groves or orchards, many and -fierce battles ensue before it can obtain possession of the particular -hole it desires, as Titmice or Sparrows also prefer a warm, snug nook, -and are by no means disposed to resign quietly in favour of the would-be -intruder. In these encounters, however, might usually overcomes right, -and a series of very pointed arguments, in the shape of repeated taps and -pecks from the enemy's strong beak, eventually compel the weaker bird to -seek a night's lodging elsewhere. - -The movements of the Harlequin Woodpecker are brisk and active, and as -regards its climbing powers it fully equals any member of its family -already described. Towards men it exhibits the utmost confidence, -but lives in a state of almost perpetual warfare with its feathered -companions. During the breeding season, which commences in May, the male -makes himself very conspicuous by the constant utterance of his shrill -monotonous cry and his restless activity in contending with supposed -rivals, or in his struggles to keep off the inroads of other males upon -his chosen nesting-place. This latter spot is always at a considerable -height from the ground, in an old oak or lofty fruit tree, whose decayed -trunk can be readily penetrated by the beaks of the building pair. The -recess bored for the reception of the young is six inches deep, and is -entered by an aperture as perfectly circular in form as if it had been -cut with a centre-bit. Many of these holes are frequently commenced -and abandoned before the requirements of the fastidious parents are -satisfied. The brood consists of from five to seven brilliantly white -eggs, occasionally sparsely sprinkled with fine red spots. The young are -hatched within a fortnight by the united exertions of both birds, and -are nourished and tended for a considerable time after they have left -the nest. The food of this species appears to consist exclusively of -insects, as even during the winter months we have found nothing else in -its stomach. Ants, spiders, beetles, and insects' eggs it consumes in -enormous quantities, and renders inestimable service to the gardener by -the countless hosts of destroying insects which it gleans from fruit-trees -of every description. - -Bechstein gives the following account of an attempt to tame the _Picus -medius_, a closely-allied species. "I have," he says, "seen one of these -Woodpeckers, which was reared by a lady and seemed much attached to -her; it had learned to leave its cage and return, knocking hard at the -window if shut out. It was very amusing to see it climbing nimbly over -its mistress till it had reached her mouth. It then asked her, by light -strokes of the wing, for the food she was accustomed to give it; this was -generally a little meat. It disappeared one day, without any one knowing -what had befallen it." - - -THE THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. - -The THREE-TOED WOODPECKER (_Apternus tridactylus_), as the most striking -of all the European members of this family is called, represents a group -recognisable by their straight beak, which is broader than it is high, and -equals the head in length. All the three toes are shorter than the tarsus; -of these the outermost is the smallest, and the two others of equal -length. In the wing the fourth quill is the longest. The centre feathers -of the conical tail are furnished with very stiff shafts, and sharply -pointed at their tip. The upper portions of the body are black, and the -under side dirty white; the brow black, spotted white, and the crown of -the head pale golden yellow. A white line, more or less marked with black, -passes from the eyes to the middle of the back; the bridles and a second -line that terminates at the throat are black; as are the markings on the -sides of the belly. The quills and exterior tail-feathers are black, -striped with white, and the centre tail-feathers entirely black. The eye -is pearl-grey or silver-white, the beak light grey, tipped with black, and -the foot dark grey. The female has the crown of the head spotted with -white, instead of being yellow as in the male. The length of this species -is nine and its breadth fourteen inches; the wing measures four inches and -three-quarters, and the tail three inches and three-quarters. - -It is at present undecided whether all such of these birds as inhabit -Europe are to be regarded as identical; but if it be so the habitat of -this species extends over a large portion of both the European and Asiatic -continents. In the northern parts of Europe it is met with in the course -of its wanderings as far north as sixty degrees north latitude, and is -by no means rare; in Scandinavia, Finland, and Russia it is especially -numerous, and in the country about the mouth of the Amoor is one of the -commonest of birds. North America also possesses a deceptively similar or -identical species. Everywhere it frequents well-wooded mountain regions, -and closely resembles the Common Variegated Woodpecker in all the various -particulars of its habits, movements, and means of subsistence. It is -active and restless in its habits, and generally occupies the topmost -branches of the trees. Its cry is loud and shrill, somewhat resembling -that of some small quadruped when in great pain. Towards noon it is -silent, and retires to rest in a quiet spot. Its rapid, gliding, and -undulating flight is always accompanied by a succession of loud notes. -The nest is usually from twenty to twenty-four inches deep, and is bored -in the trunk of a sound tree. One brood of four to six pure white eggs is -laid in the season. - - * * * * * - -The GREEN WOODPECKERS (_Gecinus_) are readily known by the large size of -their elongate body, their slightly conical and curved beak, and short -powerful foot, furnished with four toes. The wing, in which the fourth and -fifth quills are the longest, is rounded at its extremity, the tongue is -of unusual length, and the plumage principally green, of a pale shade on -the under side, and marked with undulating lines; the head is occasionally -adorned with a brightly-coloured crest. - - -THE GREEN WOODPECKER. - -The GREEN WOODPECKER (_Gecinus viridis_) is bright green on the upper -portions of the body, and pale greyish green on the under side; the face -is black, the top of the head and nape greyish blue, shaded with bright -red; the wing is light yellow; a line on the cheeks of the male is red, -in the female black. The quills are pale brownish black, spotted with -yellowish or brownish white, and the tail-feathers pale greyish green, -striped with black. The eye is blueish white, the beak dull grey tipped -with black, and the foot greenish grey. The young are greyish green, -spotted with white on the mantle, and whitish grey spotted with black on -the under side; the eye is dark grey. The length of this bird is twelve -and its breadth twenty inches; the wing measures seven and the tail four -inches and a half. - -The Green Woodpecker frequently seeks its insect food upon the ground. -This species is met with over the whole of Europe; but though common in -the wooded districts of England and Scotland, it is very rare in Ireland. - -"Nature," says Mudie, in speaking of this species, "has appointed the -Woodpeckers conservators of the wood of old trees, furnished them -admirably for their office, and so formed their habits that an ancient -tree is an Eden for them, fraught with safety, and redolent of fatness -and plenty. So exquisitely are they fitted for their office that the -several species vary in tint with the general colour of the trees that -they select; if they exhibit an alternation of green moss, yellow lichen, -and ruby-tinted cups, with here and there a spot of black, then this, the -Green Woodpecker, comes in charge; but if they are covered with the black -and white lichens of the Alpine forest, we may look for the spotted race -upon the bark. When the renovation of the spring begins to be felt through -all nature, the Woodpecker creeps from his hole and tries the trunk till -he comes to a hollow place, and upon that he beats the drum in loud and -rolling taps, but yet without in the least perforating the tree. The sound -swells and sinks, hurries and lingers alternately, so that at a distance -it resembles the sound of rustic glee heard through the woodland; if the -Woodpecker's mate catches the sound she answers to it, the bargain is -concluded, and the business of the season begins; if not, the male glides -on to another tree, uttering his short cry, 'Plu-i, plu-i,' and again -resumes his serenade. If there happen to be an odd bird in the forest, -this call for a mate may occasionally be heard far into the summer. If -the tree selected by a pair of Woodpeckers affords no natural hole for -the purpose of nidification, they at once set about excavating one with -their bills, working so fast that the strokes cannot be counted either -by the eye or ear. They know the tree by the sound, and though they will -cut through a few layers of perfect wood, they never mine into a tree -unless it has begun to decay in the interior. Nature guides them to those -trees where their labour is light and they have plenty to eat. In working -they proceed as a mason does when he perforates a block of granite with -a pointed pick, they thump away with so much rapidity and force that the -timber is ground to powder, and they work in a circle no larger than will -admit themselves. They generally burrow so deep that no spoiler can reach -the eggs in their absence, and further security is afforded by the opening -being in some hidden part of the tree. Materials are seldom carried into -the nest, the bed for the reception of the little family being formed of -the soft powder from the wood. The eggs, from five to seven in number, -have a glossy white shell. The young are fledged in June, and creep about -their native tree-hole for some time before they are able to fly." - -[Illustration: THE GREEN WOODPECKER (_Gecinus viridis_).] - - * * * * * - -The CUCKOO WOODPECKERS (_Colaptes_) comprise several species at once -recognisable by their decidedly curved beaks and variegated plumage. - - -THE GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER. - -[Illustration: THE GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER (_Colaptes auratus_).] - -The GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER (_Colaptes auratus_) has a long, broad, -curved beak, which is compressed at its tip; the tarsus is considerably -longer than the exterior toe, and in the wing the fourth and fifth quills -exceed the rest in length. All the shafts of the pinion and tail-feathers -are bright yellow or red. Upon the back the plumage is of a dull reddish -brown, striped with black; the head and nape are grey, the former -adorned with a crescent-shaped scarlet patch; the rump is white; the -upper tail-covers are yellowish white, the sides of the head and throat -greyish red, and the bridles and a streak upon the lower throat black; -the rest of the under side is white, spotted with black. The quills are -sulphur-yellow, and the tail-feathers bright yellow, with dark tips. The -female is without the black cheek-stripes. The body is twelve inches and -a half long and sixteen broad; the wing measures six inches and the tail -four inches and a half. - -This species, which is common in all parts of the United States, where it -is known by the name of the Flicker (that word being supposed to resemble -its cry), has been described at great length by Audubon. "The flight of -these birds," says that graphic writer, "is strong and prolonged; they -propel themselves by numerous beats of the wings, with short intervals -of sailing. Their migrations are carried on at night, as is known by -their note and the whistling of their wings. When passing from one tree -to another on wing, they fly in a straight line until when within a few -yards of the spot where they intend to alight, when they suddenly raise -themselves a few feet and fasten themselves to the bark by their claws and -tail. If they intend to settle on a branch they do not previously rise; -and in either case no sooner has the bird alighted than it nods its head -and utters its well-known note, 'Flicker.' It usually moves sideways on a -small branch, keeping itself erect; and with equal ease it climbs by leaps -along the trunks of trees or their branches, descends and moves sideways -or spirally, keeping at all times its head upward and its tail pressed -against the bark as a support. On the ground it also hops with great -ease. Insects, seeds, berries, and fruit of various kinds constitute the -principal food of these Woodpeckers. No sooner has spring returned than -their voice is heard from the tops of high, decayed trees. Their note at -this period is merriment itself, as it simulates a prolonged and jovial -laugh, heard at a considerable distance. Several males pursue a female, -and, to show the force of their love, bow their heads, spread their tails, -and move sidewise, backwards, forwards, performing such antics as might -induce any one witnessing them to join his laugh to theirs. The female -flies to another tree, where she is closely followed by half a dozen -of these gay suitors, when again the same ceremony is gone through. No -fighting occurs, no jealousy seems to exist among them until a marked -preference is shown for one, when the rest proceed in search of another -female. Each pair proceeds to excavate the trunk of a tree and make a hole -large enough to contain themselves and their young; they both work with -great industry and apparent pleasure. Should the male be employed the -female keeps close to him, and seems to congratulate him on every chip he -throws in the air. They caress each other on the branches, climb about and -around the tree with delight, rattle with their bill against the top of -the dead boughs, chase all their cousins, the Red-heads, defy the Purple -Grakles to enter their nest, feed plentifully on insects, beetles, and -larvæ, cackling at intervals, and ere a week be elapsed the female has -laid four or five eggs, with a pure, white, transparent shell." - -Their flesh is esteemed good by many sportsmen, and they are now and then -exposed for sale in the markets of New York and Philadelphia. - - -THE RED-SHAFTED OR COPPER WOODPECKER. - -The RED-SHAFTED or COPPER WOODPECKER (_Colaptes Mexicanus_), a very -similar species, inhabiting the Southern States of North America, Texas, -and Mexico, is of a light reddish brown on the top of the head and brow; -the upper part of the back is greyish brown, with undulating black -markings, and the lower portion white; the tail-feathers are greyish brown -with bright orange shafts; the chin and throat are light reddish grey; the -breast and belly somewhat deeper in shade, and spotted with black; the -throat is encircled by a red collar, and the upper breast decorated with a -black line; the chin is also indicated by a reddish line. - -The manners of this species much resemble those of the species last -described; it is, however, shyer in its habits, and but rarely comes to -the ground. In the breeding season the male birds display considerable -animosity towards each other, and constantly utter a note resembling the -word "Whitto, whitto, whitto." The nest is made in a tree-trunk, and it is -not uncommon to hear the eager active couple hammering and bumping away -like carpenters until a late hour in the evening. The eggs have a pure -white shell. - - -THE FIELD WOODPECKER. - -The FIELD WOODPECKER (_Geocolaptes campestris_) is an inhabitant of the -South American prairies, and represents a group that, unlike those already -described, seek their principal food, not upon the trunks of trees, -but from the surface of the ground. The Field Woodpecker possesses a -slightly-curved bill, of about the same length as the head; its wings are -long, pointed, and powerful, their fourth quill longer than the rest; the -strong tail is pointed, and the slender foot furnished with very delicate -toes. The variegated plumage is not very brightly tinted; the crown of -the head and neck are black; the cheeks, throat, and upper breast golden -yellow; the back and wings pale yellow, striped with blackish brown; the -lower portion of the back, the breast, and belly are whitish yellow, -each feather having black markings; the quills are greyish brown, with -gold-coloured shafts, the primaries striped with white on the inner web, -and the secondaries on both webs. The tail-feathers are blackish brown, -those at the exterior streaked with yellow on the outer, and those in the -centre on the inner web. The female is somewhat paler in hue than her -mate. The eye is bright red, the beak blackish grey, and the foot dull -grey. - - * * * * * - -The SOFT-TAILED WOODPECKERS (_Picumnus_) constitute a group of very small -birds, with long, straight, conical beaks, which are pointed at the tip. -The shape of the leg and claw resembles that of the True Woodpecker. The -short wings, in which the fourth and fifth quills are the longest, are -very blunt and rounded; the tail is composed of twelve soft, rounded -feathers, the outermost of which are very short; the plumage is soft, and -its feathers few and of unusual size. Most of these birds inhabit South -America; Africa possesses one and India three species. We are almost -entirely without reliable particulars as to their habits. - - -THE DWARF WOODPECKER. - -The DWARF WOODPECKER (_Picumnus minutus_) is greyish brown on the mantle; -the under side is white, streaked with black; the crown of the head is -black, delicately sprinkled with white; the brow of the male is red, -that of the female is of the same colour as the rest of the head; and -the blackish brown quills are edged with yellow. The tail-feathers are -black; those at the exterior have a broad white stripe on the outer, and -those in the centre on the inner web. The eye is greyish brown, the beak -lead-colour at its base and blackish at the culmen and tip, the foot is -lead-grey. This small bird is only three inches and seven lines long and -six inches broad; the wing measures one inch and ten lines, and the tail -one inch. The Dwarf Woodpecker is met with in all the wooded tracts of -coast from Guiana to Paraguay, and is frequently seen in the immediate -vicinity of the houses. In summer it lives in pairs, in winter in small -parties, that fly to a considerable distance over the surrounding coast. - - * * * * * - -The WRY-NECKS (_Yunx_) inhabit the Eastern Hemisphere, and are -recognisable by their slender body, long neck, small head, short blunt -wing, in which the third quill is the longest, and a broad soft tail of -moderate size. The short, straight, conical beak is pointed, and but -slightly compressed at its sides; the foot is furnished with four toes -placed in pairs; the plumage lax and soft, and the very protrusile tongue -of thread-like tenuity. - - -THE WRY-NECK. - -The WRY-NECK (_Yunx torquilla_) is of a light grey on the upper portion -of its body, marked and spotted with a deeper shade; the under side is -white, sparsely sprinkled with dark triangular spots; the entire throat -is yellow, with undulating markings; a black line passes from the crown of -the head to the lower part of the back, and the mantle is decorated with -numerous black and brown spots of various shades; the quills are striped -with reddish and blackish brown; the tail-feathers are sprinkled with -black, and relieved by five narrow, curved stripes; the eye is yellowish -brown; the beak and legs greenish yellow. In the young the coloration -is paler and the markings less delicate than in the adults; their eye -is greyish brown. This species is seven inches long and eleven broad; -the wing measures three inches and one-third, and the tail two inches -and a half. The actual habitat of the Wry-neck appears to be the central -parts of Europe and Asia. In a northerly direction it is found as far as -Scandinavia, and during its migrations often wanders as far as Egypt and -Eastern Soudan. Jerdon tells us that it is met with throughout all parts -of India during the winter. - -[Illustration: THE WRY-NECK (_Yunx torquilla_).] - -The Wry-neck, so called from its strange manner of turning its head, -so as to give its neck a twisted appearance, is commonly met with in -England, but is rare in Scotland, and, according to Yarrell, has not been -met with in Ireland. This species usually resorts to woodland districts, -fields, and gardens. "When found in its retreat in the hole of a tree," -says the last-mentioned writer, "it makes a loud hissing noise, sets up -an elongated crest, and writhing its body and head towards each shoulder -alternately, with grotesque contortions, becomes an object of terror to a -timid intruder; and the bird, taking advantage of a moment of indecision, -darts with the rapidity of lightning from a situation whence escape seemed -impossible." Caterpillars and various insects, especially ants, constitute -the principal food of these birds. Bechstein states that they will eat -elder-berries. The young are easily tamed; and in France are often taken -from one tree to another, with a string fastened round the leg, to search -the bark for insects. - -Colonel Montague thus describes the manner in which a female of this -species that he had tamed took its food:--"A quantity of mould with emmets -and their eggs was given to it; and it was curious to observe the tongue -darted forth and retracted with such velocity and such unerring aim that -it never returned without an ant or an egg adhering to it, not transfixed -by the horny points, but retained by a peculiar tenacious moisture -provided for that purpose. While feeding, the body is kept motionless, -only the head being turned from side to side; and the motion of the tongue -is so rapid that an ant's egg, which is of a light colour, and therefore -more conspicuous than the tongue, has the appearance of moving to the -mouth by attraction, as the needle flies to the magnet. The bill is -rarely used, except to remove the mould, in order to get more rapidly at -the insects where the earth is hollow. The tongue is thrust into all the -cavities to rouse the ants, and for this purpose the horny appendage is -extremely serviceable as a guide to the tongue." - -The following interesting account of an attempt to drive a pair of these -birds from the nesting-place they had selected is given by Mr. Salmon, -in the _Magazine of Natural History:_--"I wished to obtain the eggs of -the Wry-neck to place in my cabinet, and accordingly watched a pair very -closely that had resorted to a garden in the village for the purpose of -incubation. I soon ascertained that they had selected a hole in a decayed -apple-tree for that purpose, the entrance to which was so small as not -to admit my hand. The tree being hollow and decayed near the ground, I -reached the nest by putting my arm upwards, and I found on withdrawing the -nest that the underneath part of it was composed of moss and hair, having -every appearance of being the deserted home of a Redstart; the upper part -was made of dry roots. The nest did not contain any eggs, and I returned -it by thrusting it up inside the tree. On passing the same way a week -afterwards my attention was arrested by observing one of the birds leaving -the hole; upon which I gently withdrew the nest, and was gratified to find -it contained five most beautifully glossy eggs, the shells of which were -perfectly white, and so transparent that the yolks shone through, giving -them a delicate pink hue. I replaced the nest and visited it during the -ensuing weeks, when, to my astonishment, I found that the birds had not -deserted the hole, but the female had six eggs more, which I obtained by -thrusting the nest up the tree. Next week I again visited the spot, and -found that they still pertinaciously adhered to their domicile, having -further laid four eggs more. I repeated the experiment, but not having -an opportunity of revisiting the spot until ten days after, I thought -at the time that the nest was abandoned, and was not undeceived till I -again withdrew the nest, having taken the precaution of endeavouring to -frighten off the old bird should she be within, which I found was the -case; nevertheless she suffered me to pull the nest to the bottom of the -tree before she attempted to escape. There were seven eggs slightly sat -upon. It seems to me very extraordinary that the female should allow her -nest to be disturbed five times, and the eggs (amounting to twenty-two) to -be taken away at different periods within the month, before she finally -abandoned the spot she had selected." - - * * * * * - - -HUMMING BIRDS. - -THE HUMMING BIRDS (_Stridor_), a family of most beautiful and fairy-like -beings, inhabiting the Western Hemisphere, comprise some of the smallest -members of the feathered creation. In these birds the beak is generally -long, slender, straight, or curved, usually round, and sharp at the tip; -the nostrils are basal, and covered with a large scale; the wings and -tail are very variously formed, the latter being always composed of ten -feathers; the very short tarsi are most delicately constructed; the long -slender toes are covered with small scales, and either partially united -or completely free from each other; the sharp-pointed claws frequently -exceed the toes in length. The glorious plumage possessed by the members -of this most attractive family has been enthusiastically described by -many writers, but never more eloquently than by Buffon. "Of all animated -beings," says that naturalist, "the Humming Bird is the most elegant -in form and brilliant in colour. The stones and metals polished by art -are not comparable to this gem of nature; she has placed it in the -order of birds, but amongst the tiniest of the race--_maxime miranda in -minimis_--she has loaded it with all the gifts of which she has only -imparted a share to other birds--agility, nimbleness, grace, and rich -attire, all belong to this little favourite. The emerald, the ruby, and -the topaz glitter in her garb, which is never soiled with the dirt of -earth, for, leading an aërial life, it rarely touches the turf even for an -instant. Always in the air, flying from flower to flower, it shares their -freshness and their splendour, imbibes their nectar, and only inhabits -those climes in which they are unceasingly renewed. The Humming Bird seems -to follow the sun, to advance, to retire with him, and to fly on the wings -of the wind in pursuit of an eternal spring." - -"Along the whole line of the Andes, which form as it were the backbone of -America," writes Gould, in the valuable introduction to his magnificent -work on the "Trochilidæ," "at remarkably short intervals occur species of -this family of birds of the greatest possible beauty, which are not only -specifically but generically distinct from each other. Abundant as the -species may be towards the northern and southern portions of the great -chain of mountains, they vastly increase in number as we approach the -equator. The equatorial regions teem with species and even genera that are -not found elsewhere. Between the snow-line of the summit of the towering -volcanoes and their bases many zones of temperature occur, each of which -has it own especial animal and vegetable life. The Alpine region has its -flora, accompanied by insects especially adapted to such situations; -and attendant on these are peculiar forms of Humming Birds, which never -descend to the hot valleys, and scarcely even to the cooler and more -temperate paramos. Many of the higher zones of extinct and existing -volcanoes have their own fauna and flora, even in the interior walls of -ancient craters, wherever vegetation has gained a footing. Some species -of Humming Birds have there, and there only, as yet been discovered. It -is the exploration of such situations that has led to the acquisition -of so many additional species of this family of birds, which now reach -to more than 400. From Santa Fé de Bogota alone many thousands of skins -are annually sent to London and Paris. The Indians readily learn the art -of preserving them, and as a certain amount of emolument attends the -collecting of these objects they often traverse great distances for the -purpose of procuring them. Districts stretching more than 100 miles away -from Bogota are strictly searched, and hence it is that from these places -alone we receive no less than seventy species belonging to this family. -In like manner the residents of many parts of Brazil employ their slaves -in preparing their skins for the European markets, and many thousands are -annually sent from Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Pernambuco; the inmates of -convents are also supplied with many of the more richly-coloured species -for the manufacture of feather flowers. How numerous then must these birds -be in their native wilds; and how wonderfully must they keep in check the -peculiar kind of insect life upon which they feed!" - -In disposition the Humming Birds exhibit a fearlessness and courage quite -out of proportion to the delicacy of their structure, and we might cite -many instances of the fierce encounters in which they sometimes engage; we -must, however, confine ourselves to an extract from Gosse's interesting -little book on the birds of Jamaica. - -"The pugnacity of the Humming Bird has been often spoken of; two of the -same species can scarcely suck flowers from the same bush without a -rencontre. I once witnessed a combat between two which was prosecuted -with much pertinacity, and protracted to an unusual length. It was in -the month of April at Phœnix Park, near Savannah-la-Mer. In the garden -were two trees of the kind called Malay apple, one of which was but a -yard or two from my window. The genial influence of the spring rains had -covered them with a profusion of beautiful blossoms, each consisting of -a multitude of crimson stamens with very minute petals, like bunches of -crimson tassels, but the last buds were only beginning to open. A Humming -Bird had every day and all day long been paying his devoirs to these -charming blossoms. On the morning to which I allude another appeared, and -the manœuvres of these two tiny creatures became very interesting. They -chased each other through the labyrinths of twigs and flowers till, an -opportunity occurring, one would dart with seeming fury upon the other, -and then, with a loud rustling of their wings, they would twirl together -round and round until they nearly came to the earth. It was some time -before I could see with any distinctness what took place in these tussles; -their twistings were so rapid as to baffle all attempts at discrimination. -At length an encounter took place pretty close to me, and I perceived that -the beak of the one grasped the beak of the other, and, thus fastened, -both whirled round in their perpendicular descent, the point of contact -being the centre of the gyrations, till, when another second would have -brought them to the ground, they separated, and the one chased the other -for about a hundred yards and then returned in triumph to the tree, where, -perched on a lofty twig, he chirped monotonously and pertinaciously for -a time, I could not help thinking, in defiance. In a few minutes the -banished one returned, and began chirping no less provokingly, which soon -brought on another chase and another tussle. I am persuaded that these -were both hostile encounters, for the one seemed evidently afraid of -the other, fleeing when he pursued, though his indomitable spirit would -prompt the chirp of defiance, and when resting after a battle I noticed -that the vanquished one held his beak open as if panting. Sometimes they -would suspend hostilities to suck a few blossoms, but mutual proximity was -sure to bring them on again with the same result. In their tortuous and -rapid evolutions the light from their ruby necks would flash in the sun -with gem-like radiance, and as they now and then hovered motionless, the -broadly-expanded tail--the outer feathers of which were crimson-purple, -but in the sun's rays transmitted orange-coloured light--added much to -their beauty. A little Banana Quit (_Certhiola flaveola_), that was -peeping among the blossoms in his own quiet way, seemed now and then to -look with surprise on the combatants; but when the one had driven the -other to a longer distance than usual the victor set upon the unoffending -Quit, who soon yielded the point, and retired humbly enough to a -neighbouring tree. The war--for it was a thorough campaign, a regular -succession of battles--lasted fully an hour, and then I was called away -from my post of observation. Both of the Humming Birds appeared to be -males." - -According to Gosse, the Vervain Humming Bird is the only species endowed -with a song; this bird warbles very weakly but sweetly for ten minutes at -a time during the spring months. The other members of this family at most -indulge in a sharp shrill chirp, as they flit from one flower to another. - - * * * * * - -The GIANT GNOMES (_Eustephanus_), the largest members of the family, are -not conspicuous for the gaiety of their plumage. The structure of their -long beak varies considerably; the foot is of moderate size; the wings -either long and slender or broad and short; the tail, which is of medium -length, is forked at its extremity. - - -THE GIANT HUMMING BIRD. - -The GIANT HUMMING BIRD (_Patagona gigas_) is pale brown shaded with green -on the upper portions of the body; the wings are greyish yellow; the head, -upper breast, and back are marked with dark undulating lines; the wings -and tail-feathers are dark brown, the latter enlivened by a green gloss. -This species is two inches long. - -The Giant Humming Bird inhabits the southern parts of Western America, -appearing also in the extreme south. During the course of its migrations -it has been met with at an altitude of from 12,000 to 14,000 feet above -the level of the sea. - -"Like others of its family," says Darwin, "it moves from place to place -with a rapidity which may be compared to that of the syrphus among -dipterous insects, or sphinxes among moths; but whilst hovering over a -flower it flaps its wings with a very slow and powerful movement, totally -different from that vibrating one common to most of the species which -produces the humming noise. I never saw any other bird whose force of wing -appeared (as in a butterfly) so powerful in proportion to the weight of -its body. When hovering by a flower its tail is constantly expanded and -shut, like a fan, the body being kept in a nearly vertical position. This -action seems to steady and support the bird between the slow movements of -its wings." - -[Illustration: THE GIANT HUMMING BIRD (_Patagona gigas_).] - -"This largest of all Humming Birds," observes Gould, "is said to be a -bold and vigorous flier, to be quick in all its actions, and to pass from -flower to flower with the greatest rapidity; notwithstanding the breadth -and volume of its wings, which would seem to be far better adapted for -lengthened and continuous progress than for poising in the air, which the -bird is in the constant habit of doing while visiting, with little choice, -the summer flowers of the forest. It is stated that, unlike the other -members of the family, it may frequently be seen perched on some small -tree or shrub." - -Mr. Cumming states that in Chili the _Patagona gigas_ is strictly -migratory; it arrives from the north in August, and after spending three -months in that country, during which time it breeds, returns to whence -it came. The nest is a somewhat large, cup-shaped structure, composed -of mosses, lichens, and similar materials, put together with cobwebs, -and placed in the fork of the branch of some tree or shrub, generally on -one overhanging a turbulent stream of water. It lays two eggs, which are -white, and about three-quarters of an inch from end to end. - -[Illustration: THE SWORD-BILL HUMMING BIRD (_Docimastes ensifer_).] - - -THE SWORD-BILL HUMMING BIRD. - -The SWORD-BILL HUMMING BIRD (_Docimastes ensifer_) cannot possibly be -mistaken for any other species, owing to the extraordinary size of the -slightly-curved beak, which fully equals the entire body in length; the -wing is short and broad, and the very decidedly forked tail of medium -size. The entire mantle is of a beautiful mineral green; the head -copper-red; the throat, centre of breast, and under side of a greenish -bronze, which shades into light green at the sides. A small white spot -is placed behind the eye; the wings are purplish brown; the tail-feathers -dark brown, with a metallic green lustre; the beak is blackish brown, and -foot yellowish brown. The male is eight inches and a half long (of this -measurement four inches belong to the beak); the wing is three inches, -and the tail two inches and a half. The female is of paler hue on the -beak, and spotted with white and brown on the under side, enlivened by -a metallic shimmer on the sides; her entire length is seven inches and -a half, the beak measuring but three inches. This new and remarkable -species, we are told by Gould, inhabits the magnificent region of Santa Fé -de Bogota, and was also seen in the Caracas and Quito by Mr. Hartwig, the -celebrated botanist and traveller, who states that he observed it engaged -in procuring insects from the lengthened corollas of flower-bells, for -exploring which its elongated beak is admirably fitted; affording another -instance of the wonderful adaptation of structure to a special purpose so -frequently observable in every department of Nature's works. - - * * * * * - -The GNOMES (_Polytmus_) are moderately large and powerfully built birds, -with strong, medium-sized, and more or less curved beaks; the foot is -furnished with short toes and long claws; the wings are slightly curved; -the broad tail, which is scarcely longer than the closed pinion, has its -two exterior feathers much shortened. The plumage is not remarkable for -its brilliancy, being usually of a greenish or brownish shade above, and -brown variously spotted beneath; the outer tail-feathers have light tips; -the sexes are almost alike in colour. - - -THE SAW-BILL. - -The SAW-BILL (_Grypus nævius_) is at once recognisable by its straight, -powerful beak, which rises high at its base, and is twice the length of -the head, and by its broad tail, the two outer feathers of which are -short. Upon the back the plumage is of a pale metallic green, glowing -with a reddish lustre; the brow and crown of head are dark brown; all the -feathers on the mantle, except those on the wing-covers, are edged with -reddish yellow; the sides of the neck are yellowish red; a narrow line -that passes along the throat, the breast, belly, and rump are yellowish -white, each feather striped with black; another pale reddish yellow -line passes over the eyes; the quills are black, those at the exterior -enlivened by a violet gloss; the centre tail-feathers are green and the -outermost reddish yellow; the eye is dark brown; the upper mandible black, -and the lower yellowish white; the foot is flesh-pink. The body is five -inches and three-quarters long; the wing measures three inches, and the -tail one inch and a half. - -"The _Grypus nævius_," says M. Deyrolle, "is common in all the provinces -of Santa Caterina, in Brazil, but is more frequently met with in woody -situations than elsewhere. Its flight is exceedingly noisy, very vigorous, -and capable of being sustained for a great length of time, the bird rarely -alighting. Its cry is so loud and piercing as to be heard above everything -else, while it flutters round the flowers of various species of orchids, -from which it obtains its principal nourishment." - -"In all probability," says Gould, "the serrations with which the cutting -edges of both mandibles of this bird are furnished are expressly provided -to enable it to capture with facility some peculiar kinds of insect food; -perhaps spiders and small coleoptera. The nest sent to me by Mr. Reeves is -precisely similar in size, form, and situation to those constructed by the -members of the genus _Phaëtornis_, being of a lengthened, pointed form, -composed of fine vegetable fibres and mosses, intermingled with which, -especially on the lower part, are portions of dead leaves and pieces of -lichen attached to the extremities of the leaves of apparently a species -of palm." - -The velocity with which these Humming Birds glance through the air is -extraordinary, and so rapid is the vibration of their wings, that their -movement eludes the sight; when hovering before a flower, they seem -suspended as if by some magic power. - - -THE SICKLE-BILLED HUMMING BIRD. - -The SICKLE-BILLED HUMMING BIRD (_Eutoxeres aquila_) principally differs -from its congeners in the sickle-shaped formation of its powerful beak and -its conical tail. In this species the back is of a glossy greyish green; -the head and a small crest by which it is adorned are brownish black, -these feathers and those upon the rump being edged with brown; the under -side is brownish black, marked on the throat with greyish yellow and on -the breast with white spots; the quills are purplish brown, the exterior -secondaries tipped with white. - -"It is evident," says Gould, "that the bill of this very rare and singular -Humming Bird is adapted for some especial purpose, and we may readily -infer that it has been expressly formed to enable this species to obtain -its food from the deep and remarkably-shaped blossoms of the various -orchidaceous and other plants, with curved, tubular flowers, so abundant -in the country the bird inhabits, and for exploring which a bill of any -other form would be useless." At present nothing is known of its habits. - - * * * * * - -The SUN BIRDS (_Phaëtornis_) have a large, long head and slightly-curved -beak. Their foot is small and delicate, with partially feathered tarsus -and formidable claws; the tail, in which the centre feathers far exceed -the rest in length, is long and conical. The plumage is dull, and the -sexes alike in colour, the only difference observable being the formation -of the tail. - - -THE CAYENNE HERMIT. - -The CAYENNE HERMIT (_Phaëtornis superciliosus_) is about seven inches -long; the wing measures two inches and one-third, and the tail two inches -and two thirds. In this species the mantle is of a pure metallic green, -and the under side reddish grey; the feathers on the back have reddish -yellow borders; a pale reddish yellow line passes above and below the -eye; the quills are brown, shaded with violet; the centre tail-feathers, -which are twice the length of those at the sides, are of a dull metallic -green, shading into black towards the white tip, and edged with reddish -yellow; the upper mandible is black, and the lower half of the under one -pale yellow; the feet are flesh-pink. The female has quieter plumage and -a shorter tail; the latter is but slightly wedge-shaped, and fully two -inches less than that of her mate. - -"The _Phaëtornis superciliosus_," says Gould, "is one of the commonest -species of the genus, examples having been sent to Europe for at least the -last hundred years. Its native countries are Guiana, Cayenne, and Surinam; -its range is known to extend towards Brazil, as far as the confluence of -the Amazon, but, as I believe, does not advance farther south than Bahia. -Open trails covered with shrub or brushwood are the localities it most -frequents." - -Wallace gives the following graphic description of the movements of -the _Phaëtornis_ and some nearly-allied species:--"I have distinctly -observed them visit in rapid succession every leaf and flower on a branch, -balancing themselves vertically in the air, passing their beak closely -over the under surface of each leaf, and thus capturing any small insect -that might be upon them. While doing this the two long feathers of their -tail have a vibratory motion, serving apparently as a rudder to assist -them in performing the delicate operation. I have seen others searching -up and down stems and dead sticks in the same manner, every now and -then picking off an insect, exactly as a Bush Shrike or Tree Creeper -does"--with this exception, that the Humming Bird is constantly on the -wing. They also capture insects in the true Fissirostral manner, and may -often be seen perched on the dead twig of a lofty tree, the same station -that is chosen by the Tyrant Flycatchers and Jacamars, and from which, -like those birds, they dart off a short distance, and, after a few whirls -and balancings, return to the identical twig they had left. In the -evening, after sunset, when the Goatsuckers are beginning their search -over the rivers, I have seen Humming Birds come out of the forest and -remain a long time on the wing, now stationary, now darting about with the -greatest rapidity, imitating in a limited space the varied evolutions of -the Goatsuckers, and evidently for the same end and purpose. - -[Illustration: THE SICKLE-BILLED HUMMING BIRD (_Eutoxeres aquila_).] - - * * * * * - -The MOUNTAIN NYMPHS (_Oreotrochilus_) are at once recognisable by the -very peculiar formation of the wings, in which the shafts of the exterior -quills are remarkably broad. The strong, high beak is of medium size, and -the short tail almost straight at its extremity, only the outer feathers -being slightly rounded. The magnificently-coloured and glossy plumage is -blue or green upon the mantle, and of a lighter shade on the under side; -the region of the throat is usually edged with the most glowing tints, and -the exterior tail-feathers are often white. The sexes vary considerably in -their coloration. - - -THE CHIMBORAZIAN HILL-STAR. - -The CHIMBORAZIAN HILL-STAR (_Oreotrochilus Chimborazo_), one of the most -magnificent members of this group, has a powerful body, long, thin, and -slightly-curved beak, moderate-sized but strong wings, a broad rounded -tail, formed of pointed feathers, and powerful feet, partially covered -with down. The sexes differ considerably in appearance. The male is of a -resplendent violet on the head and region of the throat, with greyish -olive-brown mantle and white belly, shading to yellowish brown at its -sides; the centre of the throat is decorated with a long triangular patch -of glossy green, divided from the light under side by a line of velvety -black; the quills are purplish brown, and the centre tail-feathers dark -green, the rest greenish black on the outer and white on the inner web; -the beak and feet are black. The female is olive-green on the back, and -olive-brown on the under side, slightly marked with a lighter shade; the -breast is white, each feather spotted with brown at its tip; the centre -tail-feathers are brilliant dark green, the rest light greenish brown, and -white towards the root; the two exterior feathers have a white spot on -the inner web. The body is four inches and three-quarters long; the tail -measures two inches and three-eighths. - -[Illustration: THE CHIMBORAZIAN HILL-STAR (_Oreotrochilus Chimborazo_).] - -"This beautiful species," says M. Jules Bourcier, "is exclusively -confined to the volcanic mountain, Chimborazo. Here, at an altitude where -vegetation ceases, and near the eternal snows, it loves to dwell, the -height of its range appearing to be governed by that of the chuquiraga, -its favourite shrub, the flowers of which afford it an abundance of -nectarian and insect food. It is solitary in its habits, and so pugnacious -that it immediately offers battle to intruders on its haunts. The male -perches on the extremity of the most elevated branch, and is rarely -found near the female, which, unlike her mate, invariably perches near -the ground, a circumstance that, combined with her sombre colouring, -renders her very difficult of detection. Both sexes retain their greyish -green garb during the first year of their existence; the young males -may, however, be at all times distinguished by a tolerably well-defined -collar of olive-green and brown. The nest is formed of lichens, and is -either suspended to or sheltered beneath a ledge of rock. The eggs, two in -number, have a white shell." - - * * * * * - -The SABRE-WINGS (_Campylopterus_) are at once recognisable from the -peculiar shape of the wing, which is broad, with the anterior quills -strongly curved, their shafts, in adult birds, becoming suddenly dilated. -The tail is large and blunt or broadly rounded at the end, and the -powerful beak, which is half as long again as the head, but slightly -curved, compressed at its sides, and broader than it is high. The legs are -delicate, and the claws long. - - -DE LATTREI'S SABRE-WING. - -DE LATTREI'S SABRE-WING (_Campylopterus hemileucurus_ or _Campylopterus De -Lattrei_) is of a deep blueish black on the head; the wing-covers, back, -and rump are green; the quills dark purplish brown; the tail-feathers -blueish black, shaded with green; a small white spot is placed above the -dark eye; the beak is black, the foot dark brown. The head of the female -is bronze-colour, the rest of the mantle glossy green, with a golden -shade; the region of the throat and sides of the breast are greenish blue, -and the under side grey, with a greenish gloss. This gaily-tinted bird -inhabits Mexico and Central America. - -"Of all the members of the genus," says Gould, "this species is by far the -largest and the most beautifully coloured. It is said to be the boldest -of its race, and to be so extremely pugnacious that every bird venturing -into the neighbourhood of its territory is furiously attacked and driven -away. This peculiar feature in the habits of the race explains the use of -the broad and powerful shafts of the primaries, which form so conspicuous -a character in the males of the _Campylopterus_. This bird is strictly -a Mexican or Central American species. M. de Lattrei, to whom we are -indebted for its discovery, states that it is found in the forests of -Jalapa during two months of the year only, that it is known by the name of -the 'Luce-fleur-royal,' and that it feeds during the entire day, instead -of during any particular hours. He adds that it selects a flowering shrub, -which it never quits, and from which it chases with anger all the species -of the family that may seem desirous of approaching it. On taking flight -it utters a cry." - -"The large showy tail of this Humming Bird," says Mr. Salvin, "makes it -one of the most conspicuous when on the wing. The females are especially -abundant, their ratio to the males being as five to two." - -"This beautiful bird," says M. Montes de Oca, "which is generally known -in Mexico by the name of the Royal Blue Myrtle-sucker, arrives in the -vicinity of Jalapa, Coantepec, and Orizaba in considerable numbers during -the months of October and November, and is mostly found feeding from a -plant called marapan between the hours of seven and one o'clock. During -this time it is seldom seen to alight, and then only for a very short -time, but is constantly on the wing, flitting from flower to flower, -describing segments of a circle in its flight, and sometimes almost -touching the ground. For the remainder of the day very few are to be seen, -and I think it probable that they visit the woods for certain kinds of -mosquitoes, with which I have often found their stomachs well filled. The -pugnacity of this species is very remarkable; it is very seldom that two -males meet without an aërial battle. The contest commences with a sharp, -choleric shriek, after which, with dilated throats, the feathers of the -whole of their bodies erected on end, and their tails outspread, they -begin to fight with their bills and wings; the least powerful soon falls -to the ground or flies away. I have never known one of these battles last -longer than about ten seconds, and in the specimens I have under my notice -in cages, their fighting has mostly ended in the splitting of the tongue -of one of the two, which then surely dies, from being unable to feed." - - * * * * * - -The TRUE SABRE-WINGS (_Platystylopterus_) are recognisable by their -comparatively great size and strength, and the unusual development of the -shafts of the exterior quills; the tail is straight at its extremity; the -beak short and powerful, and almost straight. - - -THE FAWN-COLOURED SABRE-WING. - -The FAWN-COLOURED SABRE-WING (_Platystylopterus rufus_) is about five -inches and a half long, and seven broad. In this species the mantle and -central tail-feathers are of a bronze-like green, the under side brownish -yellow, and the exterior tail-feathers brownish yellow with a black spot -near the tip. This bird is an inhabitant of Guatemala. We are entirely -without particulars as to its life and habits. - - * * * * * - -The JEWEL HUMMING BIRDS (_Hypophania_) have a powerful and slightly-curved -beak and small foot, in some instances covered with down; the wing, which -somewhat resembles that of the _Oreotrochilus_, is sometimes short, -sometimes long; in the otherwise short tail two of the feathers are -generally much prolonged. - - -THE CRIMSON TOPAZ HUMMING BIRD. - -The CRIMSON TOPAZ HUMMING BIRD (_Topaza pella_), one of the most splendid -species of this highly bedizened group, has the crown of the head and a -line about the throat of velvety blackness; the rump is copper-colour, -shading into rich deep red, and glistening with a golden light; the -wing-covers are green; the throat is golden in some lights, emerald-green -in others, glancing with the yellow radiance of the topaz; the quills are -reddish brown; the centre tail-feathers, which project three inches beyond -the rest, are chestnut-brown, and those at the exterior reddish brown. The -female is principally of a greenish hue, with a red throat, and is far -less resplendent than her mate. The length of this bird, including the -long tail-feathers, exceeds eight inches. - -We learn from Gould that Cayenne, Trinidad, Surinam, and the fluviatile -regions of the Lower Amazon are the native habitat of this gorgeous -species, which may be regarded, not only as one of the gems of -ornithology, but as one of the most beautifully-adorned species of the -_Trochilida_. - -Mr. Waterton thus describes the Crimson Topaz in his "Wanderings:" "One -species alone never shows his beauty to the sun; and were it not for his -lovely shining colours you might almost be tempted to class him with -the Goatsuckers, on account of his habits. He is the largest of all the -Humming Birds, and is all red and changing gold-green, except the head, -which is black. He has two long feathers in the tail, which cross each -other, and these have gained him from the Indians the name 'Karabinite,' -or 'Ara Humming Bird.' You never find him on the coast, or where the river -is salt, or in the heart of the forest, unless fresh water be there. -He keeps close by the side of woody fresh water rivers and dark lonely -creeks; he leaves his retreat before sunrise to feed on the insects near -the water; he returns to it as soon as the sun's rays cause a glare of -light; he is sedentary all day long, but comes out again for a short time -after sunset." The nest, represented in our woodcut, is deeply cup-shaped, -the walls exceedingly thin, and the whole structure composed apparently -of fragments of a species of fungus, very much resembling German tinder, -bound together by cobwebs or some similar material. The two white eggs are -about five-eighths of an inch in length. - - -THE BLACK-CAPPED HUMMING BIRD. - -The BLACK-CAPPED HUMMING BIRD (_Aithurus polytmus_) has a short, -slightly-forked tail, the two outer feathers of which are prolonged six -inches beyond the rest. The male has a long tuft over each ear, and is -velvety black on the crown of the head; the mantle is green; the under -side glossy emerald-green, shading into blueish black on the belly and -tail-covers; the quills are purplish black; the tail-feathers deep black, -with a greenish shade towards the roots; the eye is deep brown, the beak -bright red, tipped with black, and the foot brown; the male is ten inches -long, and six broad; his wing measures two inches and three-quarters, and -his tail seven inches and a quarter. The female, whose length does not -exceed four inches and a half, with wings two inches and a quarter, and -the tail one inch and seven-eighths long, is of a copper-green on the -mantle, and white beneath; her sides are spotted with green. - -[Illustration: THE CRIMSON TOPAZ HUMMING BIRD (_Topaza pella_).] - -"This Humming Bird," says Mr. Gosse, "is the gem of Jamaican ornithology. -Its slender form, velvet crest, emerald bosom, and lengthened tail-plumes -render it one of the most elegant members of its truly brilliant family. -It is a permanent resident in Jamaica, and is not uncommonly seen at -all seasons and in all situations. It loves to frequent the margins -of roadsides, where it sucks the blossoms of the trees, occasionally -descending, however, to the lower shrubs; and is abundant on the summits -of the range of mountains known as the Bluefield Ridge. Behind these -peaks, which are visible from the sea, at an elevation of half a -mile, there runs through the dense woods a narrow path, just passable -for a horse, overrun with beautiful ferns of many graceful forms, and -always damp and cool. No habitation occurs within several miles, and no -cultivation, save the isolated provision grounds of the negroes, which -teem with enormous arums, and are hidden from view in the thick woods. The -refreshing coolness of the roads, the unbroken solitude, combined with the -peculiarity and luxuriance of the vegetation, made it one of my favourite -resorts. Not a tree, from the thickness of one's wrist to the gigantic -magnitude of the hoary fig and cotton tree, but is clothed with gigantic -parasites. Begonias with waxen leaves and ferns with hirsute stems climb -up the trunks of enormous bromelias; various orchids, with matted roots -and grotesque blossoms, spring from every bough; and long lianas, like -the cordage of a ship, depend from the loftiest branches or stretch from -tree to tree. Elegant tree-ferns and towering palms are numerous. Here and -there the wild plantain waves its long flag-like leaves from amidst the -humbler bushes; and in the most obscure corners, over some decaying log, -nods the noble spike of a magnificent limed arum. Nothing is flaunting -or showy; all is solemn and subdued, but all is exquisitely beautiful. -The underwood consists largely of the plant called glass-eye berry, the -blossoms of which, though presenting little beauty in form or hue, are -eminently attractive to the Long-tailed Humming Bird. These bushes are -at no part of the year out of blossom, their scarlet berries appearing -at all seasons on the same stalk as the flowers; and here, at any time, -one may with tolerable certainty calculate on finding these very lovely -birds; but it is in March, April, and May that they abound. I suppose -that I have sometimes seen not fewer than a hundred come successively to -rifle the blossoms within the space of as many yards in one forenoon. They -are, however, in no respects gregarious; though three or four may be seen -at one moment hovering round the blossoms of the same shrub, there is -no association--each is governed by its individual preference, and each -attends to its own affairs. It is worthy of remark that males compose by -far the greater portion of the individuals observed at this elevation, -while very few females are seen there; whereas in the lowlands this sex -outnumbers the other. In March a considerable number are seen to be clad -in the livery of the adult male, but without the long tail-feathers, -whilst others possess them in various stages of development. These are, I -have no doubt, males of the preceding season. It is also common to find -one of those lengthened feathers much shorter than the other; and in their -aërial encounters with each other a tail-feather is sometimes displaced. -The loud sound made by the strong vibration of the wings of the male is -more shrill than that produced by those of the female, and indicates the -proximity of the bird before the eye has detected it. The male utters an -almost incessant chirp, both whilst resting on a twig or feeding from -the flowers. They do not invariably probe the blossoms on the wing, but -frequently when alighted and sitting with closed pinions; and they often -partially sustain themselves whilst feeding by clinging with the feet to -a leaf, with the wings expanded and vibrating. When perched, they usually -sit in a nearly upright posture, with the head thrown backwards, the beak -pointing at a small angle above the horizon, the feet almost hidden by the -body being brought into contact with the perch, the tail thrust forward -under the belly, and the long feathers crossing each other near their -middle." - -The nests, which are most numerous in June, are placed in a great variety -of situations; that described by Mr. Gosse was "principally composed of -silk-cotton, very closely pressed, mixed with the still more glossy cotton -of an asclepias, particularly round the edge, the seeds remaining attached -to some of the filaments. On the outside the whole structure is quite -covered with spiders' webs, crossed and recrossed in every direction, and -made to adhere by some viscous substance, evidently applied after the -web was placed, probably saliva. Little bits of pale green lichen and -fragments of thin laminated bark are stuck here and there on the outside, -by means of the webs having been passed over them. The whole forms a very -compact cup, one inch and three-quarters deep without, and one inch deep -within, the sides about a quarter of an inch thick, the inner margin a -little overarching, so as to narrow the opening; the total diameter at -the top one inch and a half. The eggs are of a long oval form and pure -white, save that when fresh the contents produce a reddish tinge, from -the thinness of the shell. The above are the usual form, dimensions, -and materials of the nest. Variations, however, often occur from local -causes: thus, in one from a rocky situation only moss is used, and the -base is prolonged to a point; one now before me is wholly composed of pure -silk-cotton, bound profusely with the finest web, undistinguishable except -on the closest examination, not a fragment of lichen mars the beautiful -uniformity of its appearance; others are studded all over with lichens, -and have a peculiar rustic prettiness. Insects constitute the principal -food of this species, which obtains them from the flower-cups, and also -catches them whilst on the wing." - - * * * * * - -The WOOD-NYMPHS (_Lampornis_) possess a straight or moderately-curved -beak, which is broad at its base and incised at its extremity; the long -toes are armed with short, high, and very decidedly-hooked claws; the -wings are slender, and the tail broad, rounded or slightly incised at its -extremity. The sexes vary considerably in their coloration. - - -THE MANGO HUMMING BIRD. - -The MANGO HUMMING BIRD (_Lampornis mango_) represents a group recognisable -by their long, flat, broad, and curved beak, and by their short, rounded -tail. In this species, which is about four inches and three-quarters -long and seven inches and a half broad, with wing measuring two inches -and three-quarters and tail one inch and a half, the entire mantle is of -metallic green, glistening with a bright copper shade; the greyish black -quills gleam with violet, and the centre tail-feathers, which are green -shaded with red above, are blueish red beneath, and have a brilliant -purplish black border; the exterior tail-feathers are entirely blueish -red, with a similar edge. The throat, neck, breast, and upper part of the -belly are of rich velvety black, shading into steel-blue at the sides; the -lower portion of the belly is of copper-green. The beak of the adult is -black, that of the young brown, and the foot black. The female is paler -than her mate on the mantle, and white striped with black on the under -side; her body is four inches and three-quarters long and seven and a half -broad; the wing measures two inches and three-quarters and the tail one -inch and a half. - -The Mango, we learn from M. Boucier, though one of the most widely-spread -members of its family, is only to be met with in hot localities; and -whenever it occurs in the interior of a country, it is invariably in the -warmest valleys. In disposition it is wild and quarrelsome, for although -it lives in societies, several always being together, it is continually -engaged in fighting with its companions and in driving away all other -birds that approach the trees in which it is breeding. It inhabits -Bolivia, Guiana, and Brazil. The adult does not assume its perfect plumage -until the end of the second year, and in the interval passes through so -many changes that the variety of appearance it presents has given rise -to the various names under which these birds have been described; those -obtained in Bolivia are a trifle the largest, and have the bands of green -and blue at the sides of the neck a little less brilliant; in fact, the -hotter the climate in which they dwell the brighter is their general -appearance--the black of the throat is more intense, the green on the -back and rump finer, and the violet of the tail more lustrous. The flight -of this species is very rapid. Mr. Reeves informs us that in Brazil the -_Lampornis mango_ is found in Rio Janeiro, Minos Gerves, St. Paul's, Santa -Catherina, and Para. The Mango frequents gardens as well as the forests, -and is very common in Rio in some seasons and equally scarce at others. -The nest, according to Gould, is a round cup-shaped structure, placed near -the extremity of a small horizontal branch, and is composed of any cottony -or similar material that may be at hand, bound together with cobwebs, and -ornamented with numerous small pieces of lichens. The eggs are white, and -two in number, half an inch long by three-eighths of an inch in breadth. - -"Wishing to keep one of these birds alive," says Mr. Gosse, "I stationed -myself near a blossoming papau-tree, one evening, with a gauze ring-net -in my hand, with which I darted at one, and though I missed my aim, the -attempt so astonished it that it appeared to have lost its presence of -mind, so to speak, flitting hurriedly hither and thither for several -seconds before it flew away. The next morning I again took my station, -and stood quite still; the net being held up close to an inviting branch -of blossoms, the Humming Birds came near in their course round the tree, -sipped the surrounding flowers, eyeing the net hanging in the air for a -moment near the fatal cluster without touching it, and then, arrow-like, -darting away. At length one, after surveying the net, passed again round -the tree, and in approaching it the second time, and perceiving the -strange object not to have moved, he took courage and began to suck. I -quite trembled with hope; in one instant the net was struck, and before -I could see anything the rustling of his wings within the gauze told me -that the little beauty was a captive. I brought him in triumph to the -house and caged him; but he was very restless, clinging to the sides and -wires, and fluttering violently about. The next morning, having gone out -on an excursion for a few hours, I found the poor bird on my return dying, -having beaten himself to death. I never again took this species alive." - - -THE RUBY AND TOPAZ WOOD-NYMPH. - -The RUBY AND TOPAZ WOOD-NYMPH (_Chrysolampis moschita_), a most -magnificently-adorned Brazilian Humming Bird, is brown on the crown of -the head, with a glowing throat of ruby-red, and upper breast irradiated -by a tint that can only be compared to the golden glow of sunrise. The -wings gleam with a violet light, and the light brown tail has each feather -relieved by a black border. The beak and feet are black. The female and -young are metallic green above and grey on the under side. This species is -four inches long and five broad, the wing measures two inches and the tail -one inch and a half. - -The central part of South America affords a home to this most -exquisitely-ornamented little bird. "If any one species of this extensive -family be better known than any other," says Gould, "it is undoubtedly -the Ruby and Topaz Humming Bird, for it is not only one of the earliest -discovered, but its beauty is of such a character as to fix at once the -attention of every observer. It is also one of the commonest of the entire -group, and plays no inconsiderable part in commerce, as the capturing -and preparing specimens, which are sent home by thousands, affords -considerable employment to the Brazilian slaves and others in its native -country; moreover, in Europe and elsewhere, this species always forms a -conspicuous object in the groups of birds arranged under glass shades. -But, alas! nothing is known as to its manner of life, for though it has -been described for more than a hundred years, and its native country -repeatedly visited by enterprising explorers, no one of them has placed on -record any details as to its habits. It is said to perch occasionally, and -spread its large, rounded tail to the fullest extent, like the Peacock. -The cup-shaped nest is also known to be composed of cottony material, and -decorated externally with leaves and small patches of lichens." - - * * * * * - -The FLOWER-NYMPHS (_Florisugus_) are for the most part powerfully formed -and large Humming Birds, with a short tail, scarcely exceeding the closed -wing in length. The strong beak is not incised, and the sexes differ more -or less in their coloration. Some of them appear to be migratory; at -least, they would seem to approach the tropic during the colder parts of -the year, and to retreat before the returning heat, thus maintaining an -equable temperature. - - -THE BRAZILIAN FAIRY. - -The BRAZILIAN FAIRY (_Heliothrix auriculata_), a species inhabiting -Brazil, has an awl-shaped, delicate beak, small feet, furnished with -short, curved claws, long, slender wings, and a long tail, formed of -narrow feathers; the tail of the female is composed of broad feathers, -and rounded at its extremity. In the adult male, the back and sides -of the throat are bright copper-green, with a golden shimmer, and the -greyish black quills glow with violet; the under side and three exterior -tail-feathers are white, whilst those in the centre of the tail gleam -with a steel-blue lustre; a line of velvety black commences beneath the -eyes, and passes along the body, expanding as it goes, and gradually -merging in a blueish border that surrounds it. The male is six inches -and three-quarters long, with a tail of two inches and a half; the body -of the female measures four inches and a half, and her tail one inch and -seven-twelfths. - -This beautiful bird is rare in Brazil, and in Guiana is replaced by a very -similar species; it has also several representatives in the western parts -of South America. - -"Mr. Reeves," says Gould, "informs me that this elegant bird inhabits Rio -de Janeiro and Minos Gerves, but is nowhere very common; that it is not -met with in the immediate vicinity of Rio, but that it arrives in Novo -Fribourgo in July and remains till September. During its stay it evinces -a decided preference for the flowers of the orange-tree, which doubtless -afford it an abundant supply of some peculiar and congenial kind of insect -food. Its flight is both powerful and rapid. The nest is of somewhat -lengthened form, attached to the side of a small twig, and composed of -fine, dry, dark brown vegetable fibres, coated externally with small -flakes of pale olive and buff-coloured bark. Another example is of a still -more elongated shape, attached on one side to a slender vertical twig, and -composed of some cottony material, held together externally by cobwebs and -patches of grey lichen." - - * * * * * - -The FLOWER-SUCKERS (_Florisuga_) are distinguishable from the groups above -described by the formation of their straight beak, which is flat only at -its base, and towards its tip rises so considerably as to be higher than -it is broad; the powerful feet are feathered on the tarsi, and armed with -slightly-curved claws; the wings are long and slender, and the tail broad. - - -THE PIED JACOBIN. - -The PIED JACOBIN (_Florisuga atra_) is almost entirely of a rich velvety -black, with the exception of the vent and legs; the wing-covers are of -a dull green, shaded with violet; the centre tail-feathers black with a -blueish gloss, whilst those at the exterior are white tipped with black. -The female is of duller hue, and has the cheeks and often the entire head -rust-red; the feathers on her back are edged with yellowish red; the beak -is deep black. This species is four inches and a half long; the wing -measures two inches and two-thirds, and the tail one inch and a half. - -"The true, if not the restricted habitat of the Pied Jacobin," says Gould, -"is the eastern portion of Brazil, over which it is distributed from -Pernambuco on the north to Rio de Janeiro on the south, from which latter -locality and Bahia great numbers are sent to Europe." We are without -particulars as to its life and habits. - - * * * * * - -The FAIRIES (_Trochilus_) have a moderate-sized, straight beak, slender, -sickle-shaped wings, and very gorgeous plumage, which differs considerably -in the two sexes. They are generally seen hovering fairy-like around the -blossoms of trees and shrubs, apparently giving the preference to tubular -flowers, probably on account of the insects which lurk within them. - - -THE RUBY-THROATED FAIRY HUMMING BIRD. - -The RUBY-THROATED FAIRY HUMMING BIRD (_Trochilus colubris_) is easily -recognisable by its awl-shaped beak, of medium size, and compressed at -its base, its short, slender foot, long, narrow wing, and slightly-forked -tail. The mantle and centre tail-feathers are green, enlivened with -gold; the sides of the neck, throat, and breast are of a brilliant -ruby-red, spotted with black; the rest of the under side is greyish -white, intermixed with green; the quills and tail-feathers are purplish -brown; the eye dark brown, and the beak and foot black. In the male the -entire under side is white, and the three exterior tail-feathers relieved -by a white spot. The length of the body is three inches and a half, and -the breadth four inches and a quarter. This species is found in all the -eastern portions of the United States. - -[Illustration: THE BRAZILIAN FAIRY (_Heliothrix auriculata_).] - -This beautiful little bird is pre-eminently migratory in its habits, a -great portion of its life being spent in passing from north to south, and -_vice versâ_. "The Ruby-throated Humming Bird," says Wilson, "makes its -first appearance in Georgia, from the south, about the 23rd of March. As -it passes on to the northward, as far as the interior of Canada, where it -is seen in great numbers, the wonder is excited how so feebly-constructed -and delicate a little creature can make its way over such extensive -regions of lakes and forests among so many enemies, all its superiors in -strength and size; but its very minuteness, the rapidity of its flight, -which almost eludes the eye, and its admirable instinct or reason are -its guides and protectors. About the 25th of April it usually arrives in -Pennsylvania, and about the 11th of May begins to build its nest. This is -generally fixed on the upper side of some horizontal branch, not among -the twigs, but where it is attached by the side to an old moss-grown -trunk; others may be found fastened on a strong, rank stalk or weed in -the gardens, but these cases are rare. The nest, which is usually placed -on a branch some ten feet from the ground, is about one inch in diameter, -and as much in depth, and the outer coat of one now lying before me is -formed of a small species of blueish grey lichen, thickly glued on with -the saliva of the bird, giving firmness and consistency to the whole, as -well as keeping out moisture. Within this are thickly-matted layers of the -fine wings of certain flying seeds, closely laid together, and lastly the -downy substance from the great mullein and from the stalks of the common -fern lining the whole. The two eggs are pure white, and of equal thickness -at both ends. On a person approaching their nest, the little proprietors -dart around with a humming sound, passing within a few inches of his head, -and should the young be nearly hatched the female will resume her place -on the nest, even while the spectator stands within a yard or two of the -spot. The precise period of incubation I am unable to give, but the young -are accustomed, within a short time of leaving the nest, to thrust their -bills into the mouths of their parents and suck out what they have brought -them. As I have found their nests as late as the 12th of July, I do not -doubt but that they frequently and perhaps usually raise two broods in the -season. - -"This Humming Bird is extremely fond of tubular flowers, and I have -often stopped to observe his manœuvres among the blossoms of the trumpet -flower. When arrived before a thicket of these in full bloom, he poises or -suspends himself on wing for the space of two or three seconds so steadily -that his wings become invisible or only like a mist, and you can plainly -distinguish the pupil of his eye looking round with great quickness and -circumspection; the glossy golden green of his tail and the fire of his -throat dazzling in the sun form altogether a most beautiful appearance. -When he alights, which he frequently does, he always prefers the dry -twigs of a tree or bush, where he dresses and arranges his plumage with -great dexterity. His only note is a single chirp, not louder than that -of a small cricket or grasshopper, generally uttered while passing from -flower to flower, or when engaged in fight with his fellows; for when two -males meet at the same bush or flower a battle instantly takes place, and -the combatants ascend in the air, chirping, darting, and circling round -each other till the eye is no longer able to follow them--the conqueror, -however, generally returns to the place to reap the fruit of his victory. -I have seen him attack and, for a few moments, tease the King Bird, and -have also seen him in his turn assaulted by a humble bee, which he soon -put to flight. - -"This beautiful and delicate species is extremely susceptible of cold, -and if long deprived of the animating influence of the sunbeams droops -and soon dies. A very fine male which was brought to me I put into a -wire cage, and placed it in a retired, shaded part of the room. After -fluttering about for some time, the weather being uncommonly cool, it -clung to the wires and seemed in a torpid state for the whole forenoon. No -movement of breathing could be perceived on the closest inspection, though -at other times this is remarkably observable, the eyes were shut, and when -touched with the finger it gave no signs of life or motion. I carried it -out into the open air, and placed it directly in the rays of the sun; in -a few seconds respiration became very apparent, the bird breathed faster -and faster, opened its eyes, and began to look about with as much seeming -vivacity as ever. After it had completely recovered it flew off to the -top of a pine-tree, where it sat for some time dressing its disordered -plumage, and then shot off like a meteor. - -"The flight of this Humming Bird from flower to flower greatly resembles -that of a bee, but is so much more rapid that the latter appears a mere -loiterer in comparison with him. He poises himself on wing, while he -thrusts his long, slender, tubular tongue into the flowers in search of -food. He sometimes enters a room by the window, examines the bouquets of -flowers, and has been known to return regularly every evening for several -days together. From the blossoms of the towering tulip-tree, through a -thousand intermediate flowers, to those of the humble larkspur, he ranges -at will and almost incessantly. About the 20th of September these birds -generally retire south, and about November pass the southern boundary of -the United States into Florida." - -"No sooner," says Audubon, "does the returning sun again introduce the -vernal season, and cause millions of plants to expand their leaves and -blossoms to his genial beams, than this Humming Bird is seen advancing -on fairy wings, carefully visiting every flower-cup, and, like a curious -florist, removing from each the injurious insects that would otherwise, -ere long, cause their beauteous petals to droop and decay. Poised in -the air, it is observed peeping cautiously and with sparkling eye into -their innermost recesses, whilst the ethereal motion of the pinions, so -rapid and so light, appears to fan and cool the flowers without injury -to their fragile texture, and produces a delightful murmuring sound. -Its long delicate beak enters the cup of the flower, and the protruded -double tongue, delicate, sensitive, and imbued with a glutinous saliva, -touches each insect in succession and draws it from its lurking-place to -be instantly swallowed. All this is done in a moment, and the bird as -it leaves the flower sips so small a portion of its liquid honey that -the theft we may suppose is but a benefit to the flower, which is thus -relieved from the attacks of its destroyers. The prairie, the fields, the -orchards, and the gardens, nay, the deepest shades of the forest, are all -visited in their turn, and everywhere the little bird meets with pleasure -and with food. Its gorgeous throat in beauty and brilliancy baffles all -description. Now it glows with a fiery hue, and again it changes to the -deepest velvet-black. The upper parts of its body are of resplendent -changing green, and it throws itself through the air with a swiftness and -vivacity hardly conceivable; it moves from flower to flower like a gleam -of light, upwards and downwards, to the right and to the left. During -their migrations they pass through the air in long undulations, raising -themselves for some distance at an angle of about 40°, and then falling -in a curve; but the smallness of their size precludes the possibility of -following them farther than fifty or sixty yards without great difficulty, -even with a good glass. They do not alight on the ground, but settle on -twigs and branches, where they move sideways in prettily-measured steps, -frequently opening and closing their wing, pluming, shaking, and arranging -the whole of their apparel with the utmost neatness and activity; they -are particularly fond of spreading one wing at a time, and passing each -of the quill-feathers through their bill in its full length, when, if the -sun be shining, the wing thus plumed is rendered extremely transparent and -light. They quit the twig without the slightest difficulty in an instant, -and appear to be possessed of superior powers of vision, making directly -towards a Marten or Blue Bird when fifty or sixty yards before them, -before it seems aware of their approach. Their food consists principally -of insects, generally of the coleopterous order, these, together with -some equally diminutive flies, being commonly found in their stomachs. -The first are procured within the flowers, but many of the latter on the -wing. Where is the person," says Audubon, "who, on seeing this lovely -little creature moving on humming winglets through the air, suspended as -if by magic, flitting from one flower to another with motions as graceful -as they are light and airy, pursuing its course and yielding new delight -wherever it is seen--where is the person who, on observing this glittering -fragment of a rainbow, would not pause, admire, and turn his mind with -reverence towards the Almighty Creator, the wonders of whose hand we -at every step discover, and of whose sublime conceptions we everywhere -observe the manifestation in His admirable system of Creation?" - - "When morning dawns, and the blest sun again - Lifts his red glories o'er the eastern main, - Then through our woodbines, wet with glittering dews, - The flower-fed Humming Bird his way pursues, - Sips with inserted tube the honied blooms, - And chirps his gratitude as round he roams; - While richest roses, though in crimson drest, - Shrink from the splendour of his gorgeous breast. - What heavenly tints in mingling radiance fly! - Each rapid movement gives a different dye-- - Like scales of burnished gold, they dazzling show; - Now sink to shade, now like a furnace glow." - -The following very interesting account of the demeanour of this delicate -and interesting bird in captivity is given by Gould:--"A _Trochilus -colubris_ captured for me by some friends pumped the fluid from a little -bottle whenever offered it, and in this manner it lived with me a constant -companion for several days, travelling in a little, thin gauze bag, -distended with whalebone, and suspended to a button of my coat. It was -only necessary for me to take the bottle in my hand to induce it to thrust -its spiny bill through the gauze, protrude its lengthened tongue down -the neck of the bottle, and pump up the fluid till it was satiated; it -would then fly to the bottom of its little home, preen its tail and wing -feathers, and seem quite content. - -"The specimens I brought alive to this country were as docile and fearless -as a great moth under similar treatment. The little cage in which they -lived was twelve inches long, seven wide, and eight high. In this was -placed a diminutive twig, and suspended to the side a glass phial, which -I daily supplied with saccharine matter, in the form of sugar or honey -and water, with the addition of the yolk of an unboiled egg. Upon this -food they appeared to thrive and be happy during the voyage along the -seaboard of America and across the Atlantic, until they arrived within the -influence of the climate of Europe. The vessel in which I made the passage -took a northern course, which carried us over the banks of Newfoundland, -and although the cold was rather severe during part of the time, the only -effect it appeared to have upon my little pets was to induce a kind of -torpidity, from which they were rapidly aroused by placing them in the -sunshine, in the bosom, or near a fire. I do assure my readers that I have -seen these little creatures cold, stiff, and to all appearance dead, and -that from this state they were readily restored by a little attention and -removal into light and heat, when they would 'peck up,' flutter their tiny -wings, and feast away as if in the best state of health." - - * * * * * - -The AMETHYST HUMMING BIRDS (_Calliphlox_) have a delicate, pointed beak, -exceeding the head in length; the legs are slender and the toes and claws -short, the latter much hooked and sharply pointed. The wings are short; -the tail of the male, composed of narrow feathers, is forked at its -extremity, whilst that of the female is quite straight. - - -THE AMETHYST HUMMING BIRD. - -The AMETHYST HUMMING BIRD (_Calliphlox amethystina_) is numerously met -with in the interior of Brazil. This resplendent little bird is of a dark -metallic green, shaded with pale gold on the back; the neck, cheeks, and -throat glow with the brilliant hue of the amethyst, and are divided from -the under side by a line of pure white; the breast and belly are blackish -grey, shaded with copper-red, the lower tail-covers are light grey, -bordered with white, and the quills greyish brown, tinted with violet. The -centre tail-feathers are of a metallic green, and those at the exterior -greyish brown. The female has a white throat, and her tail edged with -reddish yellow; the young resemble their mother. This species is three -inches and one-third long and about the same in breadth; the wing measures -one inch and a half, the tail of the male one inch and a quarter, while -that of the female does not exceed two-thirds of an inch. - -[Illustration: _Plate 23. Cassell's Book of Birds_ - - TOPAZA PELLA ____ CRIMSON TOPAZ - - (_Life size_) (Gould) -] - -According to Mr. Reeves, "the Amethyst inhabits the interior provinces of -Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, Novo Fribourgo, and Minos Gerves, but is nowhere -very common; it frequents gardens when the orange-trees are in flower, -the valleys when the marrioneira is blooming, and the forests when the -blossoms elsewhere are no longer inviting. It arrives in Rio in July, is -most numerous in September and October, and departs again on the approach -of the hot season. Its nest is invariably placed in the highest and driest -trees." - -[Illustration: THE AMETHYST HUMMING BIRD (_Calliphlox amethystina_).] - - * * * * * - -The WOOD-STARS (_Calothorax_, or _Lucifer_) are principally -distinguishable by the peculiar formation of the male bird's tail, which -is much forked, and composed of short, stiff, narrow feathers; in some -species the exterior tail-feathers are very short and almost without web. -The tail of the female is straight, and her wings of moderate size; the -beak is long, thin, and slightly curved. - - -MULSANT'S WOOD-STAR. - -MULSANT'S WOOD-STAR (_Calothorax Mulsanti_) is a very beautiful species -of Humming Bird, inhabiting Columbia and Bolivia; the male is dark green -on the back and sides, with a brilliant gloss; the chin, cheek-stripes, -lower part of throat, a streak on the centre of the breast and the belly -are white, the chin relieved by a violet sheen. The back of the female -is lighter than that of her mate, her under side is white, and the lower -tail-covers of brownish red; a line on the sides of the throat is deep -olive-green, and the tail light brown, tipped with black. The habitat of -this species, according to Gould, is confined to the temperate regions of -Columbia. - - * * * * * - -The ELVES (_Lophornithes_), a most magnificent group of Humming Birds, are -recognisable by the remarkable tufts of feathers that adorn, sometimes the -head, sometimes the tail of the males of different species. The awl-shaped -beak is somewhat flattened at its base; the feet are usually small, the -toes short, and the claws long. The plumage of the male is rich and much -variegated, while that of the female is very plain. - - * * * * * - -The PLOVER-CRESTS (_Cephalolepis_) possess a delicate awl-shaped beak, -scarcely equalling the head in length; the toes are short, and armed -with long thin claws; the wings are short, the tail comparatively long, -and composed of broad feathers. The feathers on the head of the male are -prolonged into a crest. - - -DE LALAND'S PLOVER-CREST. - -DE LALAND'S PLOVER-CREST (_Cephalolepis Delalandii_), a very beautiful -species, inhabiting Brazil, is of a pale but very pure metallic green -on the back and centre tail-feathers. The crest that adorns the head is -bright, light green, becoming darker towards its apex; in old age this -plume changes to a steel-blue; the under side is dark grey; a patch that -commences at the throat, and covers the breast and centre of the belly, -is bright blue; the quills are greyish brown, shaded with violet; the -exterior tail-feathers are black, edged with white; the beak is black, and -the foot blackish brown. The female and young are without the crest and -the blue patch on the breast. The body of this species is three inches -and a half long; the wing measures two inches, and the tail one inch. The -crest of the male is one inch and two-thirds long. - -This graceful species of Humming Bird was first discovered by M. Delaland, -in the southern portion of Brazil. Mr. Reeves states that it inhabits Rio -de Janeiro, Minos Gerves, and Santa Catherina, but he was unaware whether -it remains in those provinces all the year or not. "Of the two nests that -I possess," says Mr. Gould, "one is of much more lengthened form than -the other, but both are composed of the same materials, namely, fine -fibrous roots, moss, lichens, and involucres of a composite plant, the -whole matted together with spiders' webs of so fine a kind that they are -almost imperceptible. Both had been suspended among the slender twigs of a -species of banana." - - * * * * * - -The COQUETTES (_Lophornis_) are remarkable for the magnificent collar that -adorns their neck, formed of long, narrow, and most delicately-marked -feathers; this collar can be raised or laid back at pleasure. The head is -usually embellished by a crest; the awl-shaped beak equals the head in -length; the wings are small and slender; the tail is composed of broad, -long feathers. - - -THE SPLENDID COQUETTE. - -The SPLENDID COQUETTE (_Lophornis ornata_), a very richly-tinted species, -inhabiting Guiana, is of a bronze-green on the rump; the crest is brownish -red, and a white line passes over the lower part of the back; the region -of the face is green, with a most brilliant lustre; the graduated feathers -that form the collar are light reddish brown, spotted with glowing green; -the quills are deep purplish brown, and the beak flesh-pink, tipped with -brown. The female is much paler, and entirely without the crest, collar, -and green about the beak--features that so materially enhance the beauty -of the male. - -"This glorious little bird," says Gould, "which is strictly an inhabitant -of the lowland districts of tropical America, enjoys a somewhat extensive -range over the eastern part of that continent, being found from the -Caraccas on the north to Brazil on the south, and is particularly numerous -in all the intermediate countries of Demerara, Surinam, and Cayenne; it -is also equally abundant in the island of Trinidad. Prince Max of Wied -states that in Brazil he found it on dry and arid plains, clothed with a -scanty and bushy vegetation; and such would seem to be the habit of the -bird in Trinidad, since it there flies around the low, flowering shrubs -of the open part of the country, rather than in the more wooded or forest -districts. The nest is a cup-shaped structure, composed of some cottony -material, bound together with cobwebs, and decorated externally with small -pieces of lichen and mosses." - -[Illustration: THE SPLENDID COQUETTE (_Lephornis ornata_).] - -Mr. Tucker states that "this species frequents the pastures and -open places, and visits the flowers of all the small shrubs, but is -particularly fond of those of the ipecacuanha plant; and that it is very -pugnacious, erecting its crest, throwing out its whiskers, and attacking -every Humming Bird that passes within the range of its vision." - - * * * * * - -The AMAZONS (_Bellatrix_) have a smaller collar and larger crest than the -above group. - - -THE ROYAL AMAZON. - -The ROYAL AMAZON (_Bellatrix regina_), a beautiful species inhabiting -Columbia, closely resembles the bird last described, but with these -differences: the rump is a copper-colour and the lower part of the back -striped with white; the tail is brown, the quills purplish brown, and the -collar emerald green; each of its feathers spotted with red. The crest is -formed of long, narrow, bright red feathers, some of which have a deep -metallic green spot at the tip. - -[Illustration: THE HORNED SUN-GEM (_Heliactinus cornutus_).] - - * * * * * - -The SUN-GEMS (_Heliactinus_) are distinguishable from the above group by -the superior length of the tail and crest; the wing is long and slender, -the tail much graduated, and formed of narrow, pointed feathers. The beak -is longer than the head, and increases slightly in thickness towards its -delicate tip. The feet are small, and the claws short and powerful. - - -THE HORNED SUN-GEM. - -The HORNED SUN-GEM (_Heliactinus cornutus_) is of a steel-blue on the -crown of the head; the collar beautifully shaded, from violet, green, -yellow, and orange to red; the throat, neck, and cheeks are deep -rich black; the upper breast, centre of the belly, rump, and exterior -tail-feathers white, and the quills grey. The female is without the collar -and crest, her throat is reddish yellow, and the outer feathers of the -tail striped with black at their centre. The beak is black. This species -is four inches and a half long, the wing measures two inches, and the tail -from two to two and a half inches. - -[Illustration: THE WHITE-FOOTED RACKET-TAIL (_Steganurus Underwoodii_).] - -"The Horned Sun-gem," says Gould, "is an inhabitant of the mountain ranges -of Brazil, particularly those of Minos Gerves, and well does this elegant -little bird represent in the air the brilliant that is hidden in the deep -primitive rocks over which it flies, fairy-like in form and colour; we -might easily imagine that one of the jewels had become vivified, and had -taken wing." - -We are told by M. Bourcier that "during the dry season it principally -frequents the open country in the neighbourhood of marshes, and obtains -its food from the small plants which there abound; during the rainy season -it re-enters the woods, where it seeks its food among the various orchids." - - * * * * * - -The SYLPHS (_Lesbiæ_) are principally distinguished by their long, forked -tails. - - * * * * * - -The RACKET-TAILED SYLPHS (_Steganurus_) have the outer tail-feathers much -prolonged, and almost naked except at their extremities, where the barbs -are broadly dilated. - - -THE WHITE-FOOTED RACKET-TAIL. - -The WHITE-FOOTED RACKET-TAIL (_Steganurus_, or _Spathura Underwoodii_) is -remarkable for the unusual prolongation of the exterior tail-feathers; -these are partially denuded of the web, and at the end of the shaft are -enlarged into a broad disc; the beak is short and almost straight, and the -small tarsus thickly covered with down. The entire mantle, belly, sides, -and lower tail-covers are copper-green, the breast and throat brilliant -green; the quills are purplish brown, the tail brown, and the disc at -the extremity of the exterior feathers black, with a green shade. The -length of the male is five inches and a half, the wing measures one inch -and three-quarters, and the tail one inch and three-eighths. The female -is copper-green on the back, and white, spotted with green, on the under -side; the lower tail-covers are brown, and the tail-feathers, which are of -almost equal length, are tipped with white. - -"This species," says Gould, "enjoys a range of habitat over the Columbian -Andes from the 3rd to the 10th degree of north latitude, but appears to -be confined to the region ranging between 5,000 and 9,000 feet above -the level of the ocean; it is abundant in the neighbourhood of Santa Fé -de Bogota, and numerous in Galipan, between La Guayra and the Caraccas. -Mr. Dyson informs me that when hovering before a flower the action of -its wings is exceedingly rapid, that it produces a loud humming sound, -and the large spatules at the end of the outer tail-feathers show very -conspicuously, being kept in continual motion by the rapid movements -of the bird, and the repeated closing and expanding of its tail; its -white-booted legs are equally noticeable. It is strictly an inhabitant of -the hills, and loves to examine the flowers growing in the open passes -and glades of the forest for its insect food, which it procures from -the highest trees, as well as from branches near the ground. During its -flight, it passes through the air with arrow-like swiftness, the tail -being carried in a horizontal position." - -Mr. Gosse gives the following interesting account of one of the many -attempts he made to rear two young males of this beautiful species. The -subjects of this experiment were not confined in a cage, but kept in a -room with doors and windows close shut. "They were lively, but not wild; -playful towards each other, and tame with respect to myself, sitting -unrestrained for several seconds at a time on my finger. I collected a -few flowers, and placed them in a vase on a high shelf, and to these they -resorted immediately; but I soon found that they paid attention to none -but _Asclepias corrassavica_. On this, I again went out and gathered a -large bunch of asclepias, and was pleased to observe that on the moment -of my entering the room one flew to the nosegay and sucked while I held -it in my hand. The other soon followed; and then both these lovely -creatures were buzzing together within an inch of my face, probing the -flowers so eagerly as to allow their bodies to be touched without alarm. -These flowers being placed in another glass, they visited each bouquet in -turn, now and then flying after each other playfully through the room, -or alighting on various objects. Although they occasionally flew against -the window, they did not flutter and beat themselves at it; but seemed -well content with their lot. As they flew I repeatedly heard them snap -their beaks, at which time they doubtless caught minute flies. After some -time, one of them suddenly sank down into one corner, and on being taken -up seemed dying; it lingered awhile and died. The other continued his -vivacity. Perceiving that he exhausted the flowers, I prepared a tube, -made of the barrel of a goose-quill, which I inserted into the cork of a -bottle, to secure its steadiness and upright position, and filled it with -juice of sugar-cane. I then took a large _Ipomea_, and having cut off the -bottom, slipped the flower over the tube so that the quill took the place -of the nectary of the flower. The bird flew to it in a moment, clung to -the bottle's rim, and bringing his beak perpendicular, thrust it into -the tube. It was at once evident that the repast was agreeable, for he -continued pumping for several moments; and on his flying off I found the -quill emptied. As he had torn off the flower in his eagerness for more, -and even followed the fragments as they lay on the table to search them, I -re-filled the quill, and put a blossom of the marvel of Peru into it, so -that the flower expanded over the top; the little toper found it again, -and after drinking freely, withdrew his beak, but the blossom was adhering -to it as a sheath. This incumbrance it got rid of, and then returned -immediately, and, inserting his beak into the bare quill, finished the -contents. It was amusing to see the odd position of his body as he clung -to the bottle, with his beak inserted perpendicularly into the cork. -Several times in the evening he had recourse to his new fountain, and at -length betook himself to a line stretched across the room for repose. He -slept, as they all do, with the head not behind the wing, but slightly -drawn back on the shoulders. In the morning I found him active before -sunrise, having already emptied his quill of syrup. After some hours, he -flew through a door I incautiously left open, and, to my great chagrin, -escaped. - -"Another male that I kept became so familiar, even before I had had him -for a day, as to fly to my face, and, perching on my lip or chin, thrust -his beak into my mouth and suck up the moisture. He grew so bold and so -frequent in his visits as at length to become almost annoying, and so -pertinacious as to thrust his protruded tongue into all parts of my mouth, -searching between the gum and cheek or beneath the tongue. Occasionally I -gratified him by taking into my mouth a little of the syrup, and inviting -him by a slight sound which he had learnt to understand. This bird and -his companions in captivity early selected his own place for perching, -without invading his neighbours'. So strong was this predilection, that -on my driving one away from his spot he would flutter round the room, -but try to alight there again, and if still prevented would hover near -the place as if much distressed. The boldest of these birds was rather -pugnacious, occasionally attacking one of his gentler and more confiding -companions, who always yielded and fled. After a day or two, however, -the persecuted one plucked up courage, and actually played the tyrant in -his turn, interdicting his playfellow from sipping at the sweetened cup. -Twenty times in succession would the thirsty bird drop down upon the wing -to the glass, which stood at the edge of a table immediately beneath that -part of a line where both were wont to perch; but no sooner was he poised -in front, and about to insert his tongue, than the other would dart down -with inconceivable swiftness, and wheeling so as to come up beneath him, -would drive him from his repast. He might fly to any part of the room -unmolested, but an approach to the cup was the signal for an instant -assault. The ill-natured fellow himself took long and frequent draughts. - -"When these birds were accustomed to the room, their vivacity was extreme; -as manifested in their upright position and quick turns and glances -when sitting, which caused their brilliant breasts to flash out from -the darkness into sudden lustrous light, like rich gems; and no less by -their startings hither and thither, and their most graceful wheelings and -evolutions in the air, so rapid that the eye was frequently baffled in -attempting to follow their motions." - - * * * * * - -The COMETS (_Sparganura_) possess a very remarkably graduated tail, the -outer feathers of which are five times as long as those in the centre. - - -THE SAPPHO COMET. - -The SAPPHO COMET (_Sparganura Sappho_) is bright scarlet on the back, and -of a metallic green on the head and under side; the throat, of a lighter -shade, is lustrous, and the lower part of the belly light brown; the -quills are purplish brown, the tail-feathers brown, very glossy at the -base, and bright fiery orange towards the deep brown tip. The female -is green on the mantle, and spotted grey on the under side; her tail is -short, and its feathers of an uniform light red. - -"No combination of gorgeous colouring," says Dr. Tschudi, "can exceed that -which is presented in the plumage of this Humming Bird, as it appears -and disappears like a dazzling flash of coloured light. It haunts the -warm, primeval forests, but is still more frequently found in the pure -atmosphere of the ceja-girded montãnas." - -[Illustration: THE SAPPHO COMET (_Sparganura Sappho_).] - -"One of the principal summer haunts of this bird," writes M. Bourcier, -"is Chuquesaca, in the interior of Bolivia, where it appears when the -fruit-trees of the country are in flower, and is met with in the greatest -numbers among the flowers of the capulo, a kind of cherry-tree; it also -visits the orchards and gardens of the city during the blossoming of the -apple-trees. It is by no means shy, and the males are constantly at war, -chasing each other with the utmost fury, uttering at the same time a sharp -cry, whenever one bird invades another's territory." - -[Illustration: HUMMING BIRDS.] - -"Soon after the arrival of these birds in Chuquerca," says Bonelli, "the -task of incubation commences, and when the summer is over, both the old -and young, actuated, as it were, by the same impulse, wend their way -southward, to return again when the sun has once more gladdened the -earth. The nest is a somewhat loose structure, outwardly composed of -interlaced fibres, slight twigs, and moss, and frequently lined with soft -hair, like that of the Viscacha (_Lagostomus tridactylus_), with the -lower portion prolonged considerably below the bottom of the cup-shaped -interior, which is about an inch and a half in diameter and an inch in -depth; the total length of the nest averaging from two inches and a half -to three inches. The little structure is placed in situations similar to -those selected by the Spotted Flycatcher, namely, against the sides of -the gully, supported or entirely sustained by any hanging root or twig -that may be best adapted to afford it security; the part of the nest next -the wall is much thicker, but of a coarser texture than the circular -portions of the structure. The two eggs are oblong in form, of a pure -white, and about half an inch in length. The difficulty of shooting these -birds is inconceivably great, from the extraordinary turns they make when -on the wing: at one instant darting headlong into a flower, at the next -describing a circle in the air with such rapidity that the eye, unable -to follow the movement, loses sight of it until it again returns to the -flowers." - - * * * * * - -The MASKED HUMMING BIRDS (_Microrhamphi_) have a short, straight beak, -moderately long and broad wings, and long, forked tail, which occasionally -varies in its formation. The head and neck are adorned with peculiar tufts -of feathers. - - -THE SHARP-BEARDED MASKED HUMMING BIRD. - -The SHARP-BEARDED MASKED HUMMING BIRD (_Microrhamphus oxypogon_).--"I met -with this fine species," says M. Linden, "for the first time in August, -1842, while ascending the Sierra Nevada de Merida, the crests of which are -the most elevated of the eastern branch of the Columbian Cordilleras. It -inhabits the region immediately beneath the line of perpetual congelation, -at an elevation of from 12,000 to 13,000 feet above the level of the sea; -it appears to be confined to the region between the 8th and 7th degree of -north latitude. It occasionally perches on the scattered shrubs of this -icy region, but most frequently on the projecting ledges of the rocks near -to the snow. Its flight is swift, but very short. When it leaves the spot -upon which it has been perched, it launches itself obliquely downwards, -uttering, at the same time, a plaintive whistling sound, which is also -occasionally uttered when perched; as far as I can recollect, I never -heard it produce the humming sound made by several other members of the -group, nor does it partake of their joyous spirit and perpetual activity. -Its food appears to consist of minute insects, all the specimens we -procured having their stomachs filled with small flies." - -"This bird," says Gould, "is never met with at a less elevation than 9,000 -feet. It might be thought that such bleak and inclement situations were -ill-adapted for so delicate a structure as that of the Humming Bird; but -there and there only does it dwell, while the equally lofty paramas of -Bogota are the native locality of the nearly-allied species, _Oxypogon -Guerini_. The minute insects which frequent the Alpine flowers of these -districts afford abundance of food to these birds, and their bills are -beautifully constructed for searching amongst the flowers in which these -are found." - - -THE COLUMBIAN THORNBILL. - -The COLUMBIAN THORNBILL (_Ramphomicron heteropogon_) has only the feathers -on the neck prolonged; the beak is sharp and pointed; the wings narrow, -and of medium length; the broad tail is deeply forked. The entire mantle -is of copper-green, the brow deep, rich green; and the long feathers on -the throat of a somewhat metallic green in the centre, and orange-red at -the roots and edges; the lower belly is greyish white, quills purplish -brown, and tail greenish brown. - -"The high lands of Columbia," says Gould, "from Venezuela to some distance -north of Santa Fé de Bogota, are the natural habitat of this fine -species. It is there very generally spread over the temperate regions of -the country, never ascending to the snow-capped hills, nor descending to -the hot plains below, but frequenting the warm valleys, where a luxuriant -vegetation, teeming with insect life, affords it a never-ceasing supply -of nourishment. The comparatively short and feeble bill points out that -minute insects constitute its principal food, and as its structure is so -similar to the other species of the genus, we may infer that, like them, -it tranquilly flits about among the low shrubs in secluded valleys, and -does not ascend to the loftier trees." - - * * * * * - -The HELMET CRESTS (_Oxypogon_) have a helmet-shaped crest, broad wings, a -straight tail, and lustreless plumage. - - -LINDEN'S HELMET CREST. - -LINDEN'S HELMET CREST (_Oxypogon Lindeni_) is of an uniform pale -copper-colour on the mantle and under side; a spot on the brow and sides -of the head are black; the sides of the throat and the longest crest and -neck-feathers are white; the feathers of the tail are brown, with white -shafts. The length of this species is five inches and a half: the wing -measures three inches, and tail two and a half. Linden first discovered -this very striking bird in the Sierra de Morida, in Columbia, where it was -living at an elevation of from 12,000 to 13,000 feet above the level of -the sea. - - * * * * * - - -THE LIGHT-BEAKS (_Levirostres_). - -The birds belonging to this order possess in common a moderate-sized or -long and sharp beak, which is either quite straight or slightly curved. -The legs are extremely small and feeble, rather adapted to a sedentary -life than formed for locomotion. The plumage is thick, compact, and -usually brilliantly tinted. - - * * * * * - -The BEE-EATERS (_Meropes_) comprise some of the most beautiful birds -inhabiting the Eastern Hemisphere, and present so many peculiarities as -to render their identification easy. Their body is very slender; the beak -longer than the head, with both mandibles slightly curved, the upper one -a trifle longer than the lower; the culmen, margins, and tip are sharp; -the short, small foot has three toes, the exterior of which is connected -with that in the centre as far as the second joint, whilst the inner toe -is not joined to the latter beyond the first joint; the claws are long, -hooked, sharp, and furnished with a prominent ridge on the inner side; the -wing, in which the second quill exceeds the rest in length, is long and -pointed; the tail is long, either straight, forked, or slightly rounded at -its extremity; in some species the centre tail-feathers are twice as long -as those at the exterior. The brilliantly variegated plumage is short and -thick; the sexes are almost alike in colour, and the young acquire the -same hues as their parents within the second year. - -One species of Bee-eater is found in Australia; but with this exception -all the members of this group inhabit the Eastern Hemisphere. As regards -their general habits, the Bee-eaters nearly resemble the Swallows, and, -like them, are to be seen darting through the air when the sun is shining, -in active pursuit of the insect hosts. Insects afford these pretty birds -their principal means of subsistence, and, as their name implies, they -eagerly devour large quantities of bees and wasps. The nests of the -Bee-eaters are usually placed near together in holes in the ground or -sand, and contain from four to seven pure white eggs. - - -THE COMMON BEE-EATER. - -The COMMON BEE-EATER (_Merops apiaster_) (Coloured Plate XXIV.), one of -the largest members of this family, is ten inches long and seventeen -broad; the wing measures five inches and one-third, and the tail from -four inches to four and a quarter. In this species the brow is white, and -top of the head green; the nape, sides of the neck, and centre of the -wings are chestnut-brown; the back is yellow, with a greenish gloss; the -cheek-stripes, which terminate at the back of the neck, and a line around -the pale yellow throat are black; the under side and rump are blue or -blueish green; the quills grass-green, blue on their outer web, and tipped -with black; the tail-feathers are blueish green, shaded with yellow, the -long centre pair are also tipped with black; the eye is bright red, the -beak black, and the foot of a reddish hue. - -The _Merops apiaster_ is an occasional visitor to this country, and -somewhat resembles the Swallows in its habits. Like them, it captures -prey on the wing. It devours bees and wasps in large quantities, and that -without experiencing the least inconvenience from their sting, which -it probably gets rid of by frequently pressing the body between its -mandibles, until the sting is either extracted or rendered harmless. In -the island of Crete these birds are caught by boys, by means of a cicada -attached to a pin or fish-hook fastened to a long thread. In many parts -of Europe the flesh is esteemed as an article of food. The voice of this -species is rich and pleasing. - -"I have had the gratification," says Mr. Thompson, "of seeing the -Bee-eater in scenes with which its brilliant plumage was more in harmony -than with any in the British Isles. It first excited my admiration when -visiting the celebrated grotto of Egeria, near Rome. On approaching -the classic spot, several of these birds, in rapid Swift-like flight, -swept closely past, uttering their peculiar call, and, with their -brilliant colours and graceful form, proved irresistibly attractive. -My companions, who, as well as myself, beheld them for the first time, -were so greatly struck with the beauty of their plumage, and their bold, -sweeping flight, as to term them the presiding deities of the Egerian -grotto. Rich as was the spot in historical and poetical associations, it -was not less so in pictorial charms. All was in admirable keeping; the -picturesque grotto, with its ivy-mantled entrance and gushing spring; the -gracefully-reclining, though headless, white marble statue of the nymph; -the sides of the grotto covered with the exquisitely-beautiful maiden-hair -fern in the richest luxuriance; the wilderness of wild flowers around the -exterior attracting the bees on which the Meropses were feeding; and over -all the deep blue sky of Rome completing the picture." - -The sting-bearing hymenoptera undoubtedly constitute the favourite food -of these resplendent birds, and to obtain them, not only are the hives -of the honey-bee put under requisition, but the nests of wasps, hornets, -and humble-bees are ruthlessly robbed of their inhabitants; indeed, it -has been frequently observed that when the Bee-eaters have been fortunate -enough to find a wasp's nest, they establish their head-quarters in its -immediate neighbourhood, and, during a few hours' sojourn, generally -contrive to snap up its numerous occupants one after another until -none are left. Nor do these insects alone suffer from their voracity; -grasshoppers, crickets, dragon-flies, gadflies, beetles, flies, and -even gnats are by no means unacceptable prey, in spite of the dense, -indigestible armour in which some of them are encased. - -The nest of the Bee-eater is constructed towards the end of May, the -locality selected being generally the sandy or clayey bank of some river, -in which it excavates a round hole, from two inches to two inches and a -half in diameter, apparently by means of its beak and claws, or perhaps -with its claws only; from this external opening the hole extends into the -bank in a slightly-inclined direction to a distance of from four to six -feet, and terminates in a capacious chamber eight or ten inches long, by -four to six inches broad, and three or four inches in height. It is upon -the floor of this chamber that about the month of June the female lays her -eggs, which are four or six in number. It is asserted by some writers that -in this chamber a nest is constructed with stems of heather and lined with -moss; upon this subject we can only say that in none of the holes examined -by us was there the slightest trace of any nest-building materials, but -in lieu thereof we always found large quantities of the elytra of beetles -and of the wings of bees and other insects heaped together as if to form -a kind of cushion, so that the young were not quite upon the bare ground. -Whether the male assists the female in the process of incubation is as yet -undetermined; but we can vouch for it that both parents most assiduously -wait upon and provide food for their callow progeny. - -[Illustration: THE BEE-WOLF (_Melittotheres nubicus_).] - - -THE BEE-WOLF. - -The BEE-WOLF (_Melittotheres nubicus_) is recognisable from its congeners -by its comparatively powerful frame, strong beak, and the great length -of its centre tail-feathers. The magnificently-tinted plumage of this -beautiful bird is deep red on the back, and rose-pink on the under side; -the head, throat, rump, and centre tail-covers are blueish green; the -cheek-stripe from the corner of the beak, around the eye to the ear, the -tips of the exterior and anterior quills, and the extremities of the -centre tail-feathers are black. The eye, like that of all Bee-eaters, is -light red, the beak black, and the foot brown. This gorgeous species is -thirteen inches and a quarter long, the wing measures five inches and -three-quarters, and the outer tail-feathers four inches and one-third; the -long centre feathers are seven inches long. - -The "Bee-wolves" inhabit the eastern coast of Africa, and are very -numerous in some parts. Heuglin tells us that in Cordofania he constantly -saw them perching on the backs of cattle, and from thence darting down to -seize the grasshoppers disturbed by these involuntary assistants as they -wander over the plain. - - -THE BRIDLED BEE-EATER. - -The BRIDLED BEE-EATER (_Coccolarynx frenatus_), a species inhabiting -the forests near the Blue River, possesses a delicate, thin beak, a -moderate-sized, straight tail, and most glowing and variegated plumage. -The upper portions of the body are green, the under side is reddish brown; -the brow green and blue intermixed; the throat scarlet; the belly, rump, -and under tail-covers are bright blue; the black cheek-stripe, which -passes across the eye, is bordered with blue; the eye is bright red, and -the beak and foot black. The length of the body is eight inches; the wing -measures three inches and one-third, and the tail three inches and a half. - -This elegant little bird is very numerous in Central Africa, where it is -usually met with in large parties, which rarely fly to any distance above -the tree-tops in pursuit of their insect fare, and seize their prey more -after the manner of the Flycatchers than of the Swallows. According to -our own observations, these birds appear to remain for months together in -the vicinity of their settlements of nests. During the Christmas of 1850, -whilst anchored in the Blue River, we found at least sixty of the holes -employed as nests by this species excavated in a clay bank on the shore; -the whole number occupying a space not exceeding thirty-six square feet, -and so close together that the entrances were not more than five or six -inches apart. The passages to the nest-holes were about an inch and a half -in diameter, and from three to four feet deep, terminating in a chamber -from six to eight inches long, by four or six broad, and two and a half to -three inches high. We found neither building materials nor eggs in these -holes, although the birds were constantly creeping in and out of them. - - -THE SWALLOW BEE-EATER. - -The SWALLOW BEE-EATER (_Melittophagus hirundinaceus_), another species -inhabiting Africa, differs from the birds above described in the formation -of its very deeply forked tail. The mantle is glossy yellowish green, the -lower part of the back and tail being of a somewhat deeper shade; the -under side is light green; the throat saffron yellow, and divided from -the breast by a line of rich ultramarine blue; the vent and a line that -passes from the nostrils over the eyes are deep blue; the cheek-stripes -are black. The body of this species is eight inches and a quarter long; -the wing measures three inches and a half, and the tail four inches -and one-sixth. Le Vaillant, who discovered this beautiful bird in -Southern Africa, tells us that it lives in pairs till after the period -of incubation, when old and young associate in small parties, previous -to the season of migration; they then assemble in very large flocks. -The nest resembles those of other Bee-eaters. The eggs, six or seven in -number, have a blueish-white shell. We also learn from Vaillant that this -brilliant creature exhales a very agreeable odour, resembling the perfume -of a fragrant flower. - - -THE AUSTRALIAN BEE-EATER. - -The AUSTRALIAN BEE-EATER (_Cosmäerops ornatus_) has the back, a line -over the eye, and the wing-coverts brownish green; the crown of the head -and the nape orange; the wings orange-brown, shading into green at the -extremity of the primaries, and tipped with black; the lower part of the -back, the rump, and upper tail-covers are cerulean blue, and the tail -black, most of its feathers edged with blue; the bridle and a line beneath -and behind the eye and ear-coverts are velvety black, beneath this is a -line of light blue; the throat is rich yellow, shading into orange at its -sides; below the yellow is a broad band of deep black, passing into green -on the lower part of the belly; the under tail-coverts are light blue; the -eye is brownish red, the beak black, and the leg and foot mealy greenish -grey. - -The Australian Bee-eater, according to Gould, arrives in New South Wales -in August, and departs north in March, during which interval it breeds and -rears its young. "Its favourite resorts," says Gould, "are the open, arid, -and thinly-timbered forests during the day, and in the evening the banks -and sides of rivers, where numbers may be frequently seen in company. It -almost invariably selects a dead or leafless branch whereon to perch, and -from which it darts forth to capture passing insects, after the manner of -the Kingfishers, to which it also assimilates in the upright position it -assumes while perched. Its flight somewhat resembles that of the Artami; -and though it is capable of being sustained for a lengthened time, the -bird more frequently prefers short excursions, and returns to the branch -it left. The entrance to the breeding-hole, which is made in the sandy -banks of a river, is about the size of a mouse's hole, and continued -for a yard in depth. At the end is an excavation of sufficient size for -the reception of the parent and the deposition on the sand of four or -five beautiful white eggs. The food of this species consists of various -insects, principally coleoptera and neuroptera." - - * * * * * - -The NOCTURNAL BEE-EATERS (_Nyctiornis_), a group of Indian Bee-eaters, are -recognisable by their strong, curved, and moderately-long beak, almost -straight and medium-sized wing, in which the fourth quill exceeds the rest -in length. The rich, soft plumage takes the form of very peculiar stiff -feathers in the region of the throat and breast. - - -THE SANGROK. - -The SANGROK (_Nyctiornis Athertonii_) is bright green on the mantle, and -of a creamy yellow on the under side; the feathers on the crown of the -head and chin, and the edges of the dark blueish green neck-feathers are -light blueish green; the eye is deep yellow; the beak lead grey, tipped -with black; and the feet deep green. This bird is fourteen inches long, -and eighteen broad; the wing measures five inches and a half, and the tail -six inches. - -We learn from Hodgson and Jerdon that the Sangrok occupies the extensive -forests of India to an altitude of three or four thousand feet above -the sea, and that it leads a solitary life among the trees, from and -around the branches of which it obtains the bees, wasps, beetles, and -grasshoppers that constitute its principal food. The cry of this species -is loud and harsh. According to the natives its eggs are deposited in -holes of trees. - - * * * * * - -The ROLLERS (_Coracii_) are a race of tolerably large birds, for the -most part remarkable on account of the variety of their colours, and the -splendour of their plumage. All of them belong to the Eastern Hemisphere. -As the leading features whereby this group is distinguished, we may -enumerate their moderate-sized, or moderately long beak, which is strong -and nearly straight, somewhat broad at its base, but compressed towards -the tip, sharp-cutting at the edges, and bent down at the point; the -legs are short and feeble, and the toes short. The wings are of moderate -length, or long and tolerably broad. The tail is of medium length, -sometimes truncate at its extremity, sometimes slightly rounded, and -sometimes forked; occasionally, moreover, the two outer feathers are much -longer than the rest. The plumage is somewhat harsh and rough, and the -shafts of the feathers stiff. The predominant colours are green, blue, -cinnamon-brown, and claret-red. The sexes differ but little, and the young -very much resemble their parents. - -[Illustration: THE AUSTRALIAN BEE-EATER (_Cosmäerops ornatus_).] - -These birds generally inhabit dry, flat country, and are met with -extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa, but are scarce in -Australia. Their usual residence is some solitary tree or high rock from -which they can command an extensive field of vision, and in the holes -and clefts of which they can build their nests. In such places they may -generally be seen on the look-out for insects, which they catch and devour -much in the same way as the Bee-eaters; at times they will dart down upon -some poor mouse that happens to approach them too nearly, and occasionally -they will snap up a lizard or other small game of that description, and -will plunder a bird's nest in order to devour the young; but although -they thus generally live on animal food, at certain seasons they have -no objection to a vegetable diet, and will eat fruit. The flesh of some -species is palatable, and they are consequently much sought after in some -countries, either as food or on account of the beauty of their feathers. - - -THE BLUE ROLLER. - -The BLUE ROLLER (_Coracias garrulus_), a species exhibiting the -principal characteristics of the above family, has a strong, straight -beak of moderate size, broad at its base, slightly curved at the -culmen, and hooked at its tip; the tarsus is shorter than the middle -toe, the second wing-quill is longer than the rest, and the tail -straight at its extremity. A brilliant metallic green predominates in -the magnificently-coloured plumage; the back is bright cinnamon-brown, -the brow and chin are whitish, the quills are indigo blue above and -ultramarine blue beneath, the feathers on the small wing-covers and -wings are deep bright blue, the exterior tail-feathers light blue, the -rest blueish black, with a light blue outer web. The centre feathers are -blueish or greyish green. The eye is brown, the beak black, and the foot -dirty yellow. The young are greyish green on the top of the head, nape, -and under side, and dull cinnamon-brown on the back; their tail is light -blueish green. This species is from twelve to thirteen inches long, and -from twenty-seven to twenty-eight broad; the wing measures seven inches -and three-quarters, and the tail five inches. - -[Illustration: THE BLUE ROLLER (_Coracias garrulus_).] - -The Blue Roller inhabits the whole of Europe as far north as Scandinavia, -and visits the northern half of the continent of Africa, as also many -parts of India during its migrations. In our own country it seems -studiously to avoid the vicinity of man; but in more southern regions it -is less shy, and consequently more easily made the subject of observation. -In its disposition it is exceedingly restless and flighty, and when not -restricted, as it is during the brooding season, to a particular locality, -it may be seen flying all over the district, sweeping all day long from -one tree to another, or perching upon the extremity of some withered -bough, or peering out from the very top of a dead tree watching for the -approach of prey. In cloudy weather it seems morose and inactive; but -during the sunshine it may be seen disporting itself in the air as though -in play, ranging round and round, and performing a variety of strange -evolutions. Sometimes, for example, it will rise to a considerable height, -and then suddenly tumble head over heels down towards the ground, whence -it again mounts with toilsome efforts, or, with pigeon-like flight, urges -itself forward by rapidly-repeated strokes of its wings, and as it thus -moves about with apparently aimless haste, presents a peculiarity of -manner that there is no possibility of mistaking. When in a tree, it -does not hop about among the branches, but conducts itself in the same -way as many other tenuirostral species, always assisting its movements -from one bough to another by the help of its wings. It can scarcely be -said ever to come upon the ground, but sometimes flies so close to the -earth that it might easily be supposed to be running over its surface. -Unlike the Bee-eaters, these birds are very quarrelsome and unsociable, -biting at any intruder, even of their own species, and quite incapable of -living peaceably with any other kind. Their voice corresponds well with -their German name of _Rake_, consisting of a loud, rattling repetition of -"raker, raker, raker"--a cry occasionally exchanged for "rak, rak, jack." - -These birds live principally upon insects, all sorts of which they -greedily devour; sometimes they will have no objection to a mouse, or a -bird, a lizard, a frog, or any other small animal. It is a very common -opinion that the Blue Roller can dispense with water altogether, that it -neither drinks it nor uses it for a bath; and truly any one who has seen -it, as we have done, in the midst of the arid plains in which it seems to -be most at home, will scarcely feel inclined to doubt the possibility of -the statement being well founded. - -The usual nesting-place of this Roller is in some hollow tree, and its -nest is usually constructed of roots and straw, lined with hair and -feathers; in the south of Europe it not unfrequently builds in rifts and -chinks in old walls, or even excavates for itself a hole in the ground, -much in the same way as the Bee-eaters. The brood consists of from four -to six white and polished eggs. Both sexes co-operate in the work of -incubation, and so assiduously do they maintain their post when sitting, -that they may be sometimes caught with the hand while upon the nest. The -young are fed upon insects and grubs. They soon learn to fly, but remain -with their parents, and accompany them in their winter migrations. - - * * * * * - -The DOLLAR BIRDS (_Eurystomus_) are recognisable by their short, flat -beak, which is broad at its sides, rounded at the culmen, and very -decidedly hooked; the second wing-quill is the longest; the tail is either -short and straight or slightly rounded; the structure of the foot and -coloration of the plumage resemble that of the group above described. - - -THE AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR BIRD. - -The AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR BIRD (_Eurystomus Australis_, or _Pacificus_) is of -a deep brown on the head and neck, the rest of the mantle being sea-green; -the region of the cheek is black; the feathers on the throat a bright -green; the secondary quills, roots of the outer web of the primaries, and -the outer web of the roots of the tail-feathers, are bright blue; and -there is a blueish-white spot on the centre of the wing. The eye is dark -brown; the eyelids, beak, and legs are red. The length of this species is -ten inches; the wing measures six inches and three-quarters, and the tail -three inches and a half. - -According to Gould, the Dollar Bird appears in New South Wales in the -spring, and again retires north as soon as the young are fully grown. On -dull days, or at early morning, and in the evening, it is to be seen most -actively employed in pursuit of the beetles and other insects on which it -subsists. - -"When engaged in the capture of insects," says Gould, "it usually perches -upon the dead, upright branch of a tree growing beside and overhanging -water, where it sits very erect, staring all around until a passing -insect attracts its notice, when it suddenly darts off, secures its -victim, and returns to the same branch; at other times it may constantly -be seen on the wing, mostly in pairs, flying just above the tops of the -trees, diving and rising again with rapid turns in the most beautiful -manner. During flight, which, when performed at a considerable elevation, -is laboured and heavy, the white spot in the centre of each wing, then -widely expanded, shows very distinctly; and hence the name of Dollar Bird -bestowed on it by the colonists. It is very noisy, particularly in dull -weather, when it often emits its peculiar chattering note during flight. -The breeding season continues from September to December; the three or -four pearl-white eggs are deposited in a tree." - - -THE ORIENTAL DOLLAR BIRD. - -The ORIENTAL DOLLAR BIRD (_Eurystomus Orientalis_), a nearly-allied Indian -species, we are told, passes a great portion of its time in flying from -place to place, and hangs, Woodpecker-like, from the trunks of trees -whilst in search of the grubs and insects on which it subsists. - - * * * * * - -The SAW-BILL ROLLERS (_Prionites_), though in many respects resembling the -Blue Rollers, differ from that bird in their superior length of tail and -height of tarsus, as well as in the saw-like edges with which the margin -of the beak is furnished; the latter is slightly curved, compressed at its -sides, and without a hook at its tip; the base of the beak is overgrown -with stiff, bristle-like feathers. The wings, in which the fourth or fifth -quills are the longest, are short and rounded; the strong, wedge-shaped -tail is composed sometimes of ten, sometimes of twelve feathers, placed -in pairs of equal length, of which the centre pair are the longest. The -plumage is full, soft, and consists of large feathers, thickly covered -with down at the roots. - -The Saw-bill Rollers occupy the woods and forests of South America, and -lead a retired life, either alone or in pairs, and far from the abode of -man; their cry, which resembles a note from a flute, is most frequently -heard in the morning and evening. Insects afford their principal means of -subsistence, and these they obtain in a great measure from the surface of -the ground. - - -THE MOT-MOT. - -The MOT-MOT (_Prionites momota_) is of an olive-green on the back, -wing-covers, and legs; the neck, throat, breast, and belly are reddish -yellow; the top of the head, cheeks, and bridles black; and the brow and -a narrow collar at the back of the head of a brilliant blueish green; the -quills are blackish, the secondaries sky-blue on the outer web. The tail, -which is composed of twelve feathers, is green above and black beneath; -the eye is reddish brown, the beak black, and the foot horn-grey. This -species is nineteen inches long; the wing measures six and a half inches, -and the tail eleven inches. - -According to Burmeister, the Mot-mot inhabits the wooded districts in -Northern Brazil; and Schomburghk, who found them very numerous in Guiana, -had there an opportunity of observing their habits and mode of life. -"Shortly before sunrise," says the last-named writer, "the plaintive -and melancholy 'hutu, hutu' of the Saw-billed Roller may be heard among -the foliage on the outskirts of the forest, announcing the approach of -morning. This remarkable bird seems to avoid all well-lighted places; -and, although by no means shy, never appears beyond the outskirts of -the forest. It will even allow an intruder to come quite close to its -perching-place before it flies off to another twig, where, immediately -that it has perched itself, it again begins its well-known notes 'hutu, -hutu,' accompanying each syllable with a stroke of its tail somewhat after -the manner of our own Wagtail." - -When about to construct its nest, the Mot-mot selects a round or oval -depression in the side of some hillock, or other elevated spot; and -although the male and female regularly relieve each other at short -intervals, the monotonous duty of incubation seems by no means agreeable -to either; so that after sitting for three or four minutes quietly upon -the eggs they begin to turn themselves round, and it is supposed to be by -the constant repetition of this movement in a circle that the feathers of -their tail become in time quite spoiled and worn away. As to their eggs, -Schomburghk gives us no information whatever, nor do we find anything -recorded concerning them in the works of other naturalists. - -[Illustration: THE MOT-MOT (_Prionites momota_).] - - * * * * * - -The BROAD-THROATS (_Eurylaimus_) are small, compact birds, with short, -broad beaks, powerful feet, moderate-sized wings, and short or rather long -tail. The beak, which is shorter than the head, is broad at its base, -slender at the tip, and hooked at its extremity; the gape extends as -far as the eyes; the moderate-sized foot has the tarsus a trifle longer -than the centre toe, which latter is united with the inner as far as the -first joint; the wing, in which the third or fourth quill is the longest, -is short and rounded; the tail is usually either rounded or graduated; -in some species, however, it is slightly incised; the plumage is of -brilliant hues, and the sexes almost alike in colour and markings. These -birds inhabit India and the Malay Islands, where they haunt the innermost -recesses of deep, dark forests, and carefully avoid the habitations of man. - - -THE SUMATRAN TROWEL-BEAK. - -The SUMATRAN TROWEL-BEAK (_Corydon Sumatranus_), a species of the above -family inhabiting Sumatra and Borneo, represents a group recognisable by -their compact and falcon-like body; short, broad beak, the upper mandible -of which almost entirely encloses the lower one; and also by their bare, -short, strong feet, armed with long toes; short rounded wings, in which -the third or fourth quill exceeds the rest in length; and moderate-sized -tail, formed of twelve rounded feathers. The dusky plumage, which is -soft and thick, is replaced in the region of the beak by a few short -bristles; its colour is principally of a pale black; the entire throat -pale brownish yellow; the centre of the back bright red; the wings are -black, with a few white spots; the tail-feathers pale black, the centre -pair of uniform hue, the rest marked with white towards the tip. The eye -is brown, the beak and a bare place round the eye are bright red; the -foot is blackish brown. This species is nine inches and a half long; the -wing measures four, and the tail three inches and a half; the beak is one -inch long, and one inch and a quarter broad at its base. We are entirely -without particulars as to the life and habits of this bird, except that it -frequents moist and shady woods in the vicinity of water, and associates -in small parties. - -[Illustration: THE JAVA BROAD-THROAT (_Eurylaimus Javanicus_).] - - * * * * * - -The TRUE BROAD-THROATS (_Eurylaimus_) are recognisable from the above -group by the formation of their beak, which is longer and flatter than -that of the last-mentioned species. - - -THE JAVA BROAD-THROAT. - -The JAVA BROAD-THROAT (_Eurylaimus Javanicus_) is blackish brown on -the upper back, lemon-yellow on its lower portion, and greyish crimson -on the under side; a stripe between the shoulders, another on the -shoulder-covers, and several patches on the outer webs of the quills are -lemon-yellow; the tip of the tail is enlivened by a white line; the beak -is glossy black, except at the culmen and margins, which are greyish -white; the first is yellowish brown. This bird is eight inches and a half -long; the wing measures three inches and five-sixths, and the tail two -inches and one-third. - -According to Raffles, the Java Broad-throat frequents the banks of rivers -and the vicinity of water, in search of worms and insects. It makes its -nest on a branch overhanging the surface of the water. Helfer informs -us that a very similar species occupies the tree-tops in flocks of from -thirty to forty birds; and that they are either so fearless or so stupid -as to remain on their perch regardless of the shots that are laying their -companions dead. - - -THE RAYA. - -The RAYA (_Psarisomus Dalhousiæ_), a representative of the above birds, is -recognisable by its moderate-sized, broad beak, which is decidedly curved -at its culmen and hooked at its tip. The short wing is slightly rounded, -the tail long and graduated, and the plumage brightly tinted; the mantle -is bright blue; the top of the head, except a small blue spot, quite -black; the brow, cheek-stripes, a small tuft near the ear, the throat, and -a narrow band at the nape are saffron-yellow; the entire under side is -of a parrot green; the blackish-brown quills have a blue outer web; the -tail-feathers are blue above and glossy blackish brown beneath; the eyes -brown, and beak green, with a black culmen; the foot is dusky greenish -yellow. The length of this species is fourteen inches; the wing measures -four inches, and the tail five inches and a half. - -This beautiful bird inhabits India, and, as Jerdon tells us, is met with -in the forests of the Himalayas to a height of 6,000 feet above the sea; -those he found were engaged in seeking their insect prey upon the trees, -either alone or in pairs. The nest, according to the same author, is -a large structure, loosely framed of grass and moss. The eggs, two in -number, have a white shell. - - * * * * * - -The TODIES (_Todi_), a group of American birds, apparently representing -the Broad-throats, are remarkable for the very peculiar formation of -their beak; and on this account much diversity of opinion has arisen as -to the place that should properly be assigned them. All the species with -which we are acquainted are small, delicately-built birds, possessing -moderate-sized and straight beaks, with both mandibles so flatly -compressed that they may literally be described as two thin plates; the -margins of the bill are finely incised, and the gape extends as far back -as the eyes; the tarsus is slender, and scarcely longer than the middle -toe; the toes are unusually long and thin, armed with short, delicate, but -very sharp hooked claws; the fourth, fifth, and sixth quills in the short, -rounded wings exceed the rest in length; the tail, of moderate length, is -broad, and slightly incised. The plumage, which consists of soft, compact -feathers, is replaced by bristles in the region of the beak; the tongue, -except at its fleshy root, resembles a horny plate, and is as transparent -as the barrel of a quill. - - -THE TODY, OR GREEN FLATBILL. - -The TODY, or GREEN FLAT-BILL (_Todus viridis_), is of a blueish green -on the back, and greyish-white on the under side. The throat and upper -breast are bright rose red, and the belly pale yellow; the quills are -greyish green; the centre tail-feathers green, and those at the exterior -grey; the eye is pale grey, the beak reddish horn-grey above, and bright -scarlet beneath; the foot flesh-pink or brownish red. This species is four -inches and a quarter long, and six and a half broad; the wing measures one -inch and four-fifths, and the tail one inch and a half. The sexes closely -resemble each other in the coloration of their plumage. - -"In all parts of Jamaica," says Gosse, "that I have visited, the Tody is -a very common bird. On the summit of Bluefields Mountain, about 3,000 -feet above the level of the sea, and particularly where the deserted -provision-grounds are overgrown with an almost impenetrable thicket of -joint-wood, it is especially abundant. Always conspicuous, from its -bright, grass-green coat, and crimson velvet gorget, it is still a very -tame bird; yet this seems rather the tameness of indifference than -of confidence: it will allow a person to approach very near, and, if -disturbed, alight on another twig a few yards distant. We have often -captured specimens with an insect-net, and struck them down with a -switch; it is not uncommon for the little boys to creep up behind one, -and actually to clap the hand over it as it sits, and thus secure -it. It is a general favourite, and has received a familiar name--that -of Robin Redbreast. There is little resemblance, however, between the -European Robin and its West Indian namesake. I have never seen the Tody -on the ground; but it hops about the twigs of low trees, searching for -minute insects, occasionally uttering a querulous, sibilant note. But -more commonly it is seen sitting patiently on a twig, with the head -drawn in, the beak pointing upwards, and the lower plumage puffed out, -when it appears much larger than it really is. It certainly has an air -of stupidity when thus seen; but this abstraction is more apparent than -real. If we watch it we shall see that the odd-looking grey eyes are -glancing hither and thither, and that ever and anon the bird sallies out -upon a short, feeble flight, snaps at something in the air, and returns -to his twig to swallow it. I have never seen the Tody eat vegetable food; -but I have occasionally found in its stomach, among minute coleopterous -and hymenopterous insects, a few small seeds. One of these birds, which -I kept in a cage, would snatch worms from me with impudent audacity, -and then beat them violently against the perch or sides of the cage, to -divide before he swallowed them. One captured in April, on being turned -into a room, began immediately to catch flies and other minute insects -that flitted about. At this employment he continued incessantly and most -successfully all that evening and all the next day, from earliest dawn -till dark. He would sit on the edge of the table, on shelves, or on -the floor, ever glancing about, now and then flitting up into the air, -when the snap of his beak announced a capture, and he returned to his -station to eat it; he would peep into the lowest and darkest corners, -even under the tables, for the little globose, long-legged spiders, which -he would drag from their webs and swallow. He sought these also about -the ceilings and walls. I have said that he continued at this employment -all day without intermission, and I judge that on the average he made a -capture per minute. We may thus form some idea of the immense number of -insects destroyed by these and similar birds. Water in a basin was in -the room, but I did not see him drink. Though so actively engaged in his -own occupation, he cared nothing for the presence of man; he sometimes -alighted voluntarily on our heads, shoulders, or fingers, and when sitting -would permit me at any time to put my hand over him and take him up, -though when in the hand he would struggle to get out. He seemed likely -to thrive; but incautiously settling in front of a dove-cage, a surly -bald-pate poked his head through the wires, and aimed a blow at the head -of the unoffending Tody. She did not appear to mind it at first, but an -hour afterwards shivered and died." - -"The Green Tody," says Mr. Hill, "is a bird of peculiar structure and -habits; he is exclusively an insect-feeder, and burrows in the earth to -breed. The subterranean nest is made wherever there is mould easy of -excavation; ravines and gullies, whose banks are earthy, and where the -water passes rapidly from the surface-soil, are generally selected. The -excavation is made by the beak and claws. It is a winding gallery, rounded -at the bottom, and terminating in a sufficiently wide lodging, lined -with pliant fibres, dry moss, and cotton, placed with much attention to -arrangement. Four or five grey, brown-spotted eggs are laid, and the young -are fed within the cave till they are full-fledged." - - * * * * * - -The KINGFISHERS (_Alcedines_) principally frequent the warmer latitudes. -The members of this group possess a powerful body, large head, and short -or moderate-sized wings and tail, with a very long, straight, and powerful -beak, pointed at its extremity; the small foot is furnished with either -three or four toes. The plumage is of most brilliant hues, and varies but -little in the sexes, or with the age of the bird. - -All the various species of Kingfishers prefer the vicinity of water; -and, where fish is to be found, venture to a very considerable altitude -when following mountain-streams. Like all such members of the feathered -creation as subsist by fishing, they are quiet, indolent, and wary in -their habits, seeking their prey either alone or, at most, in pairs. As -regards their powers of locomotion, they have little to distinguish them; -it is true, they possess a certain skill in diving and swimming, but on -the ground or in the air their deportment is extremely clumsy. Of their -senses, sight and hearing appear to be highly developed; but, with these -exceptions, we must pronounce these birds to hold a very low place in the -scale of intelligence, and to exhibit but one attractive quality--that -of warm attachment to their eggs and young. Fish, insects, and crabs -constitute their principal means of subsistence, and these are principally -obtained by diving. The numerous eggs laid by the members of this group -are deposited in a hole excavated in the ground, the extreme end of which -forms the actual nest. - -[Illustration: THE EUROPEAN KINGFISHER (_Alcedo ispida_).] - - -THE EUROPEAN KINGFISHER. - -The EUROPEAN KINGFISHER (_Alcedo ispida_) is recognisable by its long, -thin, straight, and powerful beak, which is much compressed at its tip. -The foot is small; the centre of the three front toes is connected with -the external toe as far as the second, and with the short inner toe to the -first joint; the hind toe is very small; the third quill in the short, -blunt wing exceeds the rest in length; the tail is formed of twelve -small feathers. The thick, compact plumage is very brilliant, with a -metallic gloss above, and a silky gloss on the under side. The feathers -on the head are prolonged into a crest. As it would be impossible to -mistake the European Kingfisher for any other bird, it will suffice -to say that the upper portions of the body are greenish blue, and the -lower yellowish brown; the eye is deep brown, the beak bright red, and -the foot cinnabar-red. The length of this bird is six inches and a half, -the breadth ten inches and a half; the wing measures two inches and -two-thirds; the length of tail one inch and a half. - -This Kingfisher, the only European representative of the above group, is -one of the most beautiful of our British birds, and its appearance as it -dashes along in the sunshine strikingly brilliant. It is an inhabitant of -all parts of Europe, except the extreme north, and is also widely spread -over Asia and Africa. This species is always found in the vicinity of -water, over which it may be seen shooting along like a little meteor. Its -food consists not only of small fishes, but also of aquatic insects and -leeches. The appetite of the Kingfisher is voracious, and his manners -shy and retiring. Dwelling near sequestered brooks and rivers, he sits -for hours together motionless and solitary on some bough overhanging the -stream, patiently watching the movements of the smaller fishes which -constitute his food, waiting for a favourable moment to dart with the -velocity of an arrow upon the first that comes near enough to the surface, -and seldom failing in his aim. He returns with it to his former station, -on some large stone or branch, where he kills his captive by shifting its -position in his bill, so as to grasp it firmly near the tail, and striking -its head smartly against the object on which he rests; he then reverses -its position and swallows it head foremost; the indigestible parts are -afterwards ejected in a manner analogous to that of Owls and other birds -of prey. The Kingfisher, however, does not confine himself to this mode -of watching in motionless solitude, but should the stream be broad, or no -favourable station for espionage present itself, he may be seen poising -himself over it at an altitude of ten or fifteen feet, scrutinising the -element below for his food, and then plunging upon it with a velocity -which often carries him considerably below the surface. For these habits -his muscular, wedge-shaped body, increasing gradually from a long, -pointed bill, and his sleek plumage, which, whilst it passes freely -through the water, is impervious to wet, seem especially to adapt him. -His wings are short, but powerful; hence his flight is smooth, even, and -exceedingly rapid. Silent, except during the pairing and breeding season, -when he occasionally utters a sharp, piercing cry, indicative, perhaps, -of attachment, and equally solitary and unsocial in his habits, the -Kingfisher dwells alone; seldom consorting with others, or even with his -mate, except during the rearing of the young, when both sexes discharge -with assiduity the duty of procuring requisite supplies of food. The -places selected for incubation are steep and secluded banks, overhanging -ponds or rivers, generally at a considerable distance above the surface -of the water, and extending two or three feet into the bank. The female, -without making a nest, lays five or six eggs, of a beautiful pinky white. -As soon as the young are hatched, the parent birds may be seen incessantly -passing to and from the hole with food, the ejected remains of which in a -short time accumulate around the callow brood. The young do not leave the -hole until fully fledged, when, seated on some neighbouring branch, they -may be known by their clamorous twitterings as they greet their parents, -from whom they impatiently expect supplies of food. They assume at an -early age a plumage nearly resembling the adult. The Kingfishers appear -to possess habits of partial migration; or, at least in our island, they -wander from the interior of the country along the rivers to the coast, and -in the autumnal and wintry months frequent the mouths of small rivulets -and dykes near the sea. - - * * * * * - -The PURPLE KINGFISHERS (_Ceyx_), a group inhabiting India, the Malay and -Philippine Islands, and New Guinea, are without the inner toe possessed by -the European Kingfisher above described. These birds have hitherto been -grouped with the Halcyones on account of the broad base of their beak; but -the shortness of their wings and tail, and their general habits, fully -justify their introduction in this place. - - -THE PURPLE KINGFISHER. - -The PURPLE KINGFISHER (_Ceyx tridactyla_), one of the most remarkable -members of this family, is of a bright orange, gleaming with peach-colour -on the back, and shading from rust-red into chestnut-brown on the neck and -sides of breast; the rest of the under side is saffron-yellow. The large -wing-covers are deep black, the shoulders and exterior borders of the -wings chestnut-brown, the quills blackish brown, with a rust-red edge to -the inner web; the tail-feathers are rust-red. This species is five inches -long and eight broad; the wing measures two inches and a quarter, and the -tail three-quarters of an inch. This beautiful bird is met with over the -whole extent of India and Ceylon, but is nowhere numerous. Fish and some -of the smaller inhabitants of the water constitute its usual food. - - * * * * * - -The GREY KINGFISHERS (_Ceryle_) exhibit, in an eminent degree, the -admirable skill with which their bodies have been adapted to the situation -they are destined to occupy in the great scheme of creation. Although -resembling the True Kingfishers in many particulars, their wings are -considerably longer and more pointed than in those birds, and far more -available as instruments of locomotion; the long, straight beak is -compressed at its sides, and pointed at its tip; the almost lustreless -plumage is of comparatively sombre hue, and differs more or less in the -sexes. Most of the numerous members of this group inhabit America; some -few are met with in Asia and Africa, while Europeans may lay claim to -one species that may now be regarded as naturalised, on account of the -frequency of its visits to our continent. - - -THE GREY KINGFISHER. - -The GREY KINGFISHER (_Ceryle rudis_) is chequered blue and white on -the mantle, with a white under side, relieved by two black lines upon -the breast, and dark spots upon the sides; the top of the head and -the cheek-stripes are black, the eyebrows black and white, the white -tail-feathers are crossed by a black line near the extremity, the eye and -foot are brown, the beak is black. This species is ten inches long and -eighteen broad; the wing measures five and the tail three inches. The -female has but one black line upon her breast. - -The Grey Kingfisher is met with in almost every part of Africa, in Syria, -Egypt, Palestine, Persia, and, we believe, in India; in Europe, as far as -we can ascertain, it has only been seen in Greece and Dalmatia. Unlike -the true Kingfisher, this bird exhibits a most social disposition, and -prosecutes its search for food in spots constantly frequented not only by -cattle, but by man. The chase after fish is sometimes carried on from the -top of a post or projecting branch, sometimes while the bird is hovering -over water, into which it plunges headlong at the first appearance of a -suitable victim, which is borne off to some favourite perch, and there -devoured, after (as is frequently the case) it has been struck repeatedly -against the branch or post. When in pursuit of food, the Grey Kingfisher -flies over the surface of the water with a Falcon-like motion, rising and -sinking rapidly through the air, and varying its movements with equal -adroitness and grace. During the daytime it is comparatively quiet, but -towards evening begins to disport itself in this manner, accompanying -its movements by a loud, shrill, monotonous cry. According to our own -experience, the breeding season commences in Egypt about March or April. -Tristram informs us that the nests made by this bird in Palestine are -placed in settlements formed in the steep banks of rivers. Some which he -examined had their entrances not more than four inches above the level -of the water; each of these entrance-passages was about three inches and -a half deep, and led into the actual nest; a few fish-bones and a little -grass had been placed to form a bed, on which the eggs were deposited. -The latter vary both in form and colour; those we saw were oval in shape, -and pure white. - - * * * * * - -The ALCYONS (_Halcyones_) are at once recognisable from the Kingfishers -by the superior development of their wings, their greater breadth of -beak, and more powerful feet. The plumage is lax and of brilliant hue, -and, in some species, rivals that of any member of the feathered creation -in gorgeous beauty. Africa, Southern Asia, Australia, and the islands -in their vicinity, afford a home to the numerous and varied members of -this group; in America and Europe they are unrepresented. All are more -or less inhabitants of woodland districts, and but few exhibit a decided -preference for the vicinity of water. Unlike the Kingfisher, the Alcyons -are active in their habits, and, when winging their way through the air, -equal the Bee-eater in agility and grace. But few move with ease upon -the ground, or are capable of obtaining their prey by plunging beneath -the water; they usually procure the insects, beetles, and grasshoppers -on which they mainly subsist by darting down upon them from a chosen -lurking-place among the branches of their favourite trees. Some, we are -told, will even attack snakes, while others destroy large numbers of -other birds' eggs and young. Such as possess sufficient zeal to obtain a -few fish or crabs, exhibit but little skill either in swimming or diving -after them. The voice of all is loud and peculiar, and, as far as our own -observation goes, their intelligence and senses are not highly developed. -Their neatly-constructed nest is usually placed in a tree, or hollow in a -stone or in the ground. The eggs are pure white and very glossy. - - * * * * * - -The TREE ALCYONS (_Halcyones_) are recognisable by their long, straight, -broad beak, which in some species turns slightly upwards, their short -feet, moderate-sized and rounded wing, with its third quill only a trifle -longer than the fourth and fifth, and a comparatively short and rounded -tail. - - -THE RED-BREASTED TREE ALCYON. - -The RED-BREASTED TREE ALCYON (_Halcyon rufiventris_) is black on the -mantle, and reddish brown on the under side; the head, back, and sides of -the throat are ash-grey; the lower part of the back, the tail, and a large -spot on the wings are of a metallic green; the front of the throat is pure -white, the breast dirty white, and the cheek-stripes black. When seen from -beneath, the wing is of reddish brown, marked with white, and tipped with -black; the under side of the tail is similarly coloured; the eye is brown, -the beak and feet red. This species is eight inches and a half long; the -wing measures three inches and a half, and the tail two inches and a half. - -The _Halcyon rufiventris_ is an inhabitant of Western and Central Africa, -where, according to our own observations in Eastern Soudan, it principally -frequents well-watered and woodland districts, in preference to the scanty -growth of brushwood to be found in the vast and arid steppes. The nest -usually contains three round, glossy white eggs; these are laid in October -or November, and are hatched by the united care of both parents; on the -male alone, however, devolves the task of rearing the nestlings. - - * * * * * - -The WOOD ALCYONS (_Todiramphus_) have the beak still shorter, broader, -and more decidedly turned upwards than in the birds last mentioned; the -wing is also somewhat larger, and its second quill almost equals the -third in length. The various members of this group principally inhabit -Australia and the most extensive of the neighbouring islands; whilst in -India, although they are occasionally met with, the species are few and -comparatively rare. - -[Illustration: GREY KINGFISHERS (_Ceryle rudis_).] - - -THE YELLOW-HEADED WOOD ALCYON. - -The YELLOW-HEADED WOOD ALCYON (_Todiramphus chlorocephalus_), a species -inhabiting Java, is of a metallic green on the back, and white on the -under side; the cheek-stripes, which pass behind the neck and unite on the -back, are black; a spot on the sides of the brow, and a line on the nape, -are both dirty white; the eye is yellowish, the upper mandible entirely -black, the lower one yellowish white at its base, with black tip. This -species is nine inches long; the wing measures four inches and a half, and -the tail two inches and three-quarters. - -[Illustration: THE LAUGHING JACKASS (_Paralcyon gigas_, or _Dacelo -gigantea_).] - -According to Bernstein, this species is one of the commonest of the -birds inhabiting Java; and is to be seen on the banks of every river -or streamlet that is not at any great distance from trees, and from a -projecting stone or branch patiently spying out the approach of any insect -or tiny fish. Its flight is usually accompanied by the repeated utterance -of its clear loud cry. The nest consists of a bed of dry leaves and moss -placed in a hollow in the ground, protected by an overhanging stone. The -three or four eggs have a dull white shell. - - -THE BLUE ALCYON. - -The BLUE ALCYON (_Cyanalcyon Macleayi_), one of the most beautiful birds -of Australia, is blackish blue on the head, as far as the nape; the mantle -is bright blue; the wings and tail are black, shaded with blue; the entire -under side of the roots of the primary and secondary quills, a broad band -round the throat, and an oval spot behind the nostrils, are white; the -iris is dark brown, the beak black, and the tarsus blackish grey. The -female is less brightly coloured than her mate, and has an irregular, -broken line of white around her throat. This species is seven inches long; -the wing measures six inches and one-sixth, and the tail two and a half -inches. - -"This beautiful bird," says Gould, "far surpasses any other Australian -Kingfisher in the brilliancy of its plumage. Like the other members of -the genus to which it belongs, it is rarely if ever seen near water, and -evinces so decided a preference for the open forests of the interior -of the country that it has obtained the name of the Bush Kingfisher. -It is generally dispersed about in pairs, and feeds on small reptiles, -insects, and their larvæ. Its usual note is a loud "pee-pee," uttered with -considerable rapidity. It incubates in November and December, sometimes -forming its nest in the hollow trunks of trees, and at others excavating -for itself a hole in the nest of the tree-ants, which present so singular -and prominent a feature in the scenery of the country. The nest of these -birds is easily discovered, for on the approach of an intruder they -at once commence flying about in a very wild manner, uttering a loud, -piercing cry of alarm. The eggs, three or four in number, have a pearly -white shell, and are round in form." - - * * * * * - -The GIANT ALCYONS (_Paralcyon_, or _Dacelo_) are readily distinguishable, -not only from their size, but by their long flat beak, which is broad and -flat at its base, straight at the culmen, compressed at its sides, and -slightly hooked at the tip of the projecting upper mandible; the tarsi are -short, but powerful, and the toes very long and thick; the wings, in which -the second and third quills are of almost equal length, are of moderate -size, and blunt; the broad tail is also of medium length. The rich, lax -plumage is of comparatively quiet hue. - - -THE LAUGHING JACKASS, OR SETTLER'S CLOCK. - -The LAUGHING JACKASS, or SETTLER'S CLOCK (_Paralcyon gigas_, or _Dacelo -gigantea_), an interesting and very familiar species, inhabiting -Australia, is dark brown on the back, and dull yellowish white on the -under side; the lower part of the back and wing-covers are of a blueish -shade; the tail-covers rust-red, striped with black; the long, pointed -feathers on the head have the shafts streaked with brown; the bristle-like -ear-feathers are black; the exterior quills are blackish brown, and white -at the root; and the tail-feathers rust-red, striped with black, and -marked with white at the tips and sides of the inner web. The female is -paler in hue, and less decidedly marked upon the head. This bird is from -seventeen to eighteen inches long, and more than two feet across the span -of the wings; the wing measures eight inches. The tail is seven inches -long. - -"The _Dacelo gigantea_," says Gould, "is a bird with which every traveller -in New South Wales is acquainted, for, independently of its large size, -its voice is so extraordinary as to be unlike that of any other living -creature. In its disposition it is by no means shy, and when any new -objects are presented to its notice--such as a party traversing the bush, -or pitching their tent--it becomes very prying and inquisitive, often -perching on the dead branch of some neighbouring tree, and watching with -the greatest curiosity the kindling of the fire and the preparation of the -meal. Its presence, however, owing to the quietude with which it passes -through the forest, and the almost noiseless manner in which it settles, -is seldom detected, until it emits its extraordinary gurgling, laughing -note, which has obtained for it the name of the 'Laughing Jackass.'" -Captain Sturt describes this strange cry as "resembling a chorus of wild -spirits." Gould states that this species seldom or never drinks, and is -therefore as much at home on arid plains as near the coast or river-banks. -"Its food, which is of a mixed character," continues the same writer, -"consists of animal substances. Reptiles, insects, and crabs, however, -appear to be its favourite diet; it devours lizards with avidity, and it -is not uncommon to see it bearing off a snake in its bill, to be eaten -at leisure. Unlike most other species, the _Dacelo gigantea_ frequents -every variety of situation; the luxuriant brushes extending along the -coast, the more thinly-timbered forest, the belts of trees studding -the parched plains, and the brushwood of the higher ranges being alike -favoured by its presence. Over all these localities it is dispersed, but -is nowhere numerous. It breeds during the months of August and September, -and generally selects a hole in a large gum-tree for the purpose; making -no nest, but depositing its beautiful pearl-white eggs on the decomposed -wood at the bottom of the hole. The parent bird defends its young with -the greatest courage and daring, darting down upon any intruder who may -attempt to ascend the tree, and inflicting severe and even dangerous -wounds with its pointed bill. It bears confinement remarkably well, and is -one of the most amusing birds for an aviary with which I am acquainted." - - * * * * * - -The PARADISE ALCYONS (_Tanysiptera_) are recognisable from the above -groups by the unusual length of the centre tail-feathers; the beak, -somewhat longer than the head, is conical in form, its upper mandible -almost straight, while the lower one curves slightly upwards. In the wing, -the fourth quill exceeds the rest in length; the long and graduated tail -varies considerably in its formation. - - -THE TRUE PARADISE ALCYON. - -The TRUE PARADISE ALCYON (_Tanysiptera sylvia_), one of the most refulgent -members of this group, is bright blue on the crown of the head, wings, and -two outer tail-feathers; the cheek, back of the throat, and mantle are -black; and a triangular patch between the shoulders, the rump, and the two -centre flowing tail-feathers pure white. The entire under side is brownish -red; the beak and foot are bright red. The body measures ten inches; the -wing two inches and two-thirds, and the tail two inches and three-quarters. - -Gould tells us that this beautiful bird, which has at present only -been met with at Cape York, on the northern coast of Australia, never -alights upon the ground, but is usually seen perched upon a bare twig -or parasitical plant, from whence it darts upon its insect prey, always -returning at once to its perch. Its flight is remarkably rapid. The cry -of this species, which resembles the syllables "wee-wee-wee," is usually -uttered when the bird is stationary. Owing to its extreme timidity, -the _Tanysiptera sylvia_ is extremely difficult to obtain; indeed, the -sportsman may follow it for an hour at a time without the chance of a fair -shot. According to the natives, the three white eggs laid by the female -are deposited in ant-hills. - -Two other nearly allied species, the _Tanysiptera dea_ and the -_Tanysiptera nympha_, inhabit New Guinea, the Moluccas, and Philippine -Islands. - - * * * * * - -The SAW-BEAKED ALCYONS (_Syma_) have a long, thin beak, broad at its base, -and compressed at its sides, furnished down two-thirds of its length with -numerous strong teeth-like appendages; the upper mandible projects beyond -the lower portion of the bill, and terminates in a sharp, slender tip; in -the short wing the third and fourth quills are of equal length, and longer -than the rest; the tail is of medium size, and very decidedly rounded. - - -THE PODITTI. - -The PODITTI (_Syma flavirostris_), one of the two species of Saw-beaked -Alcyons with which we are acquainted, as inhabiting Australia and New -Guinea, is of a brownish red on the top of the head, nape, ear-covers, -and sides of throat; the back and wings are dull green, the rump and tail -greenish blue, the front of the throat and lower belly yellowish white, -and the remainder of the under side yellowish brown; the head is almost -encircled by a narrow black line; the pale red bill is blackish brown at -its culmen. This species is seven inches and one-sixth long; the wing -measures two inches and two-thirds, and the tail two inches and one-sixth. - - * * * * * - -The SLUGGARDS (_Agornithes_) are remarkable for the bristle-like feathers -that form a kind of beard; an unusually delicate skin, in which the broad, -soft, downy feathers grow but loosely; and still more for their indolent -and dreamy disposition. - - * * * * * - -The JACAMARS (_Galbulæ_) possess a slender body, a long, straight, -awl-shaped beak, small delicate feet, with the toes divided into pairs, -short wings, and a long tail, composed of strong feathers. The soft, lax -plumage, which has a magnificent golden gloss, is replaced by bristles -in the region of the beak. The few species of these birds that we are -acquainted with occupy the primitive forests of South America, and alike -exhibit the same dull and indolent disposition in their manner of life. - - * * * * * - -The TRUE JACAMARS are recognisable by their long, thin, high beak, which -is slightly curved, and furnished with sharp edges; the wings, with their -fourth and fifth quills longer than the rest, are comparatively long; the -tail, composed of twelve feathers, is long and much graduated; the two -outer toes of the foot are united almost to the tip; the hinder toe is -very small. The plumage is soft and lax. - - -THE GREEN JACAMAR. - -The GREEN JACAMAR (_Galbula viridis_) is of a magnificent golden-green -on the breast and mantle, the remainder of the under side is rust-red; -the throat of the male is white, that of the female yellowish red; the -exterior tail-feathers are rust-red, tipped with green; the eye is brown; -the long, thin beak, the cheek-stripe, and a bare circle round the eye, -are black; the feet a brownish flesh-colour. - -The Jacamar is numerously met with in the forests along the entire coast -of Brazil, where, like its congeners, it leads an indolent and monotonous -existence among the branches of the most retired parts of the woods, or -perches on a shady bush overhanging a piece of water. Should an insect -approach, it is instantly seized, and the bird at once returns to its -resting-place, and relapses into its usual condition of quiet indifference -to everything around, often remaining almost motionless for whole hours -at a time. The loud, clear voice of the Jacamar consists of but one note, -which is frequently repeated. The eggs are deposited, like those of the -Kingfisher, in holes in an overhanging bank. - - * * * * * - -The BUCCOS (_Buccones_) constitute a group of equally indolent birds, -inhabiting South America, and are recognisable by their slightly-curved -beak, slender legs (with two of the toes turned backwards), moderate-sized -wings, and a short tail composed of twelve feathers. The remarkably lax, -soft plumage is of a sombre hue, and replaced by bristles about the region -of the beak. - -[Illustration: _Plate 24. Cassell's Book of Birds_ - -MEROPS APIASTER ____ EUROPEAN BEE-EATER - -(_over three quarters Nat. size_) - - (Swainson) -] - -All the members of this group occupy forests, where they live either alone -or in pairs; but rarely associating even in small parties, and still -more rarely venturing near the dwelling-place of man. Like the Jacamars, -these birds are remarkable for their indolence, and the quietude of their -manner of life, as they obtain their insect-prey without even leaving the -branch on which they are perched. The eggs of some species are deposited -in holes excavated by the parents; but, beyond this fact, we are without -particulars as to their mode of incubation. - - * * * * * - -The SLEEPERS (_Nystalus_) possess a powerful, straight beak--almost as -long as the large, thick head--compressed at its sides, and slightly -hooked at the projecting upper mandible. The short, thick foot and backs -of the toes (the latter not placed in pairs) are covered with large, -smooth scales; the wings are short and slender, the tail of medium length, -and composed of narrow feathers of almost equal size, if we except the -short exterior pair. - -[Illustration: THE GREEN JACAMAR (_Galbula viridis_).] - - -THE TSCHAKURU. - -The TSCHAKURU (_Nystalus Chacuru_) is of a reddish brown on the top of the -head, back, and wings, striped with a blackish shade, the under side is -white, a band around the head and the broad cheek-stripes are pure white, -the region of the cheek is black, the quills greyish brown, those at the -exterior edged and spotted with rust-red; the blackish brown tail-feathers -are marked with small, yellowish red spots at the edge. The eye is -chestnut-brown, the beak dull cinnabar-red, with deep yellowish base, and -greyish black culmen and tip; the foot is greyish brown. This species is -eight (according to Ratterer nine) inches and a half long, and eleven -inches and three-quarters broad; the wing measures three inches, and the -tail two inches and three-quarters. - -The Tschakuru frequents tracts covered with a slight growth of trees or -bushes; on these it may be seen perching for hours together, perfectly -undisturbed by the close observation of the traveller, and is frequently -only roused from its state of apparent lethargy by violently shaking the -surrounding branches. Insects constitute its means of subsistence, and -these are obtained either whilst perching or at a few paces from its -favourite seat. Azara informs us that the name of Tschakuru is supposed -by the natives to represent its cry; but neither the Prince von Wied nor -Burmeister ever heard it utter a sound. According to the latter, the -numerous white eggs that form a brood are deposited in the hole of a tree. - - * * * * * - -The TRAPPISTS (_Monasta_) are distinguishable from the above groups by -their small, slightly-curved beak, with thin, delicate tip, slender legs, -long, pointed wings, and moderate-sized tail, formed of narrow feathers. -The plumage is soft, and somewhat woolly in texture; the eye is surrounded -by a bare circle. - - -THE DUSKY TRAPPIST, OR BEARDED CUCKOO. - -The DUSKY TRAPPIST, or BEARDED CUCKOO (_Monasta fusca_), is dark brown -on the head and back, and yellowish grey on the under side; the lower -throat is embellished by a long, pure white crescent, a broad, black -band beneath; the quills and tail-feathers are dark greyish brown, the -former edged with rust-red on the outer web. The eye is reddish, the beak -and foot black. The young are of a paler hue, and the crescent on the -breast is shaded with yellow. The length of the body is seven inches and -two-thirds, and its breadth twelve inches; the wing measures three inches -and one-third, and the tail three inches and one-sixth. - -This bird, we learn from the Prince von Wied, is one of the commonest -inhabitants of the Brazilian forests. In the neighbourhood of Rio de -Janeiro it is also very frequently seen quietly perching beneath a shady -bush close to dwelling-houses, or hopping over the ground in pursuit of -insects. The "João Doido," or Stupid Jack, as this bird is called by -the natives, presents a most striking appearance as he sits perfectly -motionless, with his white head thrown into strong relief by the dark -foliage, his wide-open eyes alone indicating that he is not in a profound -sleep. We are without particulars respecting the incubation of this -species. Insects of various kinds compose its food; we found the remains -of a butterfly in the stomach of a specimen we examined. - - * * * * * - -The DREAMERS (_Chelidoptera_) are distinguished from the Bearded Cuckoos -by their short tail and compact plumage. - - -THE DARK DREAMER. - -The DARK DREAMER (_Chelidoptera tenebrosa_) is of a slaty-black, shaded -with blue. The belly is reddish yellow, and the rump white; the eye is -dark brown, the beak black, and the foot grey. The length of this bird is -eight and the breadth fourteen inches; the wing measures four inches and a -half, and the tail two inches. - -The Prince von Wied met with this bird in the bushes about Lagoa Santa, -and describes it as quiet and solitary in its habits, passing the -greatest part of the day in perching almost motionless upon the topmost -twigs, and scarcely rousing from its state of drowsy apathy even when -approached within a few paces of its resting-place. Occasionally it -descends to the ground, but usually obtains its food by capturing such -of the winged inhabitants of the air as venture close to its perch, -seizing them after the manner of a Flycatcher, and at once returning to -its perch. This species is called the "Wood Swallow" by the Brazilians, -on account of its somewhat resembling a Swallow both in form and colour, -and this resemblance is also noticeable in its peculiar gait. As regards -its nidification, the Prince von Wied informs us that in the forests of -Botokuden, near the Rio Grande del Belmont, he observed one of these birds -enter a hole in a perpendicular sandbank, and, on digging to the depth -of a couple of feet, obtained two white eggs, which were laid on a thin -stratum of feathers. - -[Illustration: THE DUSKY TRAPPIST, OR BEARDED CUCKOO (_Monasta fusca_).] - - * * * * * - -The TOURACOS, or TROGONS (_Trogones_), constitute a numerous group of -equally dreamy, but gloriously plumaged birds, inhabiting the tropical -zones of both hemispheres. All have a slender, but very thickly-feathered -body, short, broad, triangular, and much-curved beak, with a hook at -its tip, and occasionally incised at its margins. The small, slender -legs are almost entirely covered with feathers; the toes, the innermost -of which turns backwards, thus pairing with the hinder toe, are short; -the small, much-rounded wings are composed of narrow, stiff-shafted, -sickle-shaped quills, pointed at their extremity; the long tail contains -twelve feathers; of these, the three outermost are much shorter than the -rest. The lax, downy plumage is resplendent with metallic lustre; and -the base of the beak covered with a bristle-like growth. The various -members of this group are alike remarkable for their dull, indolent -disposition, and spend their lives in lazily droning upon the branches of -their favourite trees, only rousing themselves to take a short flight in -pursuit of a passing insect. Their food principally consists of various -kinds of insects, fruit, seeds, or portions of plants; while some appear -to be entirely restricted to vegetable diet. Holes in trees are used as -receptacles for the eggs, which are from two to four in number, round in -shape, with a very light or white shell. - - * * * * * - -The FIRE TOURACOS (_Harpactes_), a group of these birds inhabiting -Southern Asia, are recognisable by their powerful, much-curved, and -smooth-margined beak, their partially-feathered feet, short wings, and -long, graduated tail. - - -THE KARNA, OR MALABAR TROGON. - -The KARNA, or MALABAR TROGON (_Harpactes fasciatus_), a well-known -species, is of a chestnut-brown on the upper portion of the body, and -black on the head and throat; the feathers of the wing-covers are striped -black and white, while the breast and entire under side are of a vivid -scarlet; the black throat is divided from the breast by a narrow white -band; a line from the back of the eyes to the head is bright red, and a -bare patch round the eye of a blueish shade; the centre tail-feathers are -reddish brown, and those at the exterior black and white; the eye is dark -brown, the beak deep blue, and the foot of a purplish hue. The female -is without the black upon the head; her upper secondary quills and the -feathers on the wing-covers are black and brown, and her entire under side -ochre-yellow. The length of this species is twelve and its breadth sixteen -inches; the wing measures five and the tail six inches. - -The Malabar Trogon, as we learn from Jerdon, "is found in the forests of -Malabar, from the extreme south to about seventeen degrees north latitude, -reaching up the Ghâts and hill ranges at least 3,000 feet. It is also -found in some of the forests of Central India and in Ceylon. It, however, -usually prefers the more elevated situations, at about 2,000 feet or so, -and keeps generally to the thickest parts of the wood. It is often to be -seen seated motionless on a tree, occasionally flying off to capture an -insect on the wing, sometimes returning to the same perch, but oftener -taking up a fresh position, and in this way wandering about a good deal. -It is usually solitary, sometimes in pairs, and I have seen four or five -together. Its food consists of insects, chiefly coleopterous. I am not -aware of having heard its note, and certainly have found it generally a -silent bird. Trikell, however, says it has a wild, querulous note, like -the mewing of a cat. Its Hindustani name is given from its sitting with -the head sunk into its shoulders, as if it had no head, or as if dressed -in a faquir's _kufui_." - - * * * * * - -The FLOWER TOURACOS (_Hapaloderma_) are distinguished from the above birds -by the incised margins of their beaks, and the slenderness of the short, -exterior tail-feathers. - - -THE NARINA. - -The NARINA (_Hapaloderma narina_), the only species of this group with -which we are at present acquainted, is of a magnificent golden green on -the entire mantle, centre tail-feathers, and throat; the lower breast and -belly are deep rose-red, the large wing-covers grey, striped with black, -the quills black, with white shafts, and the small wing-covers beautiful -golden green; the exterior tail-feathers are white on the outer and -blackish on the inner web. In the plumage of the female all these shades -are duller than in that of her mate; her brow and throat are brownish red, -and her tail-feathers brownish black. - -Le Vaillant first discovered the Narina in the extensive forests of -Caffraria, Rüppell met with it near the Abyssinian coast, Heuglin at -Fossokel and on the White River, and Du Chaillu on the shores of the -Zambesi; we, ourselves, were only once lucky enough to see this beautiful -bird, and that was a few miles from the coast of the Red Sea. We learn -from Jules Verreaux that in Southern Africa the Narina principally -frequents the mighty forests east of the Cape of Good Hope. In these -retreats it leads a solitary and very sedentary life, only rousing itself -to activity morning and evening, in order to procure food. So peculiar is -the deportment of this bird as to render its identity quite unmistakable, -as it sits bolt upright, with tail hanging negligently down, and head -drawn closely in. Its flight is hovering and almost noiseless. During the -period of incubation it utters a wailing, resonant cry, which frequently -deceives the traveller as to its whereabouts, for the bird possesses -the power of ventriloquism to a remarkable degree. Its food consists -principally of beetles and flies. According to Le Vaillant, the Narina -deposits four round, white eggs in a hollow tree; while Verreaux states -that the young are hatched in twenty days, and remain for a considerable -time under parental care after they are fully fledged. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: THE NARINA (_Hapaloderma narina_).] - -The TROGONS PROPER (_Trogon_) constitute an American group, recognisable -by their broad, high beak, the upper mandible of which is much vaulted, -slightly hooked at its extremity, and incised at the margins. The wings -are short and blunt, the graduated tail of moderate length, and the -plumage lax, soft, and composed of broad feathers. - - -THE SURUKUA, OR TOURACO. - -The SURUKUA, or TOURACO (_Trogon Suracua_), is a magnificent bird, ten -inches and a quarter long, and fourteen and a half broad; the wing -measures four inches and a half, and the tail three inches and one-third. -The male is blueish black on the head and throat, the back is green, -the belly blood-red. The back, throat, and head-feathers gleam with -metallic lustre, the feathers on the wing-covers are marked with delicate, -undulating lines of black and white, and are edged with white; the centre -tail-feathers are blue tipped with black. The next in order are black with -a blueish green on the outer web, whilst the fourth and fifth on each side -are white at the tip, and the outermost white on the entire exterior web. -The eye is deep red, the bare eyelid orange, the beak whitish, and the -foot greyish black. The upper part of the female's body is grey, and her -under side rose-red. - -The Surukua inhabits the primitive forests of Southern Brazil and Northern -Paraguay, and passes its life in a state of the utmost inanition, -remaining motionless for hours together, upon a branch, and scarcely -rousing sufficiently to turn its head at the sight of a passing insect; so -complete is this condition of dreamy indolence, that Azara assures us one -of these birds may be struck down from its perch with a stick. The flight -of this species is soft and owl-like. The eggs are deposited in holes -excavated in such nests of the termite as are situated upon trees. Azara -mentions having seen a Surukua hanging like a Woodpecker from the moss, -as it hollowed out a cavity with its beak, his mate meanwhile remaining -quietly perched upon a neighbouring branch, and apparently stimulating her -mate to renewed exertions by her gestures and glances; at this period, -the constantly-repeated cry of the male resembles the syllables "pio, -pio." The eggs, two to four in number, and of a white colour, are laid in -September. The flesh of the Surukua is excellent. - - -THE POMPEO. - -The POMPEO (_Trogon viridis_) is of a splendid steel-blue, shimmering -with green on the crown of the head, nape, sides of the throat, and upper -breast; the back, shoulders, and upper wing-covers are of a metallic -green, shading into blue on the rump; the belly and vent are bright, deep -yellow. The exterior feathers of the wing-covers and the quills are black, -the latter edged with white; the centre tail-feathers are green, bordered -with black towards the extremity. The next in order are black with a green -edge; the three outermost are white at the tip and on the exterior web. In -the female the back is deep grey, the belly pale yellow, and the feathers -of the wing-covers delicately striped with white. The eyes of both sexes -are brown, the beak pale greenish white, and foot blackish grey. This -species is twelve inches and three-quarters long, and eighteen inches and -a half broad; the wing measures five inches and three-quarters, and the -tail five inches and one-third. - -The Pompeo is commonly met with in the forests of North Brazil and Guiana; -and, according to the Prince von Wied, is most numerous in the plantations -near the coast, where its short, monotonous cry is to be heard in all -directions. The habits of this species closely resemble those of the -Surukua. We are told, on the authority of Schomburghk, that the Pompeo -consumes seeds and fruit, as well as insects, and that the nest, which -is supported upon thin branches or twigs, is very similar to that of the -Wild Pigeon; but for the accuracy of this latter statement we cannot -vouch. The capture of these birds, which are usually met with in pairs or -small parties, is attended with but little difficulty, as they are quite -fearless of men; the Brazilians, we are told, are constantly in the habit -of obtaining a meal at their expense by an imitation of their call-note, -which at once brings down the unsuspecting victim, and thus affords the -hunter or traveller an appetising repast. - - -THE TOCOLORO. - -The TOCOLORO (_Prionotelus temnurus_), a species inhabiting Cuba, differs -from all its congeners in the remarkable formation of its graduated tail, -the feathers of which become gradually broader towards the tip, where the -web takes the form of a crescent. The top of the head, nape, back, and -upper breast are pale grey, and the belly a rich cinnabar-red; the quills -are brown, striped with white, the feathers of the large wing-covers -steel-blue, shaded with white. The centre tail-feathers are of a deep -metallic green, the next in order blueish green, and the three outermost -tipped with white. The eye is of a brilliant reddish yellow, the foot -blackish brown, and the beak deep brown, with bright red lower mandible. -The length of the body is ten inches, and the span of the wings fifteen -inches, the wings and tail each measure five inches. - -The Tocoloro is common in some parts of Cuba, and in its habits closely -resembles the members of the group already mentioned. D'Orbigny describes -its cry as resembling the syllables "to-corr," long drawn out, the first -note being shrill and powerful, while the second is deep and low. Flowers, -fruit, and seeds appear to constitute its principal means of subsistence. -The period of incubation takes place in April, May, and June; the nest is -usually made in holes in trees, those excavated by the Woodpecker being -preferred. The eggs are round, pure white, and from three to four in -number. - - * * * * * - -The BEAUTIFUL-TAILED TROGONS (_Calurus_), as the largest members of this -family are called, are at once recognisable by their comparatively broad, -flat head and shallow beak, which is compressed and very decidedly-hooked -at its tip. The plumage of the wings and tail is remarkably developed, and -of great beauty. - - -THE PEACOCK TROGON. - -The PEACOCK TROGON (_Trogon calurus_) has the central tail-feathers -of great length. The feathers of the head, throat, upper breast, and -wing-covers are of a bright, metallic green, and gleam with a copper-red -and violet lustre; the lower breast, belly, rump, and thighs are purplish -red; the inner side of the wings, the quills, and tail are black. The eye -is a dull, carmine-red, and the bare patch that surrounds it dark grey; -the beak is deep red, tipped and edged with yellow, and the foot brown -and yellow. The female resembles her mate, but is somewhat less bright in -hue. The length of this bird is fourteen inches and a quarter, and its -breadth twenty-two inches and a half. The wing measures seven inches and -a quarter, and the tail seven inches; the centre tail-feathers exceed the -rest by six inches and a half. Spix first discovered this bird at Rio -Negro. - - -THE BEAUTIFUL TROGON. - -The BEAUTIFUL TROGON (_Calurus Pharomacrus_ or _C. antisianus_)--(See -Coloured Plate XXV.)--is recognisable from the Peacock Trogon by a bunch -of hair-like feathers on the region of the beak, and by the inferior -length of the long feathers on the wing and tail. The coloration of the -plumage is almost identical, except that the tail-feathers are quite white -underneath, and the beak of a yellowish shade. The body is fourteen inches -long; the wing measures seven inches and a half, and the tail six inches -and a half. D'Orbigny discovered this bird in Bolivia, where it frequents -the vicinity of the rivers. - - -THE QUESAL, OR RESPLENDENT TROGON. - -The QUESAL, or RESPLENDENT TROGON (_Calurus paradiseus_, or _C. -resplendens_), the most magnificent of all these beautiful birds, is -adorned with a helmet-like crest, and possesses a most extraordinary -development of the feathers on the shoulders, which droop over the wings -and tail. The mantle and upper breast are of a brilliant, golden green. -The under side is bright carmine-red. The eye is deep nut-brown, the -eyelid black, the beak yellow, with a brownish base; the foot brownish -yellow. The female has a smaller crest, and the long feathers in her tail -scarcely exceed the other tail-feathers in length. In both sexes the head, -throat, and upper breast are dark green; the back, shoulders, and upper -tail-covers light green; and the lower breast and belly greyish brown. -The rump is bright red, the centre tail-feathers are black, those at the -exterior white, marked with black. The length of the body is sixteen -inches; the wing measures eight inches and one-third, and the tail eight -inches and a half. The longest feathers in the male bird's tail exceed the -rest by twenty-five inches. - -[Illustration: QUESALS, OR RESPLENDENT TROGONS (_Calurus paradiseus_, or -_C. resplendens_).] - -The Quesal inhabits Mexico and Central America; and, according to Salvia, -is met with in all such woods and forests as are at a height of about -6,000 feet above the level of the sea. In these situations it leads a -quiet and dreamy existence, perching lazily in the trees, and scarcely -exerting itself to do more than slowly turn its head from side to side, or -raise and waft its graceful, drooping plumes. Only in the air, however, -is the beauty of the Quesal seen in its full perfection; and as it -floats rapidly but gently along, with feathery train outspread, those -who have witnessed its elegant movements will admit that amongst all the -inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere it is without a rival. The voice of -this bird is capable of producing a great variety of sounds; the principal -note, however, is a piping tone, which commences softly, and gradually -swells into a loud but not unpleasing cry. Fruit and insects appear -to form its principal means of subsistence. We learn from Owen that he -found a Quesal's eggs deposited in a hollow tree, about six feet from the -ground. Salvia is of opinion that the male does not assist in the work of -incubation. - - * * * * * - -THE CUCKOOS. - -THE CUCKOOS (_Cuculidæ_) constitute a very numerous family, characterised -by a slender body, wings of moderate length, a long, graduated tail, -composed of from eight to twelve feathers, a slightly-curved, short, or -medium-sized beak, with sharp margins, and comparatively long, powerful -feet furnished with short toes. The coloration of the plumage is too -various to admit of any general description. - - * * * * * - -The HONEY GUIDES (_Indicator_) are a group of the above birds recognisable -by their comparative compactness of build, long wings, short tail, and -strong beak. The beak, which does not equal the head in length, is almost -straight, and compressed at its hooked tip; the small powerful legs have -the tarsi shorter than the outermost of the strong toes; the long and -pointed wing, in which the third quill exceeds the rest in length, is -usually of considerable breadth; the tail, composed of twelve feathers, is -rounded at its sides, and slightly incised at its centre. The plumage is -thick and smooth. - -The members of this family are for the most part of African origin, only -two species being met with elsewhere, namely, in Southern Asia. Everywhere -the Honey Guides occupy woodland districts, and live either in pairs or -small flocks, which fill the air with their loud and pleasing cries, as -they flutter from tree to tree. According to Heuglin, the most peculiar -characteristic of these birds is their strange habit of endeavouring -to attract the attention either of man or of some of their formidable -four-footed neighbours, whenever they have the luck to discover an -attractive object, such as a piece of carrion, teeming with a rich supply -of insects, or a swarm of bees busy at their work. They are particularly -fond of honey, though they frequently pay dearly for their venturesome -attempts to rob the combs, being often stung to death by the angry swarm. -When this fate attends a marauder, the bees cover the body with a vault -of wax, and thus prevent any annoyance from its presence. The flight of -the Honey Guides is heavy, and only capable of being sustained for a short -distance, but they run upon the trunks and branches of trees with the -utmost facility. Like the Cuckoo, the members of this group build no nest, -but introduce their eggs into that of some Woodpecker or Oriole. - - -THE WHITE-BEAKED HONEY GUIDE. - -The WHITE-BEAKED HONEY GUIDE (_Indicator albirostris_) is greyish brown -on the mantle, and whitish grey on the under side. The throat is black; -the region of the ear undivided, and indicated by a greyish white spot; a -portion of the shoulder-feathers is streaked with black; the quills are -greyish brown, the wing-covers broadly edged with white, and the shoulders -enlivened by a yellow patch; the centre tail-feathers are brown, the next -in order brown on the outer and white on the inner web, whilst those at -the exterior are white tipped with brown. The body is yellowish white, -and the foot brown. The body is six inches and a half in length; the wing -measures four inches and a half, and the tail two inches and a half. - -This species, which is met with from Southern Africa to sixteen degrees -north latitude, subsists almost entirely upon wild honey, and has obtained -its name from the fact that it frequently materially assists the natives -in their search for the combs by flying before them and constantly -uttering its sharp, peculiar cry. In the African deserts it is heard -morning and evening, and is eagerly listened for by the natives, who at -once reply to it, and hasten to the spot indicated. No sooner does the -bird perceive that its summons is responded to than it perches upon the -tree that contains the desired hive, and, should its human assistant -not hurry fast enough to satisfy its impatience, flies backwards and -forwards until the exact spot has been plainly pointed out. During the -time occupied by the native in rifling the hive, the Honey Guide remains -perched in the vicinity, waiting for the share of the spoil, which the -grateful Hottentot never fails to grant it. This remarkable habit is of -great service to the poor natives, who regard these birds with especial -favour, and are much incensed if they are wantonly killed. According to -Hartlaub, the female deposits her one glossy white egg upon the bare -ground, and when she has succeeded in finding a strange nest into which it -can be introduced, bears it thither, having previously ejected one of the -owner's eggs in order to make room for her own offspring. Verreaux informs -us that the mother resumes the care of her young in about a month's time, -compelling it to leave its foster-parents. - - * * * * * - -The CUCKOOS (_Cuculus_) are characterised by a slightly-curved, thin beak, -which is broad at its base, and almost equals the head in length; the long -wings, in which the third quill is longer than the rest, are narrow and -pointed; the long tail, composed of ten feathers, is either wedge-shaped -or rounded at its extremity. The short or moderate-sized feet have the -toes placed in pairs; the thick plumage is very similarly coloured in the -two sexes, but the young differ considerably in appearance from the adult -birds. - -The members of this family are spread over the whole of the Eastern -Hemisphere and New Holland, being particularly numerous in Africa and -India, while the more northern portions possess but one species. All, -without exception, are inhabitants of the woods, and rarely leave the -shelter of their favourite trees, except during the period of migration, -or when, as with the more southern species, they are wandering for a short -season over the face of the country. In disposition they are timorous, -restless, and extremely averse to associate with other birds, indeed, they -frequently avoid the society of their own congeners. Their life may be -described as an incessant and noisy search for food, in pursuit of which -they hurry rapidly from tree to tree and place to place. Insects and larvæ -afford them their principal means of subsistence, and hairy caterpillars -(avoided by most other birds) are with them favourite tid-bits--the -hairs from the bodies of these caterpillars adhere to the coats of the -Cuckoo's stomach, and become, as it were, embedded by the process of -digestion. Many also consume small reptiles. Some species prepare suitable -receptacles for their young; but the greater number deposit their eggs in -the nests of other birds. - - -THE COMMON CUCKOO. - -The COMMON CUCKOO (_Cuculus canorus_) represents a group possessing a -slender body, a small, weak, slightly-curved beak, long, pointed wings, -a long, rounded tail, short, partially-feathered feet, and plumage of a -sombre hue. The male is deep ash-grey, or greyish blue, on the mantle, and -greyish white, marked with black, on the under side; the neck, cheeks, -throat, and the sides of the neck, as far down as the breast, are pure -ash-grey; the quills of the wings leaden black, and those of the tail -black, spotted with white. The eye is of a bright yellow; the beak black, -but yellowish towards its base; and the foot yellow. The female resembles -the male, but has scarcely perceptible reddish stripes on the back and -under side of the neck. The length of the male is fourteen inches; breadth -twenty-four and a half; length of wing, nine inches; length of tail, seven -and three-quarter inches. The female is about an inch shorter. - -This Cuckoo frequents almost every part of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and -breeds in all northern portions of the Eastern Hemisphere; it only visits -India, China, Java, the Sundainu Islands, and South-western Africa in the -course of its migrations. In England it usually appears about the middle -of April. - -The Common Cuckoo may be regarded as the most flighty, restless, and -lively member of this sprightly family; from morning till night he is -constantly on the move, and is as hungry as he is active and clamorous. -His flight is light, elegant, somewhat resembling that of a Falcon; but no -sooner has his journey come to an end, than he alights on a thick branch -of the nearest tree, and at once begins to look about him in search of -food. Should an attractive morsel be in sight, he swoops upon it in an -instant, and having caught and devoured it, by a stroke or two of his -powerful wings he again returns to the branch he has just quitted, or -else flies off to a neighbouring tree, immediately to repeat the same -performance. It is, however, only in his powers of flight that the Cuckoo -is eminently gifted; he walks upon the ground with difficulty, and is -quite unable to climb. In spring-time he is indefatigable in making heard -his well-known notes, "Cuckoo, cuckoo," which occasionally he will change -to a softly-uttered "Quawawa," or "Haghaghaghag," while the voice of the -female somewhat resembles a peculiar laugh or gentle twitter, but poorly -represented by the syllables "Kwikwikwik." It was well-known, even to -ancient writers, that the female Cuckoo, instead of building a nest for -the reception of her progeny, lays her eggs in the nests of other birds, -to whom she altogether entrusts the rearing of her young ones. - -"The Cuckoo," says Aristotle, "deputes the incubation of her eggs and the -nurture of the young ones to which they give birth to the bird in whose -nest the eggs happen to be laid. The foster-father, as we are told, throws -his own offspring out of their nest and leaves them to die of hunger, -while he devotes himself entirely to providing for the young Cuckoo. -Others say that he kills his own nestlings to feed the young intruder with -their bodies, the young Cuckoo being so beautiful that even the mother -who owns the nest despises and sacrifices her own brood on his behalf. -Narrators, however, are not quite agreed as to who is the real destroyer -of the young birds; some say that it is the old Cuckoo who comes back -again to eat the little family of the too hospitable pair, while others -assert that it is the young Cuckoo who casts out of the nest all his -foster brothers and sisters, leaving them to die of starvation, while -others again declare that the young Cuckoo, being the strongest, kills and -devours all the rest." - -"In thus providing for his children," continues Aristotle, "the Cuckoo -does quite right, for he knows what a coward he is, and that he would -never be able to defend them; indeed, so cowardly is he that all the -little birds amuse themselves by pinching and pecking at him." - -It will be at once evident that in the above account of the habits of the -Cuckoo there is a great deal of truth, although much that is surmised -is devoid of foundation. The main facts that have been established by -trustworthy observation relative to the breeding of the Cuckoo are -in themselves sufficiently curious, and have no need of fictitious -circumstances to make them interesting. They may be briefly stated as -follows:--The female Cuckoo undoubtedly deposits her eggs in the nest of -some other bird, not of any particular species, but of several; indeed, -upwards of fifty have been enumerated as entitled to the honour of rearing -the young Cuckoos. Secondly, it has been observed that the eggs of the -Cuckoo differ remarkably from each other; indeed, more so than is the case -in any other known species; and, moreover, that a Cuckoo's egg taken from -the nest in which it has been placed is found strikingly to resemble the -eggs laid by the owner of the nest. Thirdly, the Cuckoo only lays a single -egg in the selected spot, and this is invariably deposited in a nest -already containing eggs belonging to its proper owner. - -The behaviour of the females while thus employed in laying their eggs -is peculiar. No sooner do these birds arrive in the early spring than -the males begin to make the woods resound with their well-known call, -where they are soon joined by their mates, of whose coyness under the -circumstances they can have little cause for complaint, and as soon as the -female has an egg ready for laying, away she flies in search of a nest in -which to deposit her burden. On these expeditions she is not accompanied -by the male Cuckoo, with whose company, indeed, she seems by no means -desirous of being troubled. Her search after a suitable nest is always -made on the wing, and her cleverness in finding the object of her journey, -however well it may seem to be hidden from observation, is at least -remarkable. Quite contrary to her usual shyness, at such times she will -unhesitatingly approach quite close to human habitations, and even enter -buildings, such as barns and outhouses. If the shape and situation of the -discovered nest is such as to allow her to do so, she places herself upon -it and lays an egg, but if such is not the case she lays her egg upon the -ground, and then taking it in her beak drops it into the nest. Sometimes -it happens that she has considerable difficulty in introducing her egg -into the nest, owing to the smallness of the aperture, and occasionally -the bird has been captured during her endeavours to overcome the -difficulty. Sometimes it has happened that two Cuckoos' eggs, of different -colours, have been found in the same nest. - -[Illustration: THE CUCKOO (_Cuculus canorus_).] - -"It is wonderful to observe," says Bechstein, "what great apparent delight -the birds show when they see a female Cuckoo approach their abode. Instead -of leaving their eggs, as they do when disturbed by the approach of other -animals, they seem quite beside themselves for joy. The little Wren, for -example, when brooding over its own eggs, immediately quits its nest on -the approach of the Cuckoo, as though to make room to enable her to -lay her egg more commodiously. Meanwhile she hops round her with such -expressions of delight that her husband at length joins her, and both seem -lavish in their thanks for the honour which the great bird confers upon -them by selecting their nest for its own use." - -Although the above extract sounds very well, with all deference to Herr -Bechstein, we are compelled to say that it is unfortunately not true. -All the birds that we have seen who have had the very doubtful honour -of having a Cuckoo's egg palmed upon them as their own, have seemed to -testify in a striking manner their anguish at the threatened occurrence -and their unmistakable desire to drive the Cuckoo away. So far from coming -as a welcome visitor, the mother Cuckoo comes like a thief in the night; -and no sooner has she laid her egg than she hastily takes her departure, -as if quite conscious of the unfriendly character of her visit. However -this may be, there is no doubt that the foster-parents brood over the -Cuckoo's egg with the same assiduity as over their own; and it is only -when the eggs of both are hatched that the real character of the intruder -begins to show itself, doubtless to the great terror and dismay of the -proper owners of the nest. - -[Illustration: THE JAY CUCKOO (_Coccystes glandarius_).] - -"Two Cuckoos and a Hedge Sparrow," writes Dr. Jenner, "were hatched in -the same nest this morning. In a few hours after, a combat began between -the Cuckoos for the possession of the nest, which continued undetermined -until the next afternoon, when one of them, which was somewhat superior -in size, turned out the other, together with the young Hedge Sparrow -and an unhatched egg. This contest was very remarkable. The combatants -alternately appeared to have the advantage, as each carried the other -several times to the top of the nest, and then sank down again, oppressed -by the weight of its burden, till at length, after various efforts, the -strongest prevailed, and was afterwards brought up by the pair of Hedge -Sparrows." - -"It is wonderful," continues Dr. Jenner, "to see the extraordinary -exertions of the young Cuckoo when it is two or three days old, if a bird -be put into the nest with it that is too weighty for it to lift out. In -this state it seems ever restless and uneasy; but this disposition for -throwing out its companions seems to decline from that time till it is -about twelve days old, when, as far as I have seen, it ceases entirely. -Indeed, the disposition for throwing out eggs appears to cease a few -days sooner, for I have frequently seen the young Cuckoo, after it had -been hatched nine or ten days, remove a nestling that had been placed in -the nest with it, while it suffered an egg, put there at the same time, -to remain unmolested. The singularity of its shape is well adapted to -these purposes, for, unlike other newly-hatched birds, its back, from the -shoulders downwards, is very broad, with a considerable depression in the -middle. This depression seems formed by Nature for the design of giving -a more secure lodgment to an egg or a young bird, when the Cuckoo is -employed in removing either of them from the nest. When it is twelve days -old, this cavity is quite filled up, and then the back assumes the shape -of nestling birds in general." - - * * * * * - -The JAY CUCKOOS (_Coccystes_) are recognisable by their elongate -body; thick, broad, curved beak, which is compressed at its sides and -almost equals the head in length; strong and comparatively long and -partially-feathered feet; moderate-sized wing, in which the fourth quill -is the longest; and long, conical tail, composed of narrow feathers, the -outermost of which are only half the length of those in the centre. The -smooth plumage takes the form of a crest upon the head, and is similarly -coloured in both sexes. This group is almost peculiar to the African -continent. - - -THE JAY CUCKOO. - -The JAY CUCKOO (_Coccystes glandarius_) is deep grey on the head, greyish -brown on the back, and greyish white on the under side. The throat and -upper breast are reddish yellow; and the feathers on the wing-covers and -the secondary quills have broad, triangular, white spots at their tips; -the eye is deep brown, the beak purplish grey, and the foot greyish green. -This species is about fifteen inches long; the wing measures eight, and -the tail eight and a half inches. - -The Jay Cuckoo is very numerously met with in some parts of Africa, and -from thence wanders forth into Europe, appearing occasionally in Greece -and Italy. It is often known to breed in Spain. Such of these birds as -inhabit Egypt principally frequent the small groups of mimosa that abound -in the valley of the Nile, and live in pairs or small parties, according -to our own observation, remaining together even during the breeding -season. Like its European brother, this species is of a restless and -violent temperament, engaging constantly in fierce strife with its male -companions during the period of incubation. Its flight is rapid, and so -skilful as to enable the bird to penetrate the densest thickets without -a moment's hesitation. It rarely descends to the ground, but obtains the -insects and caterpillars on which it subsists either while on the wing or -when perching among the branches. Its voice, which somewhat resembles that -of a Jay, can be heard at a considerable distance, and has a laughing but -monotonous sound. The female, like the rest of her congeners, deposits -her eggs in another bird's nest. Baedecker describes the egg as of a -light blueish green, spotted with grey or brown, and dotted all over with -reddish brown; at the broad end the spots take the form of a wreath. In -form the eggs are similar to those of other Cuckoos, but in size resemble -those of the Jay. - - * * * * * - -The KOELS (_Eudynamys_), a small group of Cuckoos inhabiting Southern Asia -and Oceania, possess a strong, thick beak, the upper mandible of which is -much curved, and hooked at its tip, while the lower portion of the bill -is nearly straight. Their feet are strong, their wings of moderate size, -the tail long and rounded; the soft plumage is of very uniform hue, that -of the male being usually black, and that of the female black spotted with -white. - - -THE KOEL, OR KUIL. - -The KOEL, or KUIL (_Eudynamys orientalis_), is the best known member of -the above group. The male is entirely of a glossy greenish black, while -the female is of a rich, deep green, spotted with white above, and striped -with white on the quills and tail. The under side is white, with black -oval markings on the throat, and heart-shaped spots upon the breast. -The eye of both is scarlet, the beak pale green, and foot greyish blue. -The length of the male is thirteen inches and a half, and the breadth -twenty-three inches; while the female measures seventeen inches and a -half, and is twenty-four inches across the wings. - -"This well-known species," writes Jerdon, "is found throughout India, -extending to Ceylon, the Burmese countries, and parts of Malayana, to the -Philippines. It frequents groves, gardens, avenues, and open jungles; -and feeds almost exclusively, I believe, on fruits of various kinds, -especially on those of the banian, peepul, and other figs, also, says -Blyth, much on that of the _Mimasops elengi_. Several of these birds -may be often seen on one tree, but they are not gregarious. Mr. Blyth -states that they eject from the mouth the large seeds of any fruit that -they have eaten. The Koel is by no means a shy bird, but has the usual -quick, unobtrusive habits of the ordinary Cuckoos, as it glides about the -branches of trees; when it takes wing, however, it is remarkable for the -loudness of its cries. About the breeding season the Koel is very noisy, -and may then be heard at all times, even during the night, frequently -uttering its well-known cry, of 'Ku-il, ku-il,' increasing in vigour and -intensity of utterance as it goes on. The male bird has also another note, -which Blyth syllables as 'Ho-whee-ho,' or 'Ho-y-o.' When it takes flight -it has yet another somewhat melodious and rich liquid call, all thoroughly -_Cuculine_. The female Koel deposits her eggs almost exclusively in the -nest of the Common Crow (_Corvus culminatus_). She generally lays only -one egg in each nest, and mostly, but not always, destroys the eggs of -the proprietor at the time of depositing her own. It is a popular belief -that the Crow discovers the imposture when the young Koel is nearly full -grown, and ejects it from her abode; but this I do not think is usually if -ever the case, for I have frequently seen Crows feeding the young Koels, -even after they have left the nest in which she has placed her eggs, and -when the birds are fully grown entices them away, or, if expelled, looks -after them and feeds them for a few days, but I greatly doubt if this -be the general practice." The egg of the Koel is pale olive-green, with -numerous reddish, dusky spots, having a tendency to form a zone at the -broad end. The Crows would appear to be desirous of avenging the wrongs -they receive from these Cuckoos, for at times we see them pursuing the -Koel with the utmost energy. Mr. Frith, as quoted by Blyth, states that -one dashed itself against a window and was killed when thus hunted by a -Crow. The flight of the Koel is not so quiet and gliding as that of the -True Cuckoos, but is performed with more numerous strokes with the wing. - - * * * * * - -The GOLDEN CUCKOOS (_Chrysococcyx_), as a most gorgeous group have been -appropriately called, inhabit the equatorial regions of Asia, Africa, and -Australia. These birds are distinguished by their comparatively small, -slender body, long wings, and tail. The beak, which is of medium size, -exactly resembles that of the Common Cuckoo; the tarsi are short, and the -toes long; the wing is pointed, the tail rounded at its sides, and the -compact, large-feathered plumage dyed with hues of more than metallic -brilliancy. - - -THE DIDRIK, OR GOLDEN CUCKOO. - -The DIDRIK, or GOLDEN CUCKOO (_Chrysococcyx auratus_), is of a dazzling -metallic green, shaded with copper-red over the entire mantle, the glowing -effect being heightened by a blueish effulgence at the tips of some of the -feathers. A white stripe passes behind the eye, and the brow is decorated -with a white spot; the entire under side is light brownish or yellowish -white, of so delicate a shade that exposure to the sun's rays soon renders -it almost white. The feathers on the sides, tail, and lower wing-covers -are greenish; the secondaries, exterior primaries, and outer tail-feathers -deep green, striped with white; the eye is deep yellowish brown (during -the breeding season that of the male is deep red), the eyelid coral-red, -the beak deep blue, and the foot light greyish blue. The male is seven -inches and a half long, and twelve inches and three-quarters across; the -wing measures four inches and one-sixth, and the tail three inches and a -quarter. The female has a spotted under side, and is somewhat smaller and -less gorgeous than her mate. In the young birds the lower parts of the -body are shaded with yellow, the breast and throat of a metallic green, -the feathers on the back edged and the quills spotted with reddish yellow. - -[Illustration: THE DIDRIK, OR GOLDEN CUCKOO (_Chrysococcyx auratus_).] - -According to Le Vaillant, the Didrik is numerously met with throughout -Southern Africa, where it inhabits the primitive forests, and frequents -the loftiest and most densely foliaged trees. Heuglin, who observed this -species near the White and Black Nile and in Abyssinia, tells us that -it often associates in small parties, and occasionally ventures down -upon the trees and hedges that surround the villages, making itself -very conspicuous by its loud, flute-like, piping cry and pugnacious -propensities. The snow-white eggs of the Golden Cuckoo are always -deposited in the nest of another bird. - - * * * * * - -The GIANT CUCKOOS (_Scythrops_), a group comprising the largest of all -Cuckoos, have derived their name from the formation of their beak, which -resembles that of the Toucans, being nearly as long as their head, thick, -strong, broad at its base, compressed at its sides, and hooked at the tip. -The tarsi are short, and toes powerful; the wing, in which the third quill -is the longest, extends almost to the middle of the comparatively short, -rounded tail; the latter is formed of ten feathers. The plumage somewhat -resembles that of the Common Cuckoo in its coloration; the cheek-stripes -and region of the eyes are bare. - -[Illustration: THE GIANT CUCKOO, OR CHANNEL-BILL (_Scythrops Novæ -Hollandiæ_).] - - -THE GIANT CUCKOO, OR CHANNEL-BILL. - -The GIANT CUCKOO, or CHANNEL-BILL (_Scythrops Novæ Hollandiæ_), the only -species with which we are acquainted, is grey upon the head, throat, and -breast; the mantle, wings, and tail are greenish grey, each feather -tipped with blackish brown; the hinder parts are indistinctly striped with -greyish brown; the tail-feathers deep grey, the four outermost tipped -with white, and decorated with a broad, black stripe, besides other more -delicate lines. The eye is brown, the bare patch by which it is surrounded -light scarlet, the beak yellowish grey, and the foot olive-brown. The -female is somewhat smaller than her mate. The latter exceeds two feet in -length; the wing measures thirteen, and the tail ten inches. - -The Channel-bill, according to Gould, is a migratory bird in New South -Wales, arriving in October and departing again in January; whither it -proceeds is not known. - -"This bird," says Latham, "is generally seen in the morning and evening, -sometimes in small parties of seven or eight, but more often in pairs. -Both on the wing and when perched, it makes a loud, screaming noise -when a Hawk or other bird of prey is in sight. In the crop and gizzard -the seeds of the red-gum and peppermint trees have been found; it is -supposed that these are swallowed whole, as the pericarp, or capsule, has -been also found in the stomach; exuviæ of beetles have also been seen, -but not in any quantity. The tail, which is of nearly the length of the -body, is occasionally displayed like a fan, and gives the bird a majestic -air. The natives seem to know but little of its habits and haunts; they -consider its appearance as an indication of blowing weather, and that its -frightful scream is produced by fear. It is not very easily tamed, for -Mr. White informs us that he kept one alive for two days, during which -time it would eat nothing, but bit at every one who approached it very -severely. The habits of this species are probably parasitic, for a young -bird given me by Lady Dowling was one of two taken from a branch while -being fed by birds not of its own species. The eggs I have seen were of a -light stone-colour, marked all over, particularly at the broad end, with -irregular patches of reddish brown; many of these were of a darker hue, -and appeared as if beneath the surface of the shell." - -A young _Scythrops_ introduced into Dr. Bennett's aviary was, he tells -us, "placed in a compartment already occupied by a _Dacelo gigantea_, -or Laughing Kingfisher. Doubtless feeling hungry after its journey, it -immediately opened its mouth to be fed, when its wants were regularly -attended to by the _Dacelo_, which, with great kindness, took a piece of -meat, and, after sufficiently preparing it by beating it about till it was -in a tender state, placed it carefully in the gaping mouth of the young -_Scythrops_. This feeding process was continued until the bird was capable -of attending to its own wants. In the morning it used to perch on the -most elevated resting-place in the aviary, occasionally raising itself, -flapping its wings, and then quietly settle down again, after the manner -of Hawks when in confinement, and presenting much the appearance of that -tribe of birds." - - * * * * * - -THE BUSH CUCKOOS (_Phœnicophæï_) possess a slender body, long tail, -and small tarsi; the wings are short, the beak of moderate size and -very powerful; the region of the eye is bare, and the magnificently -tinted plumage of a hairy texture. These birds occupy India and the -neighbouring islands, one species alone being met with in Africa. We are, -unfortunately, but little acquainted with their habits, and as yet have -only ascertained that they frequent the inmost recesses of the forests, -and subsist upon insects. - - -THE KOKIL, OR LARGE, GREEN-BILLED MALKOHA. - -The KOKIL, or LARGE, GREEN-BILLED MALKOHA (_Zanclostomus tristis_), -an Indian species, is recognisable by its compressed and curved beak, -moderate-sized feet, short toes armed with sharp claws, small, rounded -wings, and a long graduated tail; the mantle is deep greyish green, the -head and nape of a pure grey; the quills and tail are shaded with green, -the feathers of the latter tipped with white; the throat and upper breast -are pale grey, the lower breast and an outer circle around the eye white; -the eye is deep brown, and the bare line by which it is surrounded a rich -scarlet; the beak is apple-green, and foot greenish grey. This species -is twenty-three inches long, the wing measures six inches, and the tail -sixteen inches and three-quarters. - -"This handsome bird," says Jerdon, "is found in Lower Bengal, Central -India, and the Northern Circars; also in the warmer valleys of the -Himalayas. It extends to Assam, Burmah, and Malacca, where it is very -abundant. I have usually seen it solitary, wandering about in the forests, -and eating large insects--mantides, crickets, grasshoppers, and also large -caterpillars. In Sikim it is only found in the warmer valleys, at a height -of about 3,000 feet. The eggs brought to me at Darjeeling were two in -number, pure white, and of a long oval form. I did not see the nest, but -was told it was a large mass of stick and roots. I took a similar egg from -the oviduct of a female I shot. Mr. Blyth remarks that the presence of the -Malkoha is often betrayed by its voice, which is a low monosyllabic chuck, -often repeated, and delivered commonly when the bird is perched on a tree." - - * * * * * - -The RAIN CUCKOOS (_Coccygi_), a family inhabiting America, possess a -comparatively powerful body, short wings, and a long tail, composed of -twelve feathers; the beak is strong, and the feet in some species so well -developed as to enable these birds to run with ease upon the ground. The -plumage, which is remarkable for the softness of its texture, is almost -alike in the two sexes. The female is somewhat longer than her mate. -The members of this family are met with in all parts of America, being -especially numerous in the southern portion of that continent. In their -habits they much resemble their representatives in the Eastern Hemisphere, -and like them lead a retired life in forests and well-wooded districts, -subsisting upon insects, hairy caterpillars, and the eggs of their small -feathered companions. Unlike the groups already described, these Cuckoos -build a nest for the reception of their young, and rarely deposit their -eggs in another bird's abode. - -[Illustration: THE KOKIL, OR LARGE GREEN-BILLED MALKOHA (_Zanclostomus -tristis_).] - - -THE RAIN OR YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. - -The RAIN or YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (_Coccygus Americanus_) represents -a group of the above birds characterised by their thin, delicate, -compressed, and pointed beak, which is slightly curved, and almost -equals the head in length. The feet are short, and wings long. The long -graduated tail is composed of ten slender feathers. The plumage of the -Rain Cuckoo is entirely of a light greyish brown above, and greyish white -on the under side. The exterior quills are bordered with brownish orange, -the tail-feathers black, tipped with white, the eye is deep brown, the -upper mandible brownish black, and lower one of a yellow shade; the -feet are blueish grey. This bird is twelve inches and a half in length; -the wing measures five inches and a half, and the tail six inches and -three-quarters. - -"A stranger who visits the United States," says Wilson, "and passes -through our woods in the month of May or June, will sometimes hear, as he -traverses the borders of deep, retired, high-timbered hollows, an uncouth -guttural sound or note, resembling the syllables 'kowe, kowe,' beginning -very slowly, but ending so rapidly that the notes seem to run into each -other. He will hear this frequently without being able to discover the -bird or animal from which it proceeds, as it is both shy and solitary, -always seeking the thickest foliage for concealment. This is produced by -the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, which, from its cry, is known in Virginia as -the Cow Bird. It is also called the Rain Crow, being observed to be most -clamorous immediately before rain." - -"The flight of this species," Audubon tells us, "is rapid, silent, and -horizontal, as it moves from one tree to another, or across a field or -river, and is generally continued amongst the branches of the trees in our -woods. When making its way among the boughs, it occasionally inclines the -body to either side, so as alternately to show its whole upper or under -parts. During its southward migrations, it flies high in the air, and -in such loose flocks that the birds seem to follow each other, instead -of keeping together. On the other hand, the males arrive singly; the -males coming first, and the females a few weeks after. They do not fly -in a continued line, but in a broad front. This bird is not abundant -anywhere, and yet is found very far north. I have met with it in all the -low grounds and damp places in Massachusetts, along the line of Upper -Canada, pretty high on the Mississippi and Arkansas, and in every State -between these boundary lines. Its appearance in the State of New York -takes place before the beginning of May, and at Green Bay not before the -middle of that month. A pair here and there seem to appropriate certain -tracts to themselves, where they rear their young in peace and plenty. -The Yellow-billed Cuckoos feed on insects, such as caterpillars and -butterflies, as well as on berries of various kinds, evincing a special -predilection for the mulberry. In autumn they eat many grapes, and I have -seen them supporting themselves by a momentary action of their wings -opposite a bunch, selecting the ripest, when they would seize it and -return to a branch, repeating their visits in this manner till satiated. -They will also now and then descend to the ground to pick up a wood-snail -or a beetle. They are extremely awkward at walking, and move in an ambling -manner, or limp along sideways, a clumsiness for which their short legs -are an ample excuse. They are seldom seen perched conspicuously on a -twig; but, on the contrary, are generally to be found among the thickest -boughs and foliage, where they emit their notes until late in the autumn, -after which they are discontinued. The nest is simple, composed of a few -dry sticks and grass, formed much like that of the Common Dove, and like -it fastened to a horizontal branch, often within the reach of man. The -bird would appear to make no particular selection as to situation or the -nature of the tree, but settles anywhere indiscriminately. The eggs are -four or five, of an oval form, and of a bright green colour. Only one -brood is reared in the season, unless the first is removed or destroyed. -According to Brewer the female commences sitting as soon as her first egg -is deposited, it being no uncommon occurrence to find fresh-laid eggs and -others containing almost fully developed young in the same nest. At first -the young are principally fed on insects. Towards autumn they become very -fat, and are fit for being eaten; few people, however, shoot them for the -table, excepting the Creoles of Louisiana." - - -THE RAIN BIRD. - -The RAIN BIRD (_Saurothera vetula_) is remarkable for the very peculiar -formation of its long, thin beak, which is almost straight, compressed at -its edges, and hooked at its tip. The tarsi are short and slender, the -toes long and meagre; the wings, in which the fourth, fifth, and sixth -quills are the longest, are of moderate size; and the long, graduated tail -is composed of ten rounded feathers. The plumage upon the entire mantle is -dark grey, and the under side reddish yellow, shading into light grey on -the breast, and into yellowish grey on the lower part of the belly. The -ten exterior quills are light brownish red, tipped with greenish brown; -the centre tail-feathers are grey, shaded with green; while those on each -side are blackish brown, tipped with white. The eye is nut-brown, and the -circle by which it is surrounded light scarlet; the beak is blackish, and -foot blueish black. The length of this bird is fifteen inches and a half, -and its breadth fourteen inches. The wing measures four inches and a half, -and its tail six inches and a quarter. - -We are informed by Mr. Gosse that "the Rain Bird--sometimes called the -'Tom Fool,' from its silly habit of gratifying its curiosity instead of -securing its safety--is little seen except where the woods are high; but -it is widely scattered in mountain as well as in lowland. This species is -seldom seen to fly, except from tree to tree, more usually leaping in a -hurried manner along the branches, or proceeding up the perpendicular bole -by short jumps, pausing from time to time to gaze at any intruder, and if -driven away flying only a few yards and again peeping as before. When it -flies, it generally glides nearly in a straight line, without flapping the -wings. It often sits on a branch in a remarkable posture; the head lower -than the feet, and the long tail hanging nearly perpendicularly down. -When sitting it now and then utters a loud and harsh cackle, unvarying -in note, but increasing in the rapidity of its emission. Sometimes this -sound is produced during its short flight. All the time of this effusion -the beak is held wide open. It may be imitated by repeating the syllables -'ticky, ticky, ticky,' as fast as they can be uttered. The Rain Bird is -frequently seen on the ground in morasses and woods, when it proceeds by -a succession of bounds, the long tail held somewhat high, and the head -low; the tail is jerked forward by the impulse of each pause of motion, -and the whole action is like that of the _Crotophaga_. If held it becomes -very fierce, trying with widely-opened beak and expanded tail, to bite, -and uttering angry screams. A male that had been knocked down with a -stone, on being put into a cage, was outrageous when one's hand was placed -near the wires; darting from side to side, now and then snapping at the -hand, and snarling all the while, in the tone of an angry puppy. This bird -is extremely retentive of life. Sometimes, when a wounded one has come -into my possession, I have been distressed at the vain efforts I have -made to deprive it of life. In various individuals that I have opened, -I found large caterpillars, locusts, phasmata, spiders, phryni-spiders, -and, upon one occasion, a whole mouse. Robinson found in one a large -green anolis, six inches long, coiled up in a spiral manner, the head -being in the centre. He states that it bruises the heads of lizards, and -then swallows them head foremost. Mr. Hill kept a Rain Bird for several -weeks. It seized cockroaches and other insects when put into its box, and -ate fresh meat if chopped small. I have been able to ascertain nothing -of the nest, except what the following note may afford:--A young friend -informs me that he once observed a Rain Bird carrying 'trash' into the -hollow or fork of the divergent limbs of a logwood-tree. Some little while -after, passing that way, he observed a nest-like accumulation of similar -substances; but as it was beyond reach, he took a long stick to poke it -out. In doing so, he pushed out an egg, which was white, with many spots. -'When pairing,' observes Mr. Hill, 'the male bird attracts the female by -gracefully displaying his feathers. The long, graduated tail is expanded, -the short wings are spread, and the whole plumage is in motion, as the -male endeavours, by playful dalliance, to win his mate's attention.'" - - * * * * * - -The LONG-TAILED CUCKOOS (_Pyrrhococcyx_) possess a comparatively slender -body, and an elongate, slightly-arched, and hooked beak. The legs are -strong, the tarsi slender, and the toes of medium size. The wings, in -which the fifth quill exceeds the rest in length, are long. The long tail -is composed of ten feathers, slightly rounded at their extremities. The -plumage is thick, and unusually downy. - - -THE LONG-TAILED CUCKOO. - -The LONG-TAILED CUCKOO (_Pyrrhococcyx Cayanus_), a well-known member of -the above group, is of a light reddish brown over the mantle, and from the -breast downwards of a deep grey; the tail-feathers are dark reddish brown -above, and black beneath, with white tips. The length of this species is -from eighteen to twenty-two inches, according to the size of the tail; the -span of the pinions is seventeen inches, their length from five inches and -a half to six inches and a half, and the tail from ten to fourteen inches. - -This Cuckoo, according to Burmeister, is spread over all the warm portions -of America; and in Brazil, where it is very common, comes constantly -down into the fields and gardens. Its flight, despite the shortness of -the wings, is free and easy; its disposition brisk and active; and its -call-note an oft-repeated, penetrating cry. These birds usually live in -pairs, but frequently associate in parties while in pursuit of their -insect prey. We have no reliable information as to the breeding of this -species. - - * * * * * - -The TICK-EATERS (_Crotophagæ_), a small but remarkable family, inhabiting -Southern and Central America, possess a slender body and very decidedly -arched beak, powerful feet, with the toes placed in pairs, moderate-sized -wings, and a long, broad, rounded tail, composed of eight feathers. The -thick, small-feathered plumage is of sombre hue, and takes the form of -bristles in the region of the beak; the cheek-stripes and region of the -eyes are bare. - -"These birds," says Brown, in his "History of Jamaica," "prefer cultivated -places, and more especially land in the neighbourhood of pastures or low -shrubberies and swamps. They easily make their way amongst the thickest -foliage or grass, by means of their sharp-edged bills, with which they -scatter the herbage on each side, in search of grasshoppers and other -insects. They have been seen on the dead carcase of a sheep, but whether -attracted by the flesh or by the larvæ of insects is uncertain. In the -daytime they often associate in flocks of twenty or thirty individuals -near small rivulets, seeking for tadpoles, which they greedily devour. At -other times they may be seen flying from shrub to shrub, uttering their -peculiar note. They live chiefly upon ticks and other small vermin, and -constantly jump about cows and oxen in the fields, and the cattle will -frequently lie down to benefit by their good offices, if much infested by -ticks; but if the beast appear heedless of their proffered attentions, -they hop once or twice around it, looking it very earnestly in the face -every time they pass, as if they knew it was only necessary for them to -be seen to be indulged. They are very noisy birds, and very common in -all the pastures of Jamaica. The nests of the Tick-eaters are built in -the fork of a tree, or in a bush covered with mistletoe, and made rudely -of some coarse materials, chiefly small sticks, totally destitute of any -soft lining. The eggs are from five to seven or more in number. The young -evince much activity in hopping from branch to branch; long before they -are able to fly they leave their nests, and may be seen perched on the -top of a shrub or thicket of vines, in company with a congregation of -adult birds. When the parents escape from an intruder by taking flight, -the young, by long and rapid leaps, reach the ground, and run off very -quickly." - - * * * * * - -The TRUE TICK-EATERS (_Crotophaga_) have a slender body, small head, short -wings, long tail, and high tarsi. The high, much-raised beak is sharp at -its margin, and very decidedly hooked at its tip. The outer toe of the -high, powerful foot is twice as long as the innermost, whilst the toe that -turns backwards is of equal size with the real hinder toe. - - -THE COROYA. - -The COROYA (_Crotophaga major_) is about the size of a Jay, but more -slender, and possessed of a far stronger beak; the latter is longer than -the head, and slightly hooked at its extremity; the sides of the bill are -not so compressed as in other species; the feathers on the head and nape -are very long and pointed, while those on the breast are very broad. The -plumage is of a deep steel-blue, shading into violet on the tail and on -the breast. The eye is bright light green, its iris surrounded by a narrow -circle of yellow; the beak and bare skin about the eye are black, and the -feet blackish brown. This species is eighteen inches and two-thirds long, -and twenty-two inches and a quarter broad; the wing measures seven inches -and two-thirds, and the tail nine inches and five-sixths. The female is -not quite so large. - - -THE ANI, OR SAVANNA BLACKBIRD. - -The ANI, or SAVANNA BLACKBIRD (_Crotophaga ani_), is scarcely larger -than the Common Cuckoo. The beak of this bird equals the head in length, -and the raised portion of the bill extends over the whole of the upper -mandible, which terminates in a decided hook. The entire plumage is -blueish black, the feathers on the fore part of the body being enlivened -by a violet gloss. The eye is grey, the beak and feet black. The length -is thirteen inches and a half, and breadth fifteen inches and a half; the -wing measures five inches, and the tail six inches and two-thirds. - -"In all open places, particularly savannas which are occupied by cattle or -horses," says Gosse, "these birds are seen all day long and all the year -round. Familiar and impudent, though very wary, they permit a considerable -acquaintance with their manœuvres, while an approach within a limited -distance in a moment sets the whole flock upon the wing, with a singular -cry, which the negroes please to express by the words 'going awa-a-y,' but -which may as well be described, according to the fancy of the hearer, as -'how d'ye,' or 'ani.' The appearance of the bird in its gliding flight is -unusual, as in flying it assumes a perfectly straight form, with the long -tail in the same line, without flapping the wing, so that it takes the -aspect, on a side view, rather of a fish than of a bird. The food of this -species, though consisting entirely of insects, is not confined to them; -the stomach is usually distended with caterpillars, moths, grasshoppers, -and beetles to such a degree that it is wonderful how the mass can have -been forced in. I have found these contents mixed up with and stained -by the berries of the snake-withe, and in July I have found the stomach -crammed with the berries of the fiddle-wood (_Cytharaxylon_), which had -stained the whole inner surface bright crimson. Flocks of these birds -were at that time feeding on the glowing clusters, profusely ripe, upon -the trees. Stationary insects are their staple food; to obtain these -they hop about grassy places, and are often seen to jump or run eagerly -after their prey, on which occasions the long tail, continuing the given -motion after the body has stopped, is thrown forward in an odd manner, -sometimes nearly turning the bird head over heels. It is probably to -protect the eyes from the stalks of weeds and blades of grass, in these -headlong leaps, that the projecting brows are furnished with a row of -very short but stiff bristles; but what purpose was served by the thin -and high knife-blade of a beak I was ignorant till informed by Mr. Hill -that it enables the bird to open out the soft earth and seek for its -insect food; it also facilitates its access to the vermin imbedded in the -long hair of animals." "I am assured," he adds, "that if a patch of cow's -dung be examined after _Crotophagæ_ have been searching for the larvæ of -insects, it will be found furrowed, as if a miniature plough had passed -through it. The name of _Crotophaga_ (Tick-eater) is no misnomer, as has -been asserted by some who never saw the living bird; almost every one in -Jamaica is aware that the Savanna Blackbird feeds on the parasites of -cattle. Stationary insects are, however, by no means the only prey of -the _Crotophaga_. In December I have seen little groups of them engaged -in the evenings leaping up from the pasture about a yard into the air, -after flying insects, which they seemed to catch. Upon one occasion I -saw that one of these birds had actually made prey of one of our little -nimble lizards (_Anolis_). Though its usual mode of progression on the -ground is by hopping, or rather bounding, the feet being lifted together, -this Blackbird is seen to run in a headlong manner for a short distance, -moving the feet alternately. He is fond of basking in the morning sun, -or in a low tree, with the wings expanded, remaining perfectly still for -a considerable time. In the heat of the day, in July and August, many -may be seen in the lowland plains, sitting on the fences and logwood -hedges, with their beaks wide open, as if gasping for air; at these times -they forget their usual loquacity and wariness. Often two or three will -perch in the centre of a thick bush overhung with a matted drapery of -convolvulus, whence they utter their singular cry, in a calling tone, as -if they were playing at hide-and-seek, and requesting their fellows to -come and find them. The statement that this Blackbird builds in company, -forming an immense nest of basket-work by the united labours of the flock, -is universally maintained by the inhabitants of the colony. This nest -is said to be usually placed in a high tree, where many parents bring -forth and educate a common family. Mr. Hill, whose statements on Jamaican -ornithology are worthy of unlimited confidence, observes, 'Some half-dozen -of them together build but one nest, which is large and capacious enough -for them to resort to in common and rear their young together. They are -extremely attentive to the business of incubation, and never quit the nest -while sitting without covering the eggs with leaves, to preserve them at -an equal temperature.'" "The only instance I ever met with," continues -Gosse, "while not conclusive, is rather in favour of this opinion than -opposed to it. In July I found a Blackbird's nest in a Bastard Cedar -(_Guazuma_); it was a rather large mass of interwoven twigs, lined with -leaves, eight crimson eggs were in the nest, and the shells of many more -broken, and scattered beneath the tree. The eggs were about as large as -a pullet's, very regularly oval, of a greenish blue, but covered with a -coating of white chalky substance, which was much scratched and eroded on -them all, and which was displaced with but little force." - -[Illustration: THE ANI, OR SAVANNA BLACKBIRD (_Crotophaga ani_).] - -[Illustration: THE WRINKLED-BEAKED TICK-EATER (_Crotophaga rugirostris_).] - - -The WRINKLED-BEAKED TICK-EATER - -The WRINKLED-BEAKED TICK-EATER (_Crotophaga rugirostris_) is somewhat -larger than the Ani; its beak is also longer, and covered with four or -five wrinkles or ridges. The plumage is of a dull blueish black; the -feathers on the head, throat, and upper breast are edged with violet, and -those of the back and belly bordered with a rich metallic green. The eye -is greyish brown, the beak and feet are black. This species is fourteen -inches long, the wing measures six, and the tail seven inches. - - * * * * * - -The COUCALS, or SPURRED CUCKOOS (_Centropodes_), a family of strange birds -inhabiting Africa, the East Indies, New Holland, and the Malay Islands, -possess a very powerful, short, and much-curved beak, which is compressed -at its sides; the tarsi are high, and toes comparatively short; the hinder -toe is usually armed with a very long and almost straight spur-like claw; -the wings are short and rounded, and the tail (composed of ten feathers) -graduated, and either of moderate size or very long. The extremely harsh -plumage is similarly coloured in both sexes; the young differ in a -striking manner from their parents, and only acquire the same hues as the -adults in the third year. - -The Coucals frequent thick brushwood, cane plantations, and pasture land, -and penetrate the densest masses of vegetation with surprising dexterity, -in pursuit of the scorpions, snakes, lizards, insects, and birds' eggs, -upon which they principally subsist. Their powers of flight are so limited -as only to be employed in cases of extreme danger. The voice consists -of various deep sounds, some of which seem produced by ventriloquism. -The nests built by this family are carelessly formed, and placed among -bushes or canes, or in long grass; in some instances, however, more care -is evident in their construction, the upper portion being provided with a -cover, and two entrances made in the side, the one for entrance and the -other for egress. The brood consists of from three to five white eggs, -which are hatched by the united efforts of both parents. The young, when -first produced, are remarkably ugly. - - -THE EGYPTIAN COUCAL. - -The EGYPTIAN COUCAL (_Centropus Ægypticus_), a species inhabiting Africa, -possesses a comparatively short tail, and plumage of a reddish brown -tint; the head and nape are black, the back and wings chestnut-brown; -the tail-feathers greenish black, bordered with white; and all the lower -portions of the body of a fallow-grey. The eye is bright purple, the beak -black, and foot deep brownish grey. This species is fourteen inches long -and sixteen and a half broad; the wing, in which the sixth quill exceeds -the rest in length, is five inches and a half, and the tail seven inches -and a half. - -The Egyptian Coucal is commonly met with in some parts of Egypt, and is -by no means rare in other portions of North-eastern Africa; everywhere -it frequents the dense woods and forests, or extensive beds of reeds, -penetrating the densest thickets with all the wonderful dexterity of the -Mouse Birds. Unlike most members of the family, this species leads an -indolent and quiet life, frequently perching motionless at the summit -of its bushy fastnesses, or hovering over their surface, while watching -for its insect prey. Ants, we are told, it frequently consumes in such -quantities as to impart a most revolting odour to its body. Like its -congeners, the adult Spurred Cuckoo is always met with in company with -its mate; while the young, on the contrary, often lead a solitary life -for several years before pairing. The nest found by ourselves in the -Delta was placed in the bushy crown of an olive-tree, and almost entirely -constructed of the husks of maize; the young contained therein were -partially fledged, the time of year being the month of June. We could not -succeed in obtaining an egg. This Coucal is but seldom captured by the -natives, owing to the impracticable nature of its favourite haunts and the -uninviting savour of its flesh. We have but once seen it caught. - - * * * * * - -The CROW PHEASANTS (_Centrococcyx_), an Indian group of the above birds, -are recognisable by their long, graduated tail, and the black markings on -the reddish brown wings. - - -THE HEDGE CROW. - -The HEDGE CROW (_Centrococcyx viridis_) is of a glossy greenish black on -the head, nape, upper tail-covers, tail, and entire under side; the back -and quills being nut-brown, the latter tipped with bright red. According -to Swinhoe, this bird undergoes three changes of plumage, and is during -the first year of a light reddish hue, striped with black on the mantle, -and white marked here and there with red on the under side. In the second -year the feathers on the mantle are brown, with ochre-yellow lines on the -shafts; the tail is blackish green, spotted with a reddish shade; the -under side of light brownish yellow, each feather striped and spotted with -brown; the quills are red, with brown markings. The eye is red, the beak -black, and the foot lead-grey. This species is fifteen inches long, the -wing measures six inches and a half, and the tail eight inches. - -The _Centrococcyx viridis_ is extensively met with throughout India, and -in the surrounding islands. In the former country it principally occupies -the jungles, in Java low brushwood, and in Formosa such portions of woods -or forests as abound with creeping plants. According to Bernstein, it is -quiet and solitary in its habits, keeping principally within the shelter -of the bushes, and rarely betraying its presence except by the utterance -of its very weak cry, which nearly resembles that of the common European -Cuckoo. If alarmed, the bird endeavours to escape by running, instead of -flying; and only takes to its wings if very sorely pressed, when it flies -direct to the interior of the nearest bush. The nests we have seen were -most carelessly constructed of the leaves of the alang-alang, and placed -either close to the ground, amongst grass and stubble, or between the -branches of a low shrub. The eggs we found were usually two or three in -number, and had a white and slightly glossy shell; in some instances two -of the eggs were large, while the third was comparatively of very small -size. We were unable to ascertain what share the female takes in the duty -of incubation, as whenever we watched the nests during the day the male -bird was always seated thereon. The nestlings at first present a very -ridiculous appearance, as their skin is black, and their back and head -covered with stiff, hairy, or, more strictly, bristle-like feathers; add -to this that their tongue is bright orange, tipped with black, and it may -be imagined that the first sight of a nestful of these gaping youngsters -somewhat astonishes an uninitiated observer. - - * * * * * - -The PHEASANT COUCALS (_Polophilus_), as the Australian representatives of -this family are called, are recognisable by their comparative size, and -the formation of their short, thick, strong, and decidedly-curved beak. - - -THE PHEASANT COUCAL. - -The PHEASANT COUCAL (_Polophilus phasianus_) has the general plumage of a -dull black, and the wing-covers fallow-brown and black, each feather being -marked with a light line upon the shaft; the quills are chestnut-brown, -with a double line of black; and the tail-feathers dark brown, with -a greenish gloss, and delicately marked with red spots. All the -tail-feathers, except those in the centre, are tipped with white. The eye -is red, the beak black, and the foot greyish black. In the young birds the -back is reddish brown, and the under side fallow-grey; in other respects -the plumage resembles that of the adult birds. This species is twenty-four -inches long, the wing ten, and the tail twenty-four inches. - -"The greater part of the road-line of New South Wales, and the eastern, -northern, and north-eastern portions of Australia," writes Gould, "are -generally tenanted by these birds, but only in such situations as are -favourable to their habits, namely, swampy places among the brushes, -abounding with tall grasses and dense herbage, among which they run with -facility, and, when necessity prompts, fly to the lower branches of -the trees, from which they ascend in a succession of leaps from branch -to branch, until they nearly reach the top, whence they fly off to a -neighbouring tree. The most western part of New South Wales in which I -have heard of their existence is Illawarra, where they are rare, and -from whence to Moreton Bay they gradually increase in numbers. The nest, -which is placed in a tuft of grass, is of a large size, composed of dried -grasses, and is of a domed form, with two small openings, through one of -which the head of the female protrudes while sitting, and her tail through -the other. At Port Essington the nest is sometimes placed among the lower -leaves of the pandanus, but this occurrence seems to be rare, a large -tuft of long grass being most frequently selected, as affording better -shelter. The eggs are from three to five in number, of a dirty white hue, -and nearly round; in some instances they are stained with brown, and have -a rough surface, somewhat like the eggs of the Cormorant." - -[Illustration: THE PHEASANT COUCAL - -(_Polophilus phasianus_).] - - * * * * * - -The BARBETS (_Capitones_) possess a strong, conical beak, of moderate -size, and much compressed at its tip; short and powerful feet, with the -toes placed in pairs; small or medium-sized wings, rounded at their -extremity, and a comparatively long tail. The plumage, which is most -resplendent, is replaced by bristles in the region of the beak. The -members of this family are spread over Asia and Africa, and are brisk -and lively birds, associating freely with their congeners, and busily -seeking the berries, fruits, and insects, upon which they subsist, from -bush to bush and tree to tree, rarely or never descending to the ground. -Their flight is rapid, but not sustained to any great distance, owing -to the weight of their bodies; almost all have loud, resonant voices, -while some species utter something resembling a regular song. The nests -of the Barbets are placed in hollow trees, or holes in the ground, but, -except this, and the fact that the eggs are white, we are entirely without -particulars as to their manner of incubation. - - -THE PEARL BIRD. - -The PEARL BIRD (_Trachyphonus margaritatus_) represents an African group, -possessing a moderate-sized and slender beak, which is slightly arched, -and compressed at its tip; the comparatively high feet have the tarsi -longer than the centre toe; the fourth quill of the moderately long wing -exceeds the rest in length; the tail is of medium length, and rounded at -its extremity. The plumage of the back is brown, spotted and marked with -white, that of the under side bright glossy yellow, shading into red on -the breast; the brow, crown of the head, and, in the male bird, a chain -of spots upon the breast, are black; the rump and vent are deep bright -red. The eye is dark red, the beak light red, and the foot lead-grey. This -species is seven inches long, the wing measures three inches and a half. - -[Illustration: THE PEARL BIRD (_Trachyphonus margaritatus_).] - -We have frequently met with these beautiful birds in most parts of -North-eastern Africa, where they constantly visit the fields and gardens -near the settlements, making themselves particularly conspicuous during -the early morning and in the evening, by flying around the tops of the -loftiest trees, or by pouring forth their deep but lively notes with an -animation that gives the performance almost the effect of a pleasing -song. The food of this species consists of seeds, fruit, and insects, -in pursuit of which it displays but little skill while climbing about -the branches; its flight consists of a hovering, whirring motion, and is -seldom long sustained. The oval, pure white eggs obtained by Heuglin, on -the 26th of September, were found in holes situated in the side of a bank -of earth; in one instance the interior had no lining of any description, -and in the other a mere bed of reeds, on which the eggs were deposited. We -are unable to state whether these holes are excavated by the parent birds. - - -THE GOLDEN BARBET. - -The GOLDEN BARBET (_Xantholæma Indica_) represents a group characterised -by their short beak, bulging outwards at its sides, slightly-pointed -wings, in which the third, fourth, and fifth quills are the longest, and -a short, almost straight tail. The plumage of the mantle is green, that -of the under side yellow, or greenish white; the feathers on the back and -wing-covers are bordered with yellow, and those on the breast striped with -green. The brow and a spot on the throat, are glossy scarlet, the latter -edged with gold at its lower portion; a band at the nape, the breast, and -a stripe upon the chin are black. The eye is deep brown, the beak black, -and the foot bright red. The length of this bird is six inches and a -half, and its breadth eleven inches; the wing measures three inches and a -quarter, and the tail one inch and a half. - -"This species of Barbet," writes Jerdon, "is found throughout all India, -extending into the Burmese countries, Malayana, Ceylon, and the isles; -according to Adams, it is not met with in the Himalayas or in the Punjaub. -This bird is very common wherever there is a sufficiency of trees, -inhabiting open spaces in the jungles, groves of trees, avenues, and -gardens, being very familiar, and approaching close to houses, and not -unfrequently perching on the housetop. As far as I have observed, it does -not climb like the Woodpecker, but hops about the branches like other -perching birds. The Rev. Mr. Philips, however, states that it runs up -and down the trees like a Woodpecker, and other observers have asserted -that it climbs to its hole; but I confess I have never seen this, and Mr. -Blyth is most decidedly of opinion that Barbets never climb. The latter -naturalist found that one of these birds which he kept alive would take -insects into its mouth and munch them, but swallowed none, and forsook -them immediately when fruit was offered. It has a remarkably loud note, -which sounds like 'took-took-took,' and this it generally utters when -rested at the top of some tree, putting its head at each call first on -one side and then on the other. Sundevall states that the call is like -a low note on the flute, from the lower G to the second E. This sound, -and the motion of the head accompanying it, have given origin to the -name 'Coppersmith,' by which this species is known both by natives and -Europeans. The sound often appears to come from a different direction -to that from which it does really proceed; this appears to me to depend -on the direction of the bird's head. Mr. Philips accounts for it by -saying that it alters the intensity of its call. Sundervall remarks -that 'the same individual always utters the same note, but that two of -these birds are seldom heard to make it alike.' When, therefore, two or -more individuals are sitting near each other, a not unpleasing music -arises from the alternation of the note, each sounding like the tone of -a series of bells. The Crimson-breasted Barbet breeds in holes of trees, -laying two or more white eggs. A pair bred in my garden at Saugor on the -cross-beam of a vinery. The perfectly circular entrance was on the under -side of the beam. This nest appeared to me to have been used for several -years, and the bird had gone on lengthening the cavity year by year, till -the distance from the original entrance was four or five feet; another -entrance had then been made, also from below, about two feet and a half -from the nest. Quite recently I discovered a nest built by this bird in a -hole of a decayed tree-branch, close to a house in a large thoroughfare -in Calcutta." The Golden, or Crimson-breasted Barbet, as it is sometimes -called, subsists upon the fruit of various plants, but, according to -Blyth, has also been known to eat animal food. The eggs are white, and two -or more in number. - - -THE TOUCAN BARBET. - -The TOUCAN BARBET (_Tetragonops ramphastinus_), an American species, -may be regarded as the connecting link between the Barbets and Toucans. -In these birds the powerful beak is square at its base, and the lower -mandible forked at its extremity in such a manner as to receive the hook -in which the upper portion of the bill terminates; the wings and tail are -both of moderate size, and the latter much graduated; the head, a band on -the nape, the wing-covers, and tail are black; the upper portion of the -tail is brownish grey, and its lower part of a yellowish hue; the throat -is adorned by a triangular white spot; the throat and sides of the belly -are grey, and a line dividing the former from the latter bright scarlet; -the centre of the breast is a rich fiery red. The eye is yellowish; the -beak yellow at its base and black at its tip; the feet are deep grey. This -species is eight inches and a quarter long; the wing measures four inches -and the tail three inches and three-quarters. We are entirely without -particulars concerning this beautiful bird, except that it inhabits -Ecuador. - - * * * * * - -The HORNBILLS (_Bucerotidæ_) are remarkable for the unusual size of their -bills, which are frequently so large as to appear almost a deformity; -in many species this effect is increased by a singular, helmet-shaped -excrescence at the base of the beak. The whole structure, which appears -so ponderous, is in reality very light, being composed of an outer -case, supported by a bony net-work filled with air; so delicate is this -helmet-like protuberance in some species, that after the death of the -bird it may readily be crushed with the thumb and finger. In shape this -remarkable beak is long, curved, and pointed; the margins of the upper -mandible are often irregularly incised. The feet, which are stout and -powerful, have the anterior toes more or less united. - - * * * * * - -The TOUCANS (_Ramphastidæ_) are a numerous race of South American birds, -at once recognisable by the prodigious size of their beaks, and by the -richness of their plumage. - -"These birds," says the Prince von Wied, in some notes communicated to -Mr. Gould, "are very common in all parts of the extensive forests of the -Brazils, and are killed in great numbers during the cool seasons of the -year for the table. To the stranger they are even of greater interest -than to the native, from their remarkable form, and from the rich and -strongly-contrasted style of their colouring, their black or green bodies -being adorned with markings of the most brilliant hue; red or orange, -blue, and white; their naked orbits in some instances red, and in others -green or blue; the naked parts of the body dyed with brilliant colours, -the legs blue or green, and irides blue or yellow; the large bill of -a different colour in every species, and in many instances very gaily -marked. The colouring of the soft parts is, however, so evanescent that to -determine the species with accuracy they must be depicted during life, or -immediately after the birds are killed. Common as these birds are in their -native land, it is extremely difficult to detect their breeding-places; -it is, however, certain that they deposit their eggs in the hollow limbs -and holes of the colossal trees so common in the tropical forests, but -I was never fortunate enough to discover them. The stomachs of those I -examined contained nothing but the remains of fruit, principally of the -softer kinds, for which, indeed, they have such a liking that they resort -in great numbers to the plantations in the vicinity of their native -haunts, and commit fearful havoc among their favourite delicacies: I was -informed, that they frequently steal and eat young birds, but no instance -of their doing so came under my own observation. Mr. Waterton's opinion -agrees with mine, but Azara, among others, states that they also feed -upon animal substances. The specimens we saw in a state of domestication -were very voracious, and perfectly omnivorous; but they seem to be purely -frugivorous in a state of nature, a fact which was fully confirmed by the -Brazilian natives we questioned on the subject. In their manners the -_Ramphastidæ_ offer some resemblance to the _Corvidæ_, and, like them, -are very troublesome to birds of prey, particularly to the Owls, which -they surround and annoy by making a great noise, all the while jerking -their tails upwards and downwards. The flight of these birds is easy and -graceful, and they sweep with facility over the loftiest trees of their -native forests; their strangely-developed bills are no encumbrance to -them, as the interior being replete with a tissue of air-filled cells -renders these organs very light and even buoyant. The voice of the -_Ramphastidæ_ is short and unmelodious, and somewhat different in every -species. Their feathers are used by the natives for general decoration, -especially the yellow breasts of the birds, which they affix to their -heads on each side, near the temple, and also to the ends of their bows." - -[Illustration: THE ARASSARI (_Pteroglossus aracari_).] - - * * * * * - -The ARASSARIS (_Pteroglossus_) possess a comparatively small, slender, -rounded beak, which is compressed at its tip, equals the head in height, -and is more or less incised at its margins. The short wing, in which the -third quill is the longest, is pointed, and the tail long and conical. -The plumage usually exhibits a great variety of colours, amongst which, -however, green or yellow predominate. In some species the females differ -considerably in appearance from their mates. - -[Illustration: _Plate 25. Cassell's Book of Birds_ - -PHAROMACRUS ANTISIANUS ____ BEAUTIFUL TROGON - -(_about one half Nat. size_)] - - -THE ARASSARI. - -The ARASSARI (_Pteroglossus aracari_), a native of Brazil, is principally -of a deep metallic green; the throat and head are black, the cheeks shaded -with brownish violet, and the lower breast and belly pale greenish yellow; -the rump, and a line along the centre of the belly, are red; the tail is -blackish green above and greyish green beneath. The eye is brown, the bare -places round the eyes are greyish black, the upper mandible is yellowish -white, with black culmen and mouth-corners, while the lower portion of the -bill is black, edged with white; the legs are greenish grey. This species -is seventeen inches long; the wing measures six, and the tail six and a -half inches. - -[Illustration: THE TOCO TOUCAN (_Ramphastus toco_).] - -The Arassari, as we learn from the Prince von Wied, inhabits the primitive -forests of Brazil, and closely resembles the Toucan in its habits; during -the period of incubation it lives in pairs, but at other seasons in small -parties, which fly over the face of the country in search of the fruits -upon which they mainly subsist. Their flight, which resembles that of the -Toucan, is undulatory and very rapid. When perched on the summits of high -trees, they constantly repeat the two short notes that form their cry, -and whisk with the tail after the manner of the Common Jay. The nest is -made in a hollow tree, and contains two eggs. Towards many birds of prey, -especially Owls, the Arassaris exhibit much hostility, and frequently -assemble to harry and annoy them as they sit droning away the bright hours -of daylight. The flesh of this species is good food, and they become -very fat during the winter. Burmeister, who affirms that the Arassaris -do not confine themselves to a fruit diet, but freely eat insects and -beetles, describes their appearance and movement among the trees as -closely resembling those of a party of Parrots. Bates mentions that on one -occasion, when descending a gully, having fired at one of these birds, -as it sat apparently alone upon the bough of a lofty tree, he was much -startled to find his victim's cry of pain answered by the simultaneous -appearance of a large number of its terrified companions. In the twinkling -of an eye every branch was occupied; and the birds, indignant at being -thus roused from their repose, fluttered, shrieked, and flapped their -wings like so many furies, in defiance of the unwelcome intruder. All -attempts to capture any of the belligerents proved fruitless, for the -cries of their dying associate had no sooner ceased than they retired as -suddenly as they had appeared, and immediately ensconced themselves in -some unseen but safe retreat within their leafy fastnesses. - - * * * * * - -The TOUCANS PROPER (_Ramphastus_) are at once recognisable by the -extraordinary size of their curved beak, which is very thick at its base, -compressed at its tip, and furnished with a sharp ridge at its culmen. -The high, powerful legs are covered with large flat scales, the tarsi are -short, and the toes long; the small, broad, rounded tail, is composed of -feathers of equal length; the wings are short, and the fourth and fifth -quills longer than the rest; a black gloss predominates in the coloration -of the plumage, enlivened by red, white, or yellow patches on the throat, -back, and wings. All the various species of these birds live in pairs, -within the shade of the forest, only exceptionally congregating into small -parties, and never venturing near the abodes of man. - - -THE TOCO TOUCAN. - -The TOCO TOUCAN (_Ramphastus toco_) is principally of a glossy black; -the throat, cheeks, lower throat, and upper tail-covers are white, and -the rump light red. The large high beak is bright orange-red, shading to -deep red at the culmen and towards the tip of the lower mandible; while -the tip and edges of the upper portion of the bill are black, the eyes, -cheek-stripes, and region of the temple bright red; the eyelids blackish -blue, and the legs dark grey. The length of this bird is twenty-two -inches; the wing measures eight inches and three-quarters, and the tail -five inches and a quarter. - -The Toco Toucan, as we learn from the Prince von Wied, is never found -near the coast, but is plentiful in the interior of the province of Minas -Geroes and Bahia. It is abundant in the southern parts of Brazil, in -latitude thirty-two degrees south. Those observed in the neighbourhood of -Bahia were very shy, the result of their having been repeatedly fired at -by the inhabitants in defence of their fruit-trees, and to procure them -for food; notwithstanding which, the desire to feed upon the oranges and -guavas induced them to approach very near the town at the season when -those fruits were ripening. Very pretty little powder-flasks are made -of their large, finely-coloured bills. "M. Natterer," writes Gould, in -his magnificent work on the _Ramphastidæ_, "who first met with this bird -in the province of St. Paul, and afterwards on the coast of Goyay and -Mattogrosso, on the banks of the Amazon and Upper Rio Branco", remarks -that "it will probably be found on all parts of Brazil, and believes that -the bird prefers woods adjoining sandy plains, for he more than once met -with it in low steppes and coppices, where ripe fruits were to be found. -We generally met with it in small families, and observed that the bill -varied in length according to the age and sex of the bird; and that its -note, resembling 'gr-r-ra,' was deeper than that of any other member of -the family." Mr. Edwards tells us that he saw the nest of this species -in the fork of a large tree over the water of the Amazon, but we are of -opinion that the nidification of this bird should be described by other -observers before full reliance be placed on the assertion that it makes a -nest, for the hollows of trees are the usual incubating places of all the -Toucans. - - -THE KIRIMA, OR RED-BILLED TOUCAN. - -The KIRIMA, or RED-BILLED TOUCAN (_Ramphastus crythrorhynchus_)--see -Coloured Plate XXVI.--a very similar, but more slenderly-built species, -is a beautiful bird inhabiting North America. It has a scarlet beak, with -yellow base and culmen, a broad red band on the white throat, and a yellow -rump. - -In its general habits and manners the Red-billed Toucan resembles the rest -of its congeners, leaping lightly from branch to branch among the topmost -foliage of the lofty trees of its native forests. Mr. Waterton states -that the native name is _Bouradi_, signifying "nose;" that it frequents -the mangrove-trees on the sea-coast, and is never seen in the interior -till you reach Mackonochia, where it is found in the neighbourhood of -the river Tucuton. It feeds entirely on the fruits of the forest, and -never kills the young of other birds or devours carrion. The sound the -Bouraki makes is like the clear yelping of a puppy-dog; you might fancy -it said "pia-po-o-co." Thus the Spaniards calls this species Piapoco. -It lays its eggs in the hollows of trees. Although Mr. Waterton states -that the Red-billed Toucan lives entirely on fruits in its native wilds, -it exhibits the utmost partiality to animal food when in a state of -captivity, as shown by W. J. Broderip, Esq., in an account given by him -of a specimen he examined at a bird-dealer's in St. Martin's Lane. "After -looking at the bird, which was apparently in the highest state of health," -says that gentleman, "I asked the proprietor to bring up a small bird, -that I might see how the Toucan would be affected by its appearance. The -dealer soon returned, bringing with him a last year's Goldfinch. The -instant he introduced his hand, holding the Goldfinch, into the cage of -the Toucan, the latter, which was on a perch, snatched it with his bill. -The poor little bird had only time to utter a short weak cry, for within -a second it was dead, killed by compression on the sternum and abdomen, -and that so powerful that the bowels protruded after a very few squeezes -with the Toucan's bill. As soon as the Goldfinch was dead the Toucan -hopped with it in his bill to another perch, and placing it between his -right foot and the perch, began to strip off the feathers with his beak. -When he had plucked away most of them, he broke the bones of the wings -and legs with his bill, taking the wings therein, and giving at the same -time a strong lateral wrench. He continued this work with great dexterity -till he had almost reduced the bird to a shapeless mass; and ever and anon -he would take his prey from the perch in his bill, and hop from perch to -perch, making, at the same time, a peculiar hollow, chattering noise, -at which times I observed that his wings and bill were affected with a -vibratory or shivering motion, though the former were not expanded. He -then returned the bird to the perch, and having set his foot on it, ate -first the viscera, and then continued pulling off and swallowing piece -after piece, till the head, neck, and part of the back and sternum, with -their soft parts, were alone left; these, after a little more wrenching, -he at last swallowed, not even leaving the wings or legs. It was clear to -me that he felt great enjoyment, for whenever he seized his prey from the -perch he appeared to exult, now masticating the morsel with his toothed -bill, and applying his tongue to it, now attempting to gorge it, and now -making the peculiar chattering noise, accompanied by the shivering motion -above mentioned. The whole operation lasted about a quarter of an hour. He -then cleaned his beak, by rubbing it against the bars of his cage. I have -more than once seen this bird return the food from his crop, sometimes -twice after he had taken it, and after masticating the morsel awhile in -his bill, again swallow it, the whole operation, particularly the return -of the food to the bill, bearing a strong resemblance to the analogous -action in ruminating animals. His food consisted of bread, boiled -vegetables, eggs, and flesh; to which a little bird is added every second -and third day. He shows a decided preference for animal food, picking out -all morsels of that description, and only resorting to vegetable diet when -all the other is exhausted. - -"There is yet another peculiarity of this bird," continues Mr. Broderip, -"that cannot be passed over in silence. When he settles himself to roost, -he sits a short time with his tail retroverted, so as to make an acute -angle with the line of his back; he then turns his bill over his right -shoulder, nestling it in the soft feathers of the back (on which last the -under mandible rests), till the bill is so entirely covered that no trace -of it is visible. When disturbed, he does not drop his tail, but almost -immediately returns his bill to the comfortable nidus from which he had -withdrawn it. At these times the bird has the appearance of a ball of -feathers." - - -THE TUKANA. - -The TUKANA (_Ramphastus Temminckii_) has the feathers in the fore part of -the throat of a bright yellow, edged with a paler shade. The hinder parts -of the body are red, and the breast is adorned by a red line. The beak is -glossy black, with a broad light yellow streak towards its base; the eye -is blueish, the bare eye-ring deep red, and the foot lead-grey. The length -of this species is eighteen inches and a half, and its breadth twenty-one -inches. The wing measures seven inches, and the tail six inches and a -half. The Tukana is an inhabitant of the forests on the coast of Brazil. - - * * * * * - -The HORNBILLS PROPER (_Bucerotes_) are at once recognisable by the -remarkable horn-like protuberance that in many species rises at the -base of the very long, thick, and more or less curved beak. Their body -is slender, the neck moderately long, and head comparatively small; the -tail, composed of ten feathers, is of medium size, or very long; the wings -short, and very decidedly rounded, the tarsus short and the toes slender. -In many species the throat and region of the eye are bare, and the eyelid -furnished with well-developed eyelashes. - -These birds inhabit the Eastern Hemisphere, and are especially numerous -in some parts of Asia and Africa. Dense woods and forests are their -favourite resorts, and where these are to be met with they often live at -an altitude of ten thousand feet above the level of the sea; only a few of -the smaller species occasionally frequent shrubs or bushes. Lesson tells -us that certain species devour nutmegs, from which their flesh acquires -a most appetising flavour. Some writers inform us that they will consume -carrion, and when in confinement have been known to swallow rats and -mice whole, after bruising their bodies with their powerful mandibles. -The Hornbills associate in flocks, which frequent woods and forests, and -perch on the loftiest trees. We learn from the naturalist above quoted -that the noise produced by a party of these birds when passing through -the air is very alarming to those who are unaware that the strange sound -that accompanies their movements is produced by the clattering of their -huge mandibles, and the utterance of a loud croak; these discordant sounds -bearing no distant resemblance to one of those sudden and violent winds -which often come on unexpectedly in tropical climates. Their voice may -be described as the blast of a bugle, combined with the sudden hiss of -an exploding sky-rocket; they seem to utter these calls periodically, -without any obvious reason, as if to relieve the monotony of their still -and melancholy lives. Major Denham tells us that an Abyssinian species -lives upon insects, fish, and snakes, and appears to display an especial -instinct in finding the latter. The Hornbill discovers their vicinity -while they are yet underground, digs on the spot, destroys the nest, and -feeds on the venomous inhabitant and its eggs. "The first time I saw a -Hornbill's nest," says Dr. Livingstone, speaking of another species, -"was at Kolsberg, when I had gone to a forest for some timber. Standing -by a tree, a native looked behind me, and exclaimed, 'There is the nest -of a Korwé!' I now saw a slit only about half an inch wide, and three -or four inches long, in a slight hollow of the tree. Thinking the word -Korwé denoted some small animal, I waited with interest to see what he -would extract. He broke the clay which surrounded the slit, put in his -arm, and pulled out a Tockas, or Red-breasted Hornbill, which he killed. -He informed me that when the female enters her nest, she submits to real -confinement; the male plasters up the entrance, leaving only a narrow -slit, that exactly suits the form of his beak, by which to feed his mate. -The female makes the nest of her own feathers, lays her eggs, hatches -them, and remains with the young till they are fully fledged. During all -this time, which is stated to be two or three months, the male continues -to feed her and the young family. The prisoner generally becomes fat, and -is esteemed a very dainty morsel by the natives, while the poor slave of a -husband gets so lean that, on the sudden lowering of the temperature that -often occurs after a fall of rain, he is benumbed and dies." - -[Illustration: THE TOK (_Rhynchaceros erythrorhynchus_).] - -Dr. Livingstone also gives the following interesting anecdote illustrative -of the affection of these birds to their mates:--"Near sunset, on the 25th -of August" (he writes from Dakanamoio Island), "we saw an immense flock of -the largest species of Hornbills (_Buceros cristatus_) come here to roost -on the great trees which skirt the edge of the cliff; they leave early in -the morning, often before sunrise, for their feeding-places, coming and -going in pairs. They are evidently of a loving disposition, and strongly -attached to each other, the male always nestling close beside his mate. A -fine male fell to the ground from fear at the report of Dr. Kirk's gun; it -was caught and kept on board. The female did not fly off in the mornings -to feed with the others, but flew round the ship, anxiously trying, by her -plaintive calls, to induce her beloved one to follow her. She came again -in the evenings to repeat the invitation; the poor disconsolate captive -refused to eat, and in five days died of grief because he could not have -her company. No internal injury could be detected after death." - - * * * * * - -The SMOOTH-BEAKED HORNBILLS (_Rhynchaceros_) are the smallest -members of this extensive group. In these birds the beak, which is -comparatively small, has both mandibles curved, and the margins more -or less denticulated; the feet are short and weak; the wings, in which -the fourth or fifth quill is the longest, are of medium size, and the -slightly-rounded tail of moderate length. - - -THE TOK. - -The TOK (_Rhynchaceros erythrorhynchus_), a species inhabiting a large -portion of Africa, is of a reddish grey upon the mantle and dirty white -on the under side; the head and throat are greyish white; the wing-covers -black, spotted with yellowish white on the inner web, with the exception -of the innermost, which is white on the outer and brownish grey on the -inner web; the two centre tail-feathers are a dull grey, the rest are -black and white. The eye is deep brown, the beak blood-red, with a dark -patch at the base of the lower mandible, the feet are brownish grey. This -species is seventeen inches and three-quarters long, and twenty-two broad; -the wing measures six inches and a half and the tail seven inches and a -half. The female is similarly coloured, but considerably smaller than her -mate. - -The Tok is commonly met with in all the forests of Abyssinia, Eastern -Soudan, and Cordofania, and occurs, we believe, throughout the whole of -the wooded portions of Central, Western, and Southern Africa. Occasionally -we have noticed it living among the wooded portions of the steppes, and -have seen it in large numbers upon the lofty trees that abound in the -river valleys. According to Heuglin, it is found upon the mountains at an -altitude of seven thousand feet above the sea. Like other Hornbills, it -is a true tree-bird, and but rarely descends to the ground, except when -the supply of fruit and berries upon which it principally subsists falls -short. Certain trees are usually selected as favourite resting-places, -and upon them it perches with the utmost regularity, taking possession of -the highest branches, upon which it sways itself to and fro, varying the -entertainment from time to time by hopping clumsily from bough to bough. -Its flight somewhat resembles that of the Woodpecker, and is produced by -a series of rapid strokes, by means of which the bird rises quickly into -the air to a certain height, from whence it precipitately descends, with -the head downwards, in a series of curves. This process is repeated many -successive times, the tail meanwhile being alternately spread and closed. -The cry of the Tok, which is supposed to be represented by its name, is -usually reiterated with great persistence and such rapidity as frequently -to have almost the effect of one sound prolonged for a minute at a time, -each note being accompanied by a duck of the head that gives a most absurd -effect to the whole performance, as, owing to the quickness of utterance -in which the bird indulges as it becomes excited, it is compelled to -exert itself to the utmost, in order that the bow and the cry may be -simultaneous. In disposition this species exhibits all the curiosity and -keenness of observation possessed by the Raven, and, like that noisy -bird, never fails to betray the presence of any unusual object to all its -feathered companions by the loudness of its warning cries, which appear -to be uttered solely for their benefit, for the Tok itself boldly darts -down upon even the larger birds of prey, and grievously torments the -leopard of its native forests by harrying it during its search for food. -The stomachs of such of these birds as we examined contained only fruits, -seeds, and insects, but it is probable that they also plunder nests and -devour small quadrupeds. Heuglin mentions having seen a nearly-allied -species on a piece of carrion, but whether it was employed in consuming -it or merely in gleaning the flies from its surface he was unable to -ascertain. The Arabs state that the Tok deposits its eggs in holes in -trees, at the commencement of the rainy season. - - * * * * * - -The TWO-HORNED HORNBILLS (_Dichoceros_), as the Indian representatives -of this family are called, are recognised by the large, high, broad -appendage, divided into two portions in front, which covers a considerable -part of the forehead, and extends over one-third of the beak. - - -THE HOMRAY. - -The HOMRAY, or GREAT TWO-HORNED HORNBILL (_Dichoceros bicornis_), is -principally black; the throat, tips of the upper tail-covers, the lower -tail-covers, and a spot on the wing, the base of the primaries, the -extremities of all the quills and entire tail-feathers, with the exception -of a broad black band near the tip, are white; occasionally the feathers -of the throat and wings have a yellowish shade. The eye is scarlet, the -upper mandible and its appendage red, shading into yellow, the latter -black at its extremity; the lower portion of the beak is yellow, tipped -with red; a dark brown line passes along the centre of the bill, which is -greyish black at its base; the bare skin around the eyes is black, and the -foot deep brown. This species is four feet long, the wing measures from -nineteen to twenty, and the tail seventeen inches; the beak ten inches; -its appendage is seven inches and a half long and three inches and a half -broad. - -The Homray frequents the high-standing woods of India, from its extreme -south to the Himalayas, and from the Malabar coast to Assam, Burmah, -and the Malay peninsula; it is also occasionally seen on the island of -Trincomalee. - -"This large Hornbill," says Jerdon, "is found in the forests of Malabar, -from the extreme south up to Goa, and also in the Himalayas; I have not -seen it in any other of the forest regions. It is also common in Assam, -Burmah, the Malay peninsula, and in Sumatra. I have seen it but rarely -in the forests of Malabar below the Ghâts. It is generally met with on -the sides of the hills. I have seen it up to five thousand feet on the -eastern slope of the Neilgherries; and on the Himalayas, near Darjeeling, -at a height of from three thousand to five thousand feet. Hodgson states -that it tenants the lower ranges of hills contiguous to the plains. It is -sometimes seen in pairs, occasionally in small flocks, generally keeping -to the thickets and jungle or to lofty trees, but is sometimes to be -found seated on a high tree in an open space; the same writer says that -it seems to prefer the most open and cultivated spots in the wilds it -inhabits, these spots being usually limited to the banks of rivers. This -naturalist must have seen many more of this species than I have done, -for he speaks of twenty to thirty birds being commonly found in the same -vicinity, and six or eight on the same tree. I never saw a flock of more -than five or six, either in the south of India or in the Sikim Himalayas, -and even that very rarely. It is in general rather a silent bird, making -merely a deep but very loud croak. Occasionally, however, when a party are -together, they utter most loud, harsh, and discordant cries. Hodgson says -that the clamour made by a wounded bird is perfectly amazing. 'I cannot,' -says he, 'liken this vehement vociferation to anything but the braying -of a jackass; its power is extraordinary, and is the consequence of an -unusually osseous structure of the rings of the trachea.' The Homray flies -with more repeated flappings of its wings than the other Hornbills, only -in general sailing just before alighting on a tree. The noise of its wings -can be heard more than a mile distant. Like the others, it builds in holes -in large trees; the male builds the female in, by covering the hole where -she incubates with mud (Baker says with its ordure), leaving only room -for her bill to protrude and receive food from his. This, Major Trikell, -whose words I quote, has seen with his own eyes. Mason, in his work on -Burmah, makes the following statement:--'The female must sit during her -incubation, for if she breaks through the enclosure her life pays the -forfeit; but, to compensate for the loss of freedom, her spirited mate -is ever on the watch to gratify his dainty mistress, who compels him to -bring all her viands unbroken, for if a fig or other fruit be injured she -will not touch it.' This account, I must own, I regard as a native story, -and improbable. Fruit forms the only food of this, as of other Indian -Hornbills, and it always seizes it whole, tossing it in the air before -swallowing it, and catching it again in its mouth. Mr. Elliot remarks of -this species that a small sac is placed at the root of the tail, in which -is a bundle or pencil of short bristles, forming a brush, from whence -exudes a yellow oily secretion, with which the birds appear to dress their -white wing-feathers. When first shot the yellow colour comes off the -bill in considerable quantities, and the only parts of the body besides -that are stained with this colour are the white wing-spot, the rump, and -the small crest at the back of the head, this latter but slightly. The -yellow substance continued to exude from the brush long after my prepared -specimen was dry. The Garuda, as this species is also called, is sacred to -Vishnu among the inhabitants of the forests." - -[Illustration: THE HOMRAY (_Dichoceros bicornis_).] - - -THE DJOLAN, OR YEAR BIRD. - -The DJOLAN, or YEAR BIRD (_Rhyticeros plicatus_), represents a group -principally characterised by a wrinkled excrescence situated on the upper -mandible. The wings are of medium size, and the feet short and powerful; -the tail is rounded at its extremity. The plumage of the Year Bird is -principally black; the top of the head is brownish yellow, and the tail -white; the eye is brownish red, the beak light horn-grey, and the foot -blackish grey. The bare skin upon the throat is pale yellow in the male, -and dull blue in the female. In other respects the latter resembles her -mate. The young are without the excrescence on the beak, which only -develops after they are full grown. The name of Year Bird is derived, as -we are told, from an idea formerly prevalent that a fresh wrinkle was -annually added to the remarkable skin-like growth on the upper mandible. - -[Illustration: THE DJOLAN, OR YEAR BIRD (_Rhyticeros plicatus_).] - -The Djolan, as this bird is called by the natives, inhabits the -Sunda Islands and Malacca, where it frequents extensive forests and -promontories, from three thousand to four thousand feet above the sea, -rarely ascending beyond that height, apparently because certain favourite -fruit-trees do not grow above that point. From early morning it may be -seen sweeping in a direct line above the summits of the loftiest giants -of the forest, with head and neck thrust forward, producing as it flies -the remarkable rushing sound above described. These birds live in pairs -throughout the entire year, and subsist upon various kinds of fruits. -We have made various successful attempts to rear the young on cooked -potatoes and fruit, but have frequently found that the adults refused -all nourishment, and only survived their captivity a few days. Whilst at -liberty we have never heard this species produce any sound; but, when -excited, the prisoners uttered a loud grunting resembling that of an angry -pig. Despite the light construction of their large beak, they bite very -sharply, and we have known them make a hole through a half-inch plank -with which their cage had been repaired. The nest of this species is -placed at a considerable height, in the hollow of one of the huge trees, -covered with dense masses of parasites that form so striking a feature in -the primitive forest. The only nest we were fortunate enough to find was -betrayed to us by the movements of the male bird. This breeding-hole was -some sixty feet above the ground; in it we saw the female securely walled -up with a mixture of earth and bits of decayed wood, firmly cemented -together with what we believe to be spittle from the male bird's beak. -Only a small aperture was left, through which the female could obtain -the fruits assiduously brought her by her affectionate spouse. This -breeding female had lost almost all the principal wing and tail feathers, -and would therefore have been powerless to save herself from danger had -she not been thus safely protected. The natives informed us that the -female always moults in this manner during the period of incubation, and -does not recover her plumage till the young are ready to fly. Horsfield -mentions having been told that should the male bird discover that a rival -has attempted to minister to his partner's wants during his absence in -search of food, he at once tears down the protecting wall, and leaves his -fickle mistress to perish from exposure and hunger. The nest of this bird -described by Bernstein was formed of a few twigs and chips of wood placed -at the bottom of the hole, which contained a still blind nestling, and an -egg that was nearly hatched. The latter was of small size, oval in form, -and had a rough white shell, marked here and there with pale red and brown -spots and cloudings. In an account given by Layard of the incubation of -an allied species, he says: "My friend, Mrs. Baker, thus speaks of the -singular habits this bird exhibits, in common with its congeners, of -blocking up the sitting female in her nest:--'Building her up with mud -and sticks into old broken hollow trees, or between the crowded stems of -the tall euphorbia in the forests, and closing up the entrance in such -a manner that it is impossible to escape, only leaving a small hole for -the purpose of feeding her during her long imprisonment; I do not know -how long she is thus kept in durance vile, but we have sometimes taken -the females out, and found them so cramped and weak as to be unable to -fly. This peculiar habit may be a precautionary measure, to protect -the female during the season of incubation, as she may be too dull and -exhausted to fly from approaching danger. Depend upon it, it is not done -in vain. We self-willed and presumptuous beings often act without reason -or reflection, but the birds of the air and the lilies of the field are -protected by a higher Power.'" - - -THE ABBAGAMBA, OR ABYSSINIAN HORNBILL. - -The ABBAGAMBA, or ABYSSINIAN HORNBILL (_Bucorax Abyssinicus_), -a well-known African species of the above family, is a large, -powerfully-formed bird, with short wings and tail and long legs. Its huge -beak, about a foot in length, is slightly curved, flat at its sides, -and blunt at the tip. The base of the upper mandible is surmounted by a -high protuberance. The regions of the eye and throat are bare, and very -brightly coloured. In the wing the sixth quill is longer than the rest. -The entire plumage, except six yellowish white primary quills, is of a -glossy black, the eye is dark brown, and the beak black, with a red and -yellow spot on its upper mandible. The eye-rings and throat are dark grey, -the latter bordered with bright red. The female is smaller than her mate, -and has only a comparatively small portion of her neck bare. The length of -the male is forty-three inches and a half, and his breadth seventy inches; -the wing measures twenty-one inches and three-quarters, and the tail -thirteen inches and a half. - -[Illustration: THE ABBAGAMBA, OR ABYSSINIAN HORNBILL (_Bucorax -Abyssinicus_).] - -This remarkable bird is found over a large portion of Africa, and is -common in Abyssinia, where it subsists principally on a large beetle -that abounds in the Teff fields at certain seasons. In some parts of the -continent it is regarded with superstitious veneration, and is known -as the Tier el Naciba, or Bird of Destiny. So strong, indeed, is this -feeling among the natives, that they will not permit an Abbagamba to -be killed near their dwellings, lest they should lose their flocks and -cattle by disease; under any circumstances, however, this species is but -little liable to molestation, as the disgusting stench emitted by its -body renders a near approach to it almost impossible. During the breeding -season the Abyssinian Hornbills live in pairs, but after that period -wander about the fields in parties in search of locusts, grasshoppers, -and beetles. Gourney tells us that they also devour snails, lizards, -frogs, rats, mice, and similar fare. Insects they obtain by hacking -in the ground with their powerful bill, and then, after tossing their -victim in the air, catch it in their extended mandibles as it descends. -According to Gourney they attack snakes with great intrepidity, employing -their wing as a shield against the dangerous foe, and, should he prove -formidable, calling in the assistance of their companions, in order more -speedily to dispatch him. When excited, these strange birds present a most -extraordinary appearance, as they stalk along with throat inflated and -wings trailing, the tail meanwhile being constantly opened and closed, -after the manner of a Turkey-cock. Their step, which resembles that of -a Raven, is unsteady, and their movements in the air, contrary to the -usually received idea, both light and graceful; they, however, rarely -fly to any distance, but, if alarmed, merely rise and take refuge in a -neighbouring tree. Should any suspicious sound attract the attention of a -party of these birds, they stand erect and listen attentively, with bill -wide open, and, at the first note uttered by one of their number, at once -hurry to a place of safety, usually selecting such spots as command a -free view of the surrounding country. The cry of the Abbagamba is deep, -harsh, and so resonant that, according to Gourney, it can be heard at the -distance of more than a mile. While engaged in attracting the attention of -his mate, the male often continues his call, almost without intermission, -for a quarter of an hour at a time, and is answered by her repeatedly in -a somewhat higher tone. The nest, as we ourselves ascertained, is made in -large hollow trees, with the entrance on the east side. The eggs, we learn -from Heuglin, are small and round, with a rough white shell. A nestling -found by us at first exhibited no trace of the horny excrescence on its -bill, and, on being shut up in a yard with a variety of other live stock, -soon became tame, and lived on excellent terms with its companions. - -[Illustration] - - - - -GALLINACEOUS BIRDS (_Gallinæ_). - - -We have now arrived at an important division of the feathered tribes, -all the members of which are more or less terrestrial. They generally -procure their food from the surface of the ground, upon which they run -or walk with facility, and many of them scratch up the earth in search -of such nutritive materials as serve for their subsistence. They have, -therefore, in conformity with such a mode of life, a short or moderately -long beak, which is usually vaulted above. Their body is heavy, and their -wings generally short. They all live principally upon grain, and are -furnished with a strong muscular gizzard. To this order belong our game -birds, and most of our poultry. Their flesh is edible, and supplies us -with wholesome and nutritious food, and from the facility with which they -are procurable, and the ease with which some are domesticated, are of the -utmost importance to mankind. - -The members of this division were separated by Cuvier into two -sections--the COLUMBÆ, or Pigeons, and the GALLINÆ, properly so called. -More recently, however, these sections have been considered as forming two -distinct orders, distinguished by the names of the PIGEONS (_Gyratores_) -and the SCRAPERS (_Rasores_), or TRUE GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. - - -PIGEONS. - -The place which the Pigeons ought to occupy in the zoological system -has been a very fertile subject of dispute. Linnæus classed them with -the _Passeres;_ Buffon, Pennant, and Latham arrange them as an order -by themselves; while Cuvier and others place them in the category of -Gallinaceous Birds. The settlement of this question is, indeed, a matter -of considerable difficulty, as the habits of the entire race are in many -respects very peculiar. Like the Passerine Birds, they associate in pairs -during the nuptial season, work together in the construction of their -nest, and materially assist in the incubation of their eggs and the -care of their progeny, which latter, blind and helpless when they are -first hatched, are fed in the nest that forms their cradle, and which -they never quit until fully fledged; indeed, for some time afterwards -they are unable to supply their own wants, and depend entirely upon the -assistance of their parents. The features in which they differ from the -Passerine race are, however, equally well marked; these consist in their -manner of drinking and of administering food to their young family, in -the singularity of their caresses, in the nature of their plumage, and -in their vocal capabilities. They neither sing nor utter any cry; their -only voice in the adult state consists of a full, rolling sound, generally -designated by the term "cooing." Other dissimilarities separate them from -the Gallinaceous races, with which they have little in common, either -in their instincts, their manner of life, or their mode of pairing. The -_Gallinæ_ are almost all of them polygamists, and the females, by laying -numerous eggs, produce a covey at a single brood. Moreover, in temperate -climates, this happens but once in the year. The Pigeons, on the contrary, -are all of them strictly monogamous, and the female lays but two eggs for -each sitting, although she has several broods. In the Gallinaceous tribes -the male renders no assistance to the female, either in the construction -of the nest or in the care of their progeny. The chickens are born with -their eyesight perfect, and as soon as they escape from the egg-shell -are able to run about, and procure for themselves their own food. The -principal distinctive character of the _Columbæ_ is furnished by the -structure of the bill. The upper mandible consists of a horny apical -portion, which is often of considerable length and strength, but its -base is formed by a convex cartilaginous plate, in the anterior portion -of which the nostrils are situated. The skin covering the cartilaginous -portion is of a soft texture, very different from the rest of the bill. -It is sometimes smooth, and clothed with a sort of scurf, but in other -cases it is warty, or even developed into a fleshy wattle. This is -especially the case in some domesticated varieties of the Pigeon. The -_Columbæ_ are provided with short tarsi and moderately long toes, all -scutellated. The toes are four in number, three in front and one behind. -The anterior toes are not united by a membrane at the base. The hinder -toe is placed on the same plane with those in front, and the whole sole -of the foot is formed of soft papillated pads, which are usually a good -deal wider than the scutellated upper portion of the toes. The wings, -which are generally long and pointed, contain ten primary quills, and the -tail usually consists of twelve feathers, although in some cases there -are sixteen. Another important character distinguishing these birds, as -compared with the _Gallinæ_, is that their feathers are destitute of the -plumules, or accessory plumes, which are greatly developed in Gallinaceous -Birds. The form of the wing in Pigeons is sufficient to indicate that they -are capable of powerful flight, and many of them are remarkable for the -speed with which they traverse the air, especially when engaged in their -migrations. Most of them are arboreal, and nestle in the holes of trees; -others frequent rocks, but all perch with great facility; nevertheless, -they generally seek their food upon the ground, and walk or run without -difficulty. They are also remarkable for their mode of drinking, in -which they differ from all other birds. The general practice of birds in -drinking is to take up a small portion of water in the bill, and then, by -raising the head, to allow it to run down into the throat. The Pigeons, -on the contrary, dip their bills into the water, and hold them there till -they have quenched their thirst. These birds are inhabitants of the warmer -and temperate regions of the earth, but they are found in most abundance -in hot climates, where, also, their plumage attains a brilliancy of which -that of our native species gives us but an imperfect idea. - - * * * * * - -The FRUIT PIGEONS (_Trerones_) are recognisable by their compact body, -short, thick beak, powerful, broad-soled, but short feet, moderate-sized -wings, and short tail; the latter is composed of fourteen feathers, and is -either slightly cuneiform or straight at its extremity. The plumage, in -which green predominates, is always brilliant. - -The members of this group inhabit the whole of India, the Malayan -Peninsula, Australia, and Africa, and are usually seen in parties of -variable number, perched upon fruit-trees. Their movements much resemble -those of the Parrots, and their voice, unlike that of most of their -congeners, is loud and sweet. Such species of Fruit Pigeons as inhabit -India (and probably Africa) place their very loosely-constructed nest at -the summit of a lofty tree, and lay two white eggs. - - -THE PARROT PIGEON. - -The PARROT PIGEON (_Phalacroteron Abyssinica_), a beautiful species of -the above group, is powerfully built, with long wings and a short tail; -its beak, which is short and strong, has the base bare and the upper -mandible hooked at its tip; the short tarsus is almost entirely covered -with feathers, and the broad-soled foot furnished with small toes; the -wing, in which the second quill is the longest, is pointed, and the tail -straight at its extremity. The plumage of this beautiful bird is pale -olive-green on the mantle and light yellow on the under side; the head, -throat, and breast are greyish green, the shoulders of a rich deep red, -the wing-covers of a blackish hue, broadly edged with pale yellow; the -quills black, edged with a lighter shade; the dark grey tail is black upon -the under portion, from the root to the centre, and from that point to -the tip of a silver-grey; the purple-red iris is surrounded by a narrow -blue ring; a bare patch which encircles the eye is blueish red, the cere -of a dirty coral-red; the white beak is shaded with blue, and tipped with -pale red; the foot is deep orange-yellow. The length of this species is -twelve and its breadth twenty-one inches; the wing measures six inches -and three-quarters, and the tail four inches and a quarter. The female is -somewhat smaller in size, but closely resembles her mate in the coloration -of the plumage. - -This Pigeon has been met with in Great Namaqua Land, Western Africa, -and Abyssinia. Temminck informs us that it frequents the settlements of -the traders, and is constantly to be seen perching perfectly motionless -upon the trees during the heat of the day; at the approach of the rainy -season, he tells us, it consorts with others of its species in large -flocks, and wanders forth to more southern portions of the continent: our -own experience would, however, lead us to condemn the latter statement as -erroneous, and, indeed, all recent observations on this point prove that -this bird does not migrate. Lofty mimosa-trees, surrounded by bushes of -Christ's-thorn, and interlaced with the streaming tendrils of the cissus, -are the favourite resorts of such of these birds as inhabit regions where -those trees are abundant, while such as occupy the mountain-valleys seek -shelter amid the luxuriant foliage of the tamarind-tree, or upon the -well-covered branches of the lofty sycamore. Occasionally this species is -seen living in pairs, but most usually in small parties of from eight to -twenty birds. Even when thus associated, it is easy to distinguish the -different couples, as the males constantly perch and fly close to their -mates, towards whom they exhibit the utmost tenderness, endeavouring -to excite their attention and admiration by agitating their wings, and -caressing and tending them with all the devotion exhibited by the Parrot -for its mate. The flight of these Pigeons is rapid, and accompanied by a -harsh, shrill sound, produced by the violent motion of the wings as they -cleave the air. The voice is very unpleasing. Such of these birds as we -observed did not utter the cooing note common to many of their congeners. -The stomachs of those we shot contained berries of various kinds. Le -Vaillant informs us that the Parrot Pigeon deposits her eggs in a bed of -moss and dry leaves within a hollow tree, but this statement we believe -to be erroneous. Owing to the extreme timidity of these birds, it is -exceedingly difficult to obtain specimens. - - * * * * * - -The DOVES (_Columbæ_) are distinguishable from the above group by the -peculiar form of their delicate, moderate-sized beak, which is covered -with a cere at its base, is slightly vaulted, and has a hard, sharp tip. -The comparatively high, slender foot is well adapted for walking firmly -on the ground; the tail, composed of twelve feathers, is either rounded -or straight at its extremity, and the plumage not remarkable for its -brilliancy. The members of this group occupy all parts of the globe, -Europe being particularly rich in species. - - -THE RING-DOVE, WOOD PIGEON, OR CUSHAT. - -The RING-DOVE, WOOD PIGEON, or CUSHAT (_Palumbus torquatus_), has a -large and strongly-built body, comparatively long tail, and short feet. -The plumage of the adult bird is of a deep blue on the head, nape, and -throat; the upper part of the back and upper wing-covers are dark greyish -blue, and the lower portion of the back and rump light blue; the breast -is reddish grey, the centre of the under side light greyish blue, and the -lower belly white. The lower part of the throat is decorated on each side -with a glossy white spot, and gleams with metallic lustre; the quills are -slate-grey and the tail-feathers slate-black, marked with an irregular -stripe of lighter shade. The female is recognisable from her mate by the -inferiority of her size, and the young birds by their comparatively pale -plumage. In all, the eye is pale sulphur-yellow, the beak light yellow, -with a red base, and the foot blueish red. The length of the body is -sixteen inches and a half, and the breadth twenty-eight inches and a half; -the wing measures nine and the tail six inches and a half. - -[Illustration: THE PARROT PIGEON (_Phalacroteron Abyssinica_).] - -The Ring-dove, so called on account of the white feathers that partially -encircle the throat, is the largest of all the wild Pigeons met with in -Europe, the warm and temperate portions of which it frequents in large -numbers, only visiting such northern countries as Sweden and Norway during -the warm seasons. It is particularly fond of fir plantations, and in these -its tender, cooing note may be heard during the entire spring and summer. -In England these Pigeons resort to woods, coppices, and enclosed ground; -and in winter assemble and roost in large parties on the summits of lofty -trees, the ash-tree affording them a very favourite gathering-place. Their -food consists of young leaves and seeds of various kinds, according to -the season of the year. In spring and summer they subsist principally -on the tender leaves of growing plants, and often commit great ravages -in fields of beans and peas. Spring-sown corn is also attacked by them, -both in the grain and the blade; and as soon as young turnips have put -forth their second leaves, they, too, become objects of devastation. As -the season advances they visit the corn-fields, especially those in the -neighbourhood of their native woods, and seek for oily seeds of all kinds -with great eagerness. At the approach of autumn they assemble in small -flocks, and resort to oak and beech trees, where acorns and beech-mast, -swallowed whole, afford them an abundant and nourishing diet. In winter -these small flocks unite, and form larger ones, so large, indeed, that it -would appear probable that their numbers are considerably augmented by -arrivals from colder climates. Both parents assist in making their strange -and carelessly constructed abode, which scarcely deserves to be called a -nest, being nothing more than a mere platform of twigs, so loosely put -together that the brood is distinctly visible through the interstices. -The fork of a branch is usually selected as a resting place for the nest. -The eggs, two in number, are long, rough-shelled, and of a glossy white; -both ends are of equal breadth. The work of incubation is shared by both -parents; the father, in such broods as we have observed, taking his place -upon the nest from about nine or ten in the morning till three or four in -the afternoon. When first hatched the young are fed with pulp from the -crops of the adult birds, and, when older with softened seeds. When strong -enough to go forth into the world, each parent takes care of a fledgling, -and conducts it into the fields to seek for food on its own account. -Towards man these birds exhibit much timidity, and if disturbed whilst -brooding often desert their eggs. - -[Illustration: THE RING-DOVE, OR WOOD PIGEON (_Palumbus torquatus_).] - -The Ring-dove is easily tamed, but very rarely breeds in captivity; and -even when reared from the nest, if set at liberty, it at once seeks its -native woods, and never voluntarily returns. - -In all ages of the world this Dove has been regarded with especial favour, -and, as a sacred symbol, is in some countries regarded with particular -reverence. - -The Himalayan Cushat differs from the European by the neck-patch being -clayey buff instead of white, and much contracted in size, also in -the less extent of the white border to the primaries. Mr. Blyth also -notices that whilst in European birds the green gloss prevails above the -neck-patch, and amethystine below, the reverse is the case in the Asiatic -race. This Wood Pigeon has only been found in the North-western Himalayas, -near Simla, and in the Alpine Punjaub. It visits the salt range and the -plains of the Punjaub during winter. - - -THE STOCK DOVE. - -The STOCK DOVE (_Columba œnas_) is of a deep blue upon the head, throat, -upper wings, lower part of back, and rump; the upper portion of the back -is deep greyish blue, the region of the crop rich deep red; the rest of -the under side pale blue. The quills and ends of the tail-feathers are -slate-blue, the wing is decorated with a dark band, and the neck enlivened -by the metallic lustre common to the race of Pigeons. The eye is deep -brown, the beak pale yellow, with dark flesh-pink base, powdered with -white, and the foot pale red. The young resemble the parent birds, but are -duller in their colours. The length of this species is from twelve inches -to twelve and a half, and its breadth from twenty-five to twenty-six -inches; the wing measures eight inches and a half and the tail five inches. - -Many authors have regarded this as the same species as the Rock Dove, -or as having but trifling differences. Yarrell, however, considers them -to be perfectly distinct, both as to habits, voice, plumage, and the -localities which they frequent. "The Stock Dove," says this accurate -author, "was called _œnas_[A] on account of the vinous claret-colour -of the plumage of the neck; and Stock Dove, not because it was by some -considered to be the origin of our domestic stock, but because it builds -in the stocks of trees, particularly such as have been headed down, and -have become in consequence rugged and bushy at the top." In more open -parts of the country, holes in the ground are selected as breeding-places, -especially the burrows of rabbits. When the warreners find the young in -a burrow, they fix sticks at the mouth of the hole in such a manner as -to prevent the escape of the young, but so as to allow the old birds to -feed them. Bishop Stanley refers to this bird's habit of building in -holes as illustrative of a passage in Scripture. He says; "In the Eastern -countries and the Holy Land, the Wild Pigeons almost invariably prefer -such situations to trees, thus confirming the words of the prophet, who -speaks of the 'dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth' -(Jer. xlviii. 28)." - -When the eggs are laid in this manner in deserted burrows, they are either -placed on the bare sand or upon a few dried roots, about a yard within the -entrance. The Stock Dove also nestles under furze bushes, or in the holes -of decayed trees. The eggs are two in number, oval and white, and are laid -about the end of March or beginning of April. The food of the Stock Dove -is similar to that of the last-mentioned species. - -The _Columba œnas_ has not been found in Scotland. On the continent of -Europe it is abundant, visiting the central and northern parts during -the summer, and it has been seen in Northern Africa. It is also said to -be met with in the Deccan. The harsh and somewhat grunting note of this -species is usually uttered while the bird is perching, and is accompanied -by considerable inflation of the throat. When in flight its movements -are very rapid and noisy, the wings producing a rushing sound, which -gradually becomes shriller and clearer, but altogether subsides when -the gently hovering motion commences that precedes alighting. So strong -is the love of the Stock Dove for its favourite retreat, that even if -repeatedly alarmed it returns immediately to its place. The period of -incubation commences early in spring, and, if not disturbed, the female -produces three broods in the season, the first eggs being deposited by -the beginning of April. During the whole time his mate is thus busily -engaged, the male bird testifies the greatest devotion, keeping close to -her, and constantly uttering his cooing note. Many are the quarrels that -ensue between the various couples at this period, for, as each requires -an unused hole in some tree wherein to deposit a brood, the demand is -usually greater than the supply, and as these localities are also much -resorted to by such formidable antagonists as Starlings, Woodpeckers, -and Jackdaws, the domestic career of a pair of Stock Doves is by no means -one of uninterrupted peace and harmony. This constant change of domicile -is rendered necessary by the rapid accumulation of the castings from the -young, with which the inmates become so soiled that some time elapses -after they have left the nest before the feathers are thoroughly purified; -fortunately for the building birds, by the following season, insects -of various kinds and the busy Woodpecker have cleared away the refuse -from the holes, and made them fit for occupation. We are told that the -affection of this species for its brood is so strong that it is almost -impossible to force the parent birds away, and that a female Stock Dove -will remain to be shot rather than desert her eggs. - - -THE ROCK DOVE. - -The ROCK DOVE (_Columba livia_)--see Coloured Plate XXVII.--is of a pale -greyish hue on the mantle and bright blue on the under side; the head is -light slate-blue, the throat deep slate-colour, glistening above with -bright blueish green, and on its lower portion with a purple gloss; the -rump is white. Two black lines pass across the deep grey wings; the -tail-feathers are dark bright blue, tipped with black; those at the -exterior are white on the outer web. The eye is sulphur-yellow, the beak -black, with a light blue base, and the foot deep blueish red. The sexes -are alike, and the young somewhat deeper in their colours than the adult -birds. This species is thirteen inches long and twenty-three broad; the -wing measures eight inches and one-sixth and the tail four inches and -one-third. - -The Rock Dove in its natural state inhabits rocky sea-coasts, flying only -sufficiently inland to procure food. It is spread over a very wide range -of country, being met with as far north as the Faroe Islands, and as far -southward as Africa. In Great Britain it is found both on the southern -coasts of England and in the east and west of Scotland. In the Orkneys it -breeds in the crevices of the rocks, the nests being at such a depth that -they are quite out of reach. During the day the Doves associate in flocks -and search for food, which consists principally of grain and seeds. - -The Rock Dove breeds twice in the season, each brood consisting of two -young, generally a male and a female. The eggs are white and of a short -oval shape, rather pointed at one end. From this species our Dove-cote -Pigeons are derived, and they, like their original progenitors, seldom -roost or settle on trees. - -The nest of the Rock Dove is a mere heap of straw, dry grass, and twigs, -with a slight hollow in its centre for the reception of the eggs, which -have a glossy, pure white shell. The female alone builds, but is supplied -with materials by her devoted mate, who remains constantly near her both -day and night. The blind and unusually helpless young are hatched about -sixteen or eighteen days after the eggs are laid, and leave the shell -within from twenty-four to thirty-six hours of each other. As with their -congeners, the nestlings are at first nourished with pulp from the crops -of their parents, then with partially digested seeds, and when fledged, -with hard seeds, with the addition of tiny pebbles and bits of clay, to -assist the still weak gizzard in the work of trituration. When about a -month old the young are strong enough to quit the nest in company with -their parents, who, however, soon leave them to their own devices, and at -once commence their preparations for a second brood. - -"The Blue Pigeon, or Rock Dove of India" says Jerdon, "differs from -that of Europe only in having an ash-coloured instead of pure white -rump. It is one of the most common and abundant birds, congregating -throughout the country in large flocks, and breeding wherever they can -find suitable spots. They are most partial to large buildings, such as -churches, pagodas, mosques, tombs, and the like, frequently entering -verandahs of inhabited houses and building in the cornices. Hollows in -walls of cities or towns are favourite places, and in some parts of the -country they prefer holes in wells. In default of such spots they will -breed in crevices and cavities of rocks, caverns, and sea-side cliffs, -and are particularly partial to rocky waterfalls. The celebrated falls of -Gaissoppa are tenanted by thousands of Blue Pigeons. These Pigeons are -held in respect by most Hindoos, and almost venerated by some, insomuch -that if a pair build in the house of a native he considers it a favourable -omen." - - * * * * * - -The CUCKOO PIGEONS (_Macropygiæ_) constitute a group distinguishable -by the slender formation of their bodies, their small heads, long -tails, and short wings and feet. These birds are all eminently social -in their habits, and frequently keep together in large flocks. All -subsist principally upon fruit and seeds, and, in order to obtain these, -constantly occupy woods and forests, from whence they occasionally venture -forth to seek for food in well-planted gardens and orchards. - -[Illustration: THE PASSENGER PIGEON (_Ectopistes migratorius_).] - - -THE PASSENGER PIGEON, OR CAROLINA TURTLE-DOVE. - -The CAROLINA TURTLE-DOVE, or PASSENGER PIGEON (_Ectopistes migratorius_), -a large and well-known member of the above group, inhabiting North -America, is very powerfully built, and has a long neck and small head. The -medium-sized beak is slenderly formed, and the wing, in which the second -quill exceeds the rest in length, long and pointed; the tail is long and -graduated, the tarsus strong, but shorter than the centre toe without its -claw. The plumage of the mantle is slate-blue and the under side reddish -grey; the sides of the throat gleam with violet; the belly and vent are -white, the wings black, edged with white; the centre tail-feathers are -black, those at the side light grey, marked with greyish brown and black -spots at the base of the inner web. The eye is of a brilliant red, the -beak black, and the foot crimson. The female is smaller than her mate, -with duller plumage, in which greyish brown predominates; her back and -rump are whitish grey, and the centre tail-feathers reddish brown. The -length of the male is sixteen inches and a quarter, and his breadth -twenty-five inches; the wing measures seven inches and two-thirds, and -the tail eight inches and one-sixth. In the female, the length is only -fifteen and the breadth twenty-three inches. The Carolina Pigeons inhabit -the United States during the summer season, from Canada to Florida, and -from the sea-coast to the west of the Mississippi. In the Northern and -Middle States they are partially migratory. In North and South Carolina -they assemble in flocks during the winter, sometimes of many hundred -individuals, but in the spring they return northward, and most frequently -fly in pairs, more than three or four being rarely seen together. Their -flight is rapid, and generally accompanied by a whistling sound. They -frequently circle about, but seldom mount above the trees, visiting the -fields for the grain they may be able to glean, and live principally on -seeds, acorns, and berries; they are also fond of hempseed and Indian -corn. In the winter, when food is scarce, they visit the farmyards, and -feed in company with other guests. - -The nest is but slightly formed of a few twigs, and lined with dry -root-fibres. The eggs, two in number, are snow-white. The young are fed -by both parents. More than two broods are seldom produced in the year, -sometimes there is only one, but this appears to depend upon the time -of laying, which in some parts of the United States begins as early as -March, in others not until the middle of May, and on the borders of Lake -Superior still later in the year. The usual roosting-places of these birds -are among long grass in deserted fields, or dried stalks of corn, amid -the stubble, or among the withered foliage of trees. They will return to -favourite roosting-grounds from a considerable distance; but though a -whole flock often settles in one locality, they seldom roost very near -to each other, and if any one approach, even in the darkest night, will -at once rise and take flight. The note of the Carolina Turtle Dove is -low, plaintive, and repeated at intervals; in the early spring it may be -heard among the newly-budding trees of the forest, even at a considerable -distance. - -"The Passenger Pigeon," writes Audubon, "or, as it is usually named in -America, the Wild Pigeon, moves with extreme rapidity, propelling itself -by quickly repeated flaps of the wings, which it brings more or less near -the body, according to the degree of velocity which is required. Like -the Domestic Pigeon, it often flies during the love season in a circling -manner, supporting itself with both wings angularly elevated, in which -position it keeps them until it is about to alight. Now and then, during -these circular flights, the tips of the primary quills of each wing are -made to strike against each other, producing a smart rap, which may be -heard at a distance of thirty or forty yards. Before alighting, the -Wild Pigeon, like the Carolina Parrot and a few other species of birds, -breaks the force of its flight by repeated flappings, as if apprehensive -of receiving injury from coming too suddenly in contact with the branch -or spot of ground on which it intends to settle. I have commenced -my description of this species with the above account of its flight -because the most important facts connected with its habits relate to its -migrations. These are entirely owing to the necessity of procuring food, -and are not performed with a view of escaping the severity of a northern -latitude, or of seeking a southern one for the purpose of breeding. They, -consequently, do not take place at any fixed period or season of the year; -indeed, it sometimes happens that a continuance of a sufficient supply of -food in one district will keep these birds absent from another for years. -I know that in Kentucky they remained for several years constantly, and -were nowhere else to be found. They all suddenly disappeared, when the -mast was exhausted, and did not return for a long period. - -"Their great power of flight enables them to survey and pass over an -astonishing extent of country in a very short time. This is proved by -facts well known. Thus, Pigeons have been killed in the neighbourhood of -New York with their crops full of rice, which they must have collected in -the fields of Georgia and Carolina, these districts being the nearest in -which they could possibly have procured a supply of that kind of food. -As their power of digestion is so great that they will decompose food -entirely in twelve hours, they must in this case have travelled between -three and four hundred miles in six hours, which shows their average -rate of speed to be at about one mile in a minute. A velocity such as -this would enable one of these birds, were it so inclined, to visit the -European continent in less than three days. - -"This great power of flight is seconded by as great a power of vision, -which enables them, as they travel at that swift rate, to inspect the -country below, discover their food with facility, and thus attain the -object for which their journey has been undertaken. This I have also -proved to be the case by having observed them, when passing over a sterile -district, or one scantily furnished with food suited to them, keep high -in the air, flying with an extended front, so as to enable them to survey -hundreds of acres at once. On the contrary, when the land is richly -covered with food, or the trees abundantly hung with mast, they fly low, -in order to discover the part most plentifully supplied." - -The innumerable hosts in which the Passenger Pigeon moves, as related by -Audubon and Wilson, might seem to be almost fabulous. - -"On my way to Frankfort," says the latter writer, "when about one -o'clock, the Pigeons which I had observed the greater part of the morning -flying northerly began to return in such immense numbers as I had never -before witnessed. Coming to an opening by the side of a creek called -the Benson, where I had a more uninterrupted view, I was astonished at -their appearance. They were flying with great steadiness and rapidity at -a height beyond gunshot, in several strata deep, and so close together -that could shot have reached them one discharge could not have failed -of bringing down several individuals. From right to left, as far as the -eye could reach, the breadth of this vast procession extended, seeming -everywhere equally crowded. Curious to determine how long this appearance -would continue, I took my watch out to note the time, and sat down to -observe them. It was then half-past one. I sat for more than an hour, but -instead of any diminution of this prodigious procession, it seemed to -increase in numbers and rapidity, and, anxious to reach Frankfort before -night, I rose and went on. About four o'clock in the afternoon I crossed -the Kentucky River, at the town of Frankfort, at which time the living -torrent above my head seemed as numerous and as extensive as ever. Long -after this I observed them in large bodies, that continued to pass for six -or eight minutes, and these again were followed by other detached bodies, -all moving in the same direction, till after six in the evening. The great -breadth of front which this mighty multitude preserved would seem to -intimate a corresponding breadth of their breeding-place." - -"In the autumn of 1813," relates Audubon, "I left my house at Henderson, -on the banks of the Ohio, on my way to Louisville. In passing over the -Barrens, a few miles beyond Hardensburg, I observed the Pigeons flying -from north-east to south-west in greater numbers than I had ever seen -them before, and feeling an inclination to count the flocks that might -pass within reach of my eye in one hour, I dismounted, seated myself on -an eminence, and began to mark with my pencil, making a dot for every -flock that passed. In a short time, finding the task that I had undertaken -impracticable, as the birds poured on in countless multitudes, I rose, -and counting the dots that had been put down, found that one hundred and -sixty-three had been made in twenty-one minutes. I travelled on, and -still met more the farther I proceeded. The air was literally filled with -Pigeons; the light of noon-day was obscured as by an eclipse; the dung -fell in spots, not unlike melting flakes of snow, and the continued buzz -of wings had a tendency to lull my senses to repose. - -"While waiting for dinner at Young's Inn, at the confluence of Salt River -with the Ohio, I saw at my leisure immense legions still going by, with a -front reaching far beyond the Ohio on the west, and the beech-wood forests -directly on the east of me. Not a single bird alighted; for not a nut or -acorn was that year to be seen in the neighbourhood. They consequently -flew so high that different trials to reach them with a rifle proved -ineffectual, nor did the reports disturb them in the least. I cannot -describe to you the extreme beauty of their aërial evolutions. When a Hawk -chanced to press upon the rear of a flock, at once, like a torrent, and -with a noise like thunder, they rushed into a compact mass, pressing upon -each other towards the centre. In these almost solid masses they darted -forward in undulating and angular lines, descended and swept close over -the earth with inconceivable velocity, mounted perpendicularly, so as to -resemble a vast column, and when high in the air were seen wheeling and -twisting within their continued lines, which then resembled the coils of a -gigantic serpent. - -"Before sunset I reached Louisville, distant from Hardensburg fifty-five -miles. The Pigeons were still passing in undiminished numbers, and -continued to do so for three days in succession. The people were all in -arms. The banks of the Ohio were crowded with men and boys, incessantly -shooting at the pilgrims, which there flew lower as they passed the river. -Multitudes were thus destroyed. For a week or more the population fed on -no other flesh but Pigeons', and talked of nothing but Pigeons. - -"It is extremely interesting to see flock after flock performing exactly -the same evolutions which had been traced as it were in the air by a -preceding flock. Thus, should a Hawk have charged on a group at a certain -spot, the angles, curves, and undulations that have been described by the -birds in their efforts to escape from the dreaded talons of the plunderer -are undeviatingly followed by the next group that comes up. Should the -bystander happen to witness one of these affrays, and, struck with the -rapidity and elegance of the motions exhibited, feel desirous of seeing -them repeated, his wishes will be gratified if he only remain in the place -until the next group comes up. - -"Perhaps it may not be amiss to make an estimate of the number of -Pigeons contained in such a host, and of the amount of food consumed by -them. Granting the procession to be a mile broad, which is certainly -no exaggeration, and that at a given speed it travels for three hours, -we obtain a parallelogram of eighteen square miles, English measure; -this, reckoning only two pigeons to the square yard, would give -1,000,115,736,000 individuals in such a flight; and if each Pigeon -required daily half a pint of food, the whole multitude would consume -8,712,000 bushels daily. Wilson makes a similar calculation, and arrives -at the conclusion that one swarm contains more than 2,000,000,000,000 -Pigeons, and requires daily 17,424,000 bushels of corn. - -"As soon as the Pigeons discover a sufficiency of food to entice them -to alight, they fly round in circles, reviewing the country below. -During their evolutions on such occasions, the dense mass which they -form exhibits a beautiful appearance as it changes its direction, now -displaying a glistening sheet of azure, when the backs of the birds come -simultaneously into view, and anon suddenly presenting a mass of rich -deep purple. They then pass lower over the woods, and for a moment are -lost among the foliage, but again emerge and are seen gliding aloft. They -now alight, but the next moment, as if suddenly alarmed, take flight, -producing by the flapping of their wings a noise like the roar of distant -thunder, and sweep through the forests to see if danger is near. Hunger, -however, soon brings them to the ground. When alighted, they are seen -industriously throwing up the dead leaves in quest of the fallen mast. -The rear ranks are continually rising, passing over the main body, and -alighting in front in such rapid succession that the whole flock seems -still on the wing. The quantity of ground thus swept is astonishing, and -so completely has it been cleared that the gleaner who might follow in -their rear would find his labour completely lost. Whilst feeding, their -avidity is at times so great that, in attempting to swallow a large acorn -or nut, they are seen gaping for a long while as if in the agonies of -suffocation. - -"On such occasions, when the woods are filled with these Pigeons, they are -killed in immense numbers, although no apparent diminution ensues. About -the middle of the day, after their repast is finished, they settle on the -trees to enjoy rest and digest their food. On the ground they walk with -ease, as well as on the branches, frequently jerking their beautiful tail, -and moving the neck backwards and forwards in the most graceful manner. As -the sun begins to sink beneath the horizon, they depart _en masse_ for the -roosting-place, which not unfrequently is hundreds of miles distant, as -has been ascertained by persons who have kept an account of their arrival -and departure. - -"Let us now, kind reader," continues Audubon, "inspect their place of -nightly rendezvous. One of these curious places, on the banks of the Green -River, in Kentucky, I repeatedly visited. It was, as is always the case, -in a portion of the forest where the trees were of great magnitude, and -where there is little underwood. I rode through it upwards of forty miles, -and, crossing it in different parts, found its average breadth to be more -than three miles. My first view of it was about a fortnight subsequent to -the period when they had made choice of it, and I arrived there nearly -two hours before sunset. Few Pigeons were then to be seen, but a great -number of persons, with horses and wagons, guns and ammunition, had -already established encampments on the borders. Two farmers from the -vicinity of Russelsville, distant more than a hundred miles, had driven -upwards of three hundred hogs to be fattened on the Pigeons which were -to be slaughtered. Here and there the people employed in plucking and -salting what had already been procured were seen sitting in the midst of -large piles of these birds. The dung lay several inches deep, covering -the whole extent of the roosting-place. Many trees, two feet in diameter, -I observed were broken off at a great distance from the ground, and the -branches of many of the largest and tallest had given way, as if the -forest had been swept by a tornado. Everything proved to me that the -number of birds resorting to this part of the forest must be immense, -beyond conception. As the period of their arrival approached, their foes -anxiously prepared to receive them. Some were furnished with iron pots, -containing sulphur, others with torches of pine-knots, many with poles, -and the rest with guns. The sun was lost to our view, yet not a Pigeon -had arrived. Everything was ready, and all eyes were gazing on the clear -sky which appeared in glimpses amidst the tall trees. Suddenly there -burst forth a general cry of 'Here they come!' The noise which they made, -though yet distant, reminded me of a hard gale at sea, passing through the -rigging of a close-reefed vessel. As the birds arrived and passed over me, -I felt a current of air that surprised me. Thousands were knocked down by -the pole-men. The birds continued to pour in. The fires were lighted, and -a magnificent, as well as wonderful and almost terrifying sight presented -itself. The Pigeons, arriving by thousands, alighted everywhere one above -the other, until solid masses were formed on the branches all round. Here -and there the perches gave way under the weight with a crash, and, falling -to the ground, destroyed hundreds of birds beneath, forcing down the dense -groups with which every stick was loaded. It was a scene of uproar and -confusion. I found it quite useless to speak, or even to shout to those -persons who were nearest to me. Even the reports of the guns were seldom -heard, and I was made aware of the firing only by seeing the shooters -re-loading. No one dared to venture within the line of devastation. The -hogs had been penned up in due time, the picking up of the dead and -wounded being left for the next morning's employment. The Pigeons were -constantly coming, and it was past midnight before I perceived a decrease -in the number of those that arrived. The uproar continued the whole -night, and, as I was anxious to know to what distance the sound reached, -I sent off a man accustomed to perambulate the forest, who, returning two -hours afterwards, informed me he had heard it distinctly when three miles -distant from the spot. Towards the approach of day the noise in some -measure subsided; long before objects were distinguishable the Pigeons -began to move off in a direction quite different from that in which they -had arrived the evening before, and, at sunrise, all that were able to fly -had disappeared. The howling of the wolves now reached our ears, and the -foxes, lynxes, cougars, bears, racoons, opossums, and polecats were seen -sneaking off, while Eagles and Hawks of different species, accompanied by -a crowd of Vultures, came to supplant them, and enjoy their share of the -spoil. - -"It was then that the authors of this devastation began their entry among -the dead, the dying, and the mangled. The Pigeons were picked up and piled -in heaps, until each had as many as he could possibly dispose of, when the -hogs were let loose to feed on the remainder." - -Precisely the same slaughter takes place in the nesting-places of the -Passenger Pigeon, and Audubon goes on to describe these localities in the -following manner:-- - -"The breeding of the Wild Pigeons, and the places chosen for that -purpose, are points of great interest. The time is not much influenced -by season, and the place selected is where food is most plentiful and -most attainable, and always at a convenient distance from water. Forest -trees of great height are those in which the Pigeons form their nests. -Thither the countless myriads resort, and prepare to fulfil one of the -great laws of nature. At this period the note of the Pigeon is a soft -'coo-coo-coo-coo,' much shorter than that of the domestic species. The -common notes resemble the monosyllables 'kee-kee-kee-kee,' the first being -the loudest, the others gradually diminishing in power. The male assumes a -pompous demeanour, and follows the female, whether on the ground or on the -branches, with spread tail and drooping wings. The body is elevated, the -throat swells, the eyes sparkle. He continues his note, and now and then -rises on the wing, and then flies a few yards to approach the fugitive and -timorous female. Like the Domestic Pigeon and other species, they caress -each other by billing, in which action the bill of one is introduced -transversely into that of the other, and both parties alternately disgorge -the contents of their crops by repeated efforts. These preliminary affairs -are soon settled, and the Pigeons commence their nests in peace and -harmony. They are composed of a few dry twigs, crossing each other, and -are supported by forks of the branches. On the same tree from fifty to -one hundred nests may frequently be seen; I might say a greater number, -were I not anxious that, however wonderful my account of the Wild Pigeon -is, you may not feel disposed to refer it to the marvellous. The eggs -are two in number, of a broadly elliptical form, and pure white. During -incubation the male supplies the female with food. Indeed, the tenderness -and affection displayed by these birds towards their mates, are in the -highest degree striking. It is a remarkable fact that each brood generally -consists of a male and a female. The young are fed by the parents in the -manner described above; in other words, the old bird introduces its bill -into the mouth of the young one in a transverse manner, or with the back -of each mandible opposite the separations of the mandibles of the young -bird, and disgorges the contents of its crop. As soon as the young birds -are able to shift for themselves they leave their parents, and continue -separate until they attain maturity; by the end of six months they are -capable of reproducing their species. - -"Here, again, the tyrant of creation, man, interferes, disturbing the -harmony of this peaceful scene. As the young birds grow up, their enemies, -armed with axes, reach the spot, to seize and destroy all they can. The -trees are felled and made to fall in such a way that the cutting of one -causes the overthrow of another, or shakes the neighbouring trees so much -that the young Pigeons or Squabs, as they are named, are violently hurled -to the ground. In this manner also immense quantities are destroyed." - -Wilson thus describes the breeding-places in detail:--"When the Passenger -Pigeons have frequented one of these places for some time, the appearance -it exhibits is surprising. The ground is covered to the depth of several -inches with their dung; all the tender grass and underwood destroyed; -the surface strewed with large limbs of trees broken down by the weight -of the birds clustering one above another; and the trees themselves, for -thousands of acres, killed as completely as if girdled with an axe. The -marks of this desolation remain for years on the spot, and numerous places -could be pointed out where, for several years after, scarcely a single -vegetable made its appearance. By the Indians such a breeding-place is -considered an important source of national profit and supply during the -season, and all their active ingenuity is exercised on the occasion. - -"Not far from Shelbyville, in the State of Kentucky, there was one of -these breeding-places, which stretching through the woods in nearly a -north and south direction, was several miles in breadth, and was said -to be upwards of forty miles in extent. In this tract almost every tree -was furnished with nests, wherever the branches could accommodate them. -The Pigeons made their first appearance there about the tenth of April, -and left it altogether with their young before the twenty-fifth of May. -As soon as the young were fully grown, and before they left the nests, -numerous parties of the inhabitants from all parts of the adjacent -country came with wagons, axes, beds, and cooking utensils, many of them -accompanied by the greater part of their families, and encamped for -several days at this immense nursery. Several of them informed me that the -noise in the woods was so great as to terrify their horses, and that it -was difficult for one person to make another hear without bawling in his -ear. The ground was strewed with broken limbs of trees, eggs, and young -Squab Pigeons, which had been precipitated from above, and on which herds -of hogs were fattening. Hawks, Buzzards, and Eagles were sailing about in -great numbers, and seizing the Squabs from their nests at pleasure; while, -from twenty feet upwards to the tops of the trees, the view through the -woods presented a perpetual tumult of fluttering and crowding Pigeons, -their wings roaring like thunder, mingled with the frequent crash of -falling timber, for now the axe-men were at work, cutting down those trees -that seemed to be most crowded with nests." - -Persons unacquainted with these birds might naturally conclude that such -dreadful havoc might soon put an end to the species, "but I have satisfied -myself," remarks Audubon, "by long observation, that nothing but the -gradual diminution of our forests can accomplish their decrease." In 1805 -there came into New York schooners laden in bulk with Pigeons caught up -the Hudson River, which were sold for a cent apiece. A man in Pennsylvania -caught in a clap-net in one day, upwards of five hundred dozens, sweeping -sometimes twenty dozen or more at a single haul; and in the month of -March, 1830, they were so abundant in the markets of New York that piles -of them met the eye in every direction. - - * * * * * - -The TURTLE DOVES (_Turtures_) constitute a very numerous section, whose -members are all recognisable by their slender body, small head, long wings -and tail, and the comparative length of their feet, which enables them to -walk over the surface of the ground. The plumage is usually of a reddish -hue, and in most species adorned by a broad line around the throat. This -band is either black or spotted black and white. - -The various members of this group inhabit almost every portion of the -globe, Asia and Africa being particularly rich in species. In their -habits they resemble other Pigeons, but are readily distinguished from -them by the peculiarities of their flight and cry. The Turtle Doves are -of a social disposition, and frequently assemble in large flocks, which -fly over large tracts of the surrounding country, after the manner of -the Passenger Pigeons of North America, described above. Brushwood or -groves of low trees are the situations which they principally frequent, -though many species also occupy the moist depths of primeval forests, -and evidently prefer such localities as are in the immediate vicinity of -water. The carelessly-constructed nest is usually placed in low brushwood, -at but a little distance from the ground. - - -THE TURTLE DOVE. - -The TURTLE DOVE (_Turtur auritus_) possesses a slender body, straight -beak, slightly compressed at the tips of both mandibles, long, weak-toed -feet, long wings, in which the second and third quills exceed the rest in -length, and a very decidedly rounded, long tail. The feathers on the back -are brownish grey, edged with brown and spotted with black and grey in the -centre; the top of the head and nape are light greyish blue, the sides of -the throat adorned with four black streaks, bordered with silvery white; -the throat, region of the crop, and upper breast are deep red, the rest -of the under side is purplish grey, shading gradually into greyish white; -the primary quills are blackish grey, the secondaries greyish blue, the -shoulder-feathers of a blackish hue, broadly edged with rust-red. The eye -is brownish yellow, the eye-ring blueish red, the beak black, and the foot -carmine-red. This species is eleven inches long and nineteen and a half -broad; the wing measures six and a half and the tail five inches. - -The Turtle Dove is spread over the whole continent of Europe, even very -far northward, but is not found within the Arctic Circle. In the autumn it -visits the shores of the Mediterranean, going still farther southward as -the season advances. It feeds on grain and vegetables, frequenting fields -of corn and peas. The note is a soft and mournful "coo," often uttered -when the bird is on the ground. The Turtle Dove is merely a summer visitor -to the British Islands, arriving in April or May. It is more numerous in -the southern and midland than in the northern counties, but it has been -seen both in Scotland and Ireland. It frequents woods and fir plantations, -and also thick hedges of ploughed fields. - -The nest of this species is placed in the forked branch of an oak, in a -fir-tree, or near the top of a tall thick bush. Both parents sit by turns, -the male sometimes feeding his mate, and both combining to procure food -for their young. In England, only one brood is produced during the year. -In the autumn, the Turtle Doves fly in parties of ten or twelve, departing -at the close of the fine season to winter in Africa. - -Jerdon tells us that among the Indian species the Ashy Turtle Dove most -resembles that of Great Britain. - - * * * * * - -The INDIAN RING-DOVES (_Streptopelcia_) have a shorter and less abruptly -rounded tail than that possessed by the members of the above group; the -line around the neck completely encircles it, and the general coloration -of the plumage is of a lighter shade. They are all remarkably beautiful -birds. - - -THE INDIAN RING-DOVE. - -The INDIAN RING-DOVE (_Streptopelcia risoria_) has a somewhat shorter and -less decidedly rounded tail than the Turtle Dove. The plumage of this -species is principally of creamy yellow, darkest on the back, and with the -head, throat, and belly of a light shade; the neck is decorated with a -black collar; the quills are of a blackish hue; the eye is light red, the -beak black, and the foot carmine-red. The length of this bird is twelve -and its breadth twenty inches; the wing measures six inches and a half, -and the tail five inches. - -The western part of India, Ceylon, Yemen, Arabia, and a great portion of -Eastern Africa form the habitat of the Indian Ring-dove. Reichenbach, it -is true, discredits the statement of Le Vaillant and other writers who -have described this bird as being met with in Africa, and supposes that -they mistake for it a nearly-allied species: we can, however, positively -assert, on our own experience, that this Ring-dove has been observed not -only near Aden, but in Africa, namely, in Samchara and the forests near -the Blue River, and that in extraordinary numbers. We are certain we are -not mistaken as to the identity of the species, as we killed and closely -examined many African specimens in their native haunts, and found them in -every respect like such as inhabit Asia. - -[Illustration: TURTLE DOVES.] - -This species is generally diffused throughout India, where it frequents -hedges and trees in the neighbourhood of cultivated districts, and also -low bush or reed jungle; it is also found in Ceylon, but is rare in -Malabar and the countries east of the Bay of Bengal. Layard notices its -partiality for euphorbia bushes, on which, he says, it generally builds -its nest. - -Like the other Doves, it breeds in the plains at all seasons, it also -appears to ascend the hills near Mussoora to breed there in spring. The -"coo," says Blyth, is quite different from that of the domestic Turtle -Dove, and may be expressed by "kookoo-koo, kookoo-koo." - -[Illustration: DWARF PIGEON (_Chalcopeleia Afra_).] - - -THE DWARF PIGEON. - -The DWARF PIGEON (_Chalcopeleia Afra_), a small and delicate species found -in Africa, represents a group recognisable by their short, rounded tail, -high tarsi, and the very remarkable metallic coloration of the upper -secondary quills. In this bird the sombre olive-brown mantle is relieved -by a yellowish sheen; the top of the head is grey; the brow and throat are -whitish; the under side is reddish grey, with belly of a very pale tint, -and black rump. The quills are blackish brown, with cinnamon-red roots and -inner web; the metallic patches on the plumage gleam with deep blueish -black; the centre tail-feathers are olive-brown, and those at the exterior -black. The eye is red, the beak blackish, and the foot yellowish red. This -species is seven inches and a quarter long. The wing measures four and the -tail three inches. - -The Dwarf Pigeon inhabits the southern and eastern parts of Africa, rarely -appearing, according to our own observations, farther north than sixteen -degrees north latitude. Amongst the forests in the vicinity of the Blue -River we met with it constantly, as also in the well-wooded valleys of -the Samchara and Abyssinian mountains. In these situations it almost -invariably frequents the shelter of thick brushwood, never ascending to -the summits of lofty trees, and only quitting its leafy concealment for a -few minutes at a time, for the purpose of drinking. The immediate vicinity -of water is an indispensable necessity to these birds, and where this is -to be found they frequently confine their movements within the limits -of a few yards, provided the neighbouring bushes and parasitical plants -afford them a constant supply of the various seeds upon which they rely -for subsistence. In disposition they are peaceful and unsocial, each pair -keeping apart, and never congregating even in small parties. Like most -members of this family, the male exhibits the utmost tenderness towards -his mate. The nest, which is built indifferently in low bushes close to -the ground, on fallen tree trunks, or in hollow trees, resembles that of -other Pigeons, but is somewhat stronger, and more neatly built. In Soudan -the period of incubation commences with the rainy season. The solitary egg -we were able to obtain was found on the fourteenth of January, and had a -yellowish white shell. - - * * * * * - -The GROUND PIGEONS pass their entire lives upon the ground, and are -remarkable for the length of their legs. These birds have short or -moderate-sized wings, and powerful, high tarsi. The tail is variously -formed, being sometimes short, quite straight, slightly rounded, or much -prolonged, and wedge-shaped. The members of this group are met with in all -parts of the globe except the continent of Europe. - - * * * * * - -The AMERICAN GROUND PIGEONS (_Zenaidæ_), as Bonaparte has named such -of these birds as inhabit America, have a powerful body, short wings, -and long, well-developed legs. The various species comprised in this -group are met with in all parts of that continent, but are especially -numerous in the south. In their general habits they seem to occupy a -position intermediate between Pigeons and Rasoreal Birds, and some of them -strikingly resemble certain Partridges. - - * * * * * - -The SINGING DOVES (_Melopeleia_) have comparatively long wings, a -moderate-sized tail, and plumage much resembling that of the Turtle Dove. -The region of the eye is bare. Of these the best known is - - -THE KUKULI. - -The KUKULI (_Melopeleia meloda_) is a species inhabiting South America. -This bird has reddish brown plumage, shaded with yellow. The crown of the -head is deep brown; the under breast and belly are of greyish hue; the -wings dark brown, bordered with greyish white; the tail-feathers blackish -grey tipped with white. Under the ear is an oval black spot, and the sides -of the neck are decorated with patches of metallic brilliancy. The eye -is blackish blue; the eye-ring, or, rather, broad, bare cheek-stripe, is -deep blue; the beak black, and the foot red. This species is twelve inches -long. The wing measures six inches and three-quarters. - -We are without any detailed account of the life of this Pigeon, but -are indebted to Tschudi for a short communication respecting it in his -"Travels in Peru." "The Kukuli," he writes, "one of the largest species of -Pigeon, is a great favourite in this country, and much kept in cages. Its -song, which is monotonous, but very melodious, is continued up from the -earliest hours of the morning till mid-day, and is re-commenced at sunset. -The song consists merely of a threefold repetition of the syllables -'cu-cu-li.' Some of these birds repeat 'cu-cu-li' more than thrice, and -their price increases according to the number of their uninterrupted -repetitions, which seldom exceed five or six. In Coackacra, however, I -heard one of these birds that repeated its 'cu-cu-li' fourteen times, and -the owner would not sell his favourite for a less price than fourteen -ounces of gold." - - * * * * * - -The SPARROW PIGEONS (_Pyrgitænas_), the smallest members of the entire -order, are strongly-built birds, with a short neck and small head. Their -wings, in which the second quill is the longest, are of medium length; the -tail, composed of twelve feathers, is comparatively short, and rounded at -its tip; the short beak is straight and delicate, the foot small, and the -tarsus bare. - - -THE SPARROW PIGEON, OR GROUND DOVE. - -The SPARROW PIGEON, or GROUND DOVE, as it is called in North America -(_Pyrgitænas passerina_, or _Columba passerina_), is principally of a -greyish brown, with dark grey crown of head and nape. The rump is dull -brownish grey, and the breast whitish; the feathers on the breast and -fore part of the throat are edged with deep brown; the quills are dark -brown, with brownish red inner web; the tail-feathers black, those at -the exterior bordered with white on the outer web; the feathers on the -wing-covers are enlivened by round spots of metallic lustre. The eye is -bright orange, the beak pale red, deepest in shade at its tip; the foot -is reddish brown. The Ground Dove is six inches and a half long, and ten -inches and a quarter broad. The wing measures three inches and a quarter, -the tail two inches and a third. - -This species, which is the smallest, most delicate, and inoffensive of -all Doves, is a native of the West Indian Islands and the Southern States -of North America. In the northern parts of that continent it visits the -country near the coast only during the course of its migrations. In -Jamaica, on the contrary, it remains throughout the entire year, living in -small parties of from four to twenty birds, and frequenting grassy plains -or pasture land. - -"The flight of the Ground Dove," says Audubon, "is low, easy, and -accompanied by a whistling sound, produced by the action of the wings -when the bird is surprised and forced to fly; but it seldom flies more -than one hundred yards at a time, and, indeed, is extremely attached to -the spot it has selected for the season. You may drive it to the opposite -end of a field, and yet in a few hours after it may be found in the place -whence you raised it. Although it alights on trees or low bushes, on the -branches of which it walks with ease, the ground is its usual resort. -There it runs with facility, keeping its tail considerably elevated, as if -to prevent it from being soiled. It is also fond of alighting on fences, -where it is easily observed, and where it may be heard cooing for half an -hour at a time. These Pigeons are met with in groups of four or five, and -it is seldom that more than a dozen are seen together. They prefer the -thinly-grained, sandy portions of cotton-fields, pea-patches, and such -places. In East Florida they are seen in the villages, and resort to the -orange-groves about them, where they frequently breed." "I have found -them," continues our author, "in the famous Spanish fort of St. Augustine, -where I have been surprised to see them rise almost perpendicularly to -reach above the parapets, by which they insured their escape. They are -easily caught in traps, and in that place are sold for six and a quarter -cents each. They readily become domesticated, and, indeed, so very gentle -are they that I have seen a pair that have been caught at the time when -their young ones were quite small, and placed in an aviary, at once cover -their little ones, and continue to nourish them until full grown. They -afterwards reared a second brood, and showed great spirit in keeping the -Jays and Starlings away from their charge. The Ground Doves were fed on -rice and other grain." - -The nest of this species is large and compact, the exterior formed of -dry twigs, with a lining of grass disposed in a circular form. The eggs, -deposited in April, are two in number, and of a pure white; usually two, -sometimes three broods, are reared in the season. The male struts before -the female after the manner of the Barbary Ringed Dove. - -"I met with some of these birds," says Audubon, "on Sandy Island, six -miles from Cape Sable. They were so gentle that I approached them within -less than two yards. Their nest was placed on the top of a cactus, not -more than two feet high." In a wild state these Pigeons feed on various -small berries and grass seeds, with which they pick up a considerable -quantity of small gravel. They also dust themselves with sand, lying down -in it after the manner of Partridges. - - * * * * * - -The SPARROW-HAWK PIGEONS (_Geopeleia_) are small, graceful birds, -remarkable for their slenderness of form and length of tail. Their wings -are short and rounded, the tail graduated, and the plumage striped. - - -THE STRIPED SPARROW-HAWK PIGEON. - -The STRIPED SPARROW-HAWK PIGEON (_Geopeleia striata_) has light brown -plumage; all the feathers on the mantle and under side being striped with -black; the brow and throat are dark grey, the belly and rump whitish; the -quills and feathers of the centre part of the tail-covers of a metallic -brown, delicately sprinkled with black towards their roots, and pure white -at their extremities. The eye is light brown, the beak pale, and the foot -dark yellow. This species is nine inches long, its wing measures three -inches and three-quarters. - -[Illustration: THE KUKULI (_Melopeleia meloda_).] - -The Sunda and Molucca Islands must be regarded as the native land -of this Pigeon, which is, however, numerously met with not only in -the neighbouring countries, but in Europe. In Java it is very highly -esteemed as a domestic favourite, its voice being supposed to act as a -charm against witchcraft. Many writers speak of this bird as peculiarly -interesting when in captivity, but, although it possesses a sweet pleasing -voice, we have been unable to discover anything attractive in its habits. -Such caged birds as we have observed were extremely quiet, remaining -almost motionless throughout the day, and only coming down from their -perch to eat or drink. - -[Illustration: _Plate 26, Cassell's Book of Birds_ - -KAMPHASTOS ERYTHRORHYNCHUS ____ TOUCAN - -(_over one third Nat. size_)] - - -THE SPECKLED OR WEDGE-TAILED TURTLE DOVE. - -The SPECKLED or WEDGE-TAILED TURTLE DOVE (_Stictopeleia cuneata_) -belongs to a group of birds inhabiting the continent of New Holland, -distinguishable from the Pigeons above described by their superior length -of tail, in which the five outer pairs of feathers are progressively -shortened, and by their spotted plumage. The head, throat, and breast -are grey; the back and shoulders cinnamon-brown; the feathers on the -wing-covers deep grey, and those on the shoulders decorated with two -white spots, surrounded by a black line; the belly and feathers on the -lower wing-covers are white; the quills brown, with a reddish inner web; -the four centre tail-feathers are grey, with black extremities; the rest -greenish black at the root and pure white at the tip. The eye is bright -red, the bare circle round the eye pale scarlet or greenish yellow; the -beak deep olive-brown, and the foot reddish brown, or yellowish. The -female is smaller than her mate, and of a more decided brown on the head, -throat, and back; the spots on her wing are also fewer, and less clearly -defined. The length of this bird is seven inches and three-quarters, -the wing measures three inches and a half, and the tail four inches and -one-third. - -[Illustration: THE STRIPED SPARROW-HAWK PIGEON (_Geopeleia striata_).] - -"All that we read or imagine of the softness and innocence of the Dove," -says Captain Sturt, "is realised in this beautiful and delicate little -bird. It is common on the Murray, and in various parts of the interior -of Australia. Two remained with us at the depôt in latitude 39° 40´, -longitude 142°, during a greater part of the winter, and on one occasion -roosted on my tent-ropes, near a fire. The note of this species is -exceedingly plaintive, and, although softer, much resembles the coo of the -Turtle Dove." - -"The Little Turtle Dove," says Gould, "is more frequently observed on the -ground than among the trees. I sometimes met with it in small flocks, but -more often in pairs. It runs over the ground with a short bobbing motion -of the tail, and while feeding is so remarkably tame as almost to admit -of its being taken by the hand; if forced to take wing it merely flies -to the nearest tree, and there remains motionless among the branches. I -not unfrequently observed it close to the open doors of the huts of the -stock-keepers of the interior." - -The nest is a frail and beautiful structure, formed of the stalks of a -few flowering grasses, crossed and interwoven. "One sent me from Western -Australia is composed," says Gilbert, "of a small species of knotted -everlasting plant (_Composita_), and was placed on the overhanging grasses -of the _Xanthorrhæa_. During my first visit to this part of the country, -only two situations were known as places of resort to this species, and -I did not meet with more than four or five couples; since that period it -has become exceedingly abundant, and now a pair or two may occasionally be -seen about most of the settlers' houses on the Avon, becoming apparently -very tame, and familiarised to man. This bird utters a rather singular -note, which at times somewhat resembles the distant crowing of a cock. The -term _Men-na-brun-ka_ is applied to it by natives, from a traditionary -idea that the bird originally introduced the _men-na_, a kind of gum -which exudes from a species of acacia, and which is one of the favourite -articles of food among the natives." - - * * * * * - -The RUNNING PIGEONS (_Geotrygones_) are heavy, and powerfully framed, with -rounded wings, the first primary quill of which is often much shortened; -high, thick tarsi, and short toes. All the species belonging to this group -occupy Southern and Central America. - - -THE PARTRIDGE DOVE. - -The PARTRIDGE DOVE (_Starnænas cyanocephala_), the most remarkable of -these birds, has a thick-set body, short wings, the slender, sabre-formed -quills of which are pointed at the extremity, the third and fourth -being longer than the rest, and a moderately long and rounded tail; the -high, broad, and very strong beak is vaulted at its culmen; the feet -are long, with thick tarsi and short fleshy toes, armed with large and -very decidedly hooked claws. The plumage is dense, and the cheek-stripes -bare, overspread with small, oval warts. A beautiful chocolate-brown -predominates in the coloration of the feathers, shading into reddish brown -on the mantle, and into rich deep red upon the breast. The crown of the -head and a few scale-like feathers on the throat are slate-blue; the face, -nape, and throat, black; the cheek-stripes, and a line on the lower part -of the throat, pure white; the wings dark brown, edged with reddish brown, -and shaded with deep grey on the lower side; the centre tail-feathers are -chocolate-brown, and those at the sides blackish brown. The eye is dark -brown; the beak bright coral-red at the base and greyish blue at the tip; -the foot is pale reddish white, with horny plates of deep carmine-red; -the toes are deep blueish red, and the skin between them sky-blue. This -species is twelve inches long and seventeen broad; the wing and tail each -measure five inches. - -The island of Cuba must be considered as the native country of these -splendid birds, from whence they spread northwards to Florida, southwards -to Venezuela. They appear, according to Burmeister, to approach the upper -tracts of land near the river Amazon, but do not come farther southwards. -It is questionable if they are found in Jamaica. Gosse says, "The Spanish -Partridge Dove (_Cyanocephala_) is not considered as indigenous in -Jamaica, though it is frequently imported thither from Cuba." Audubon -met with several of them in Florida, and states that "A few of these -birds migrate each spring from the island of Cuba to the keys of Florida, -but are rarely seen, on account of the deep tangled woods in which they -live. Early in May, 1832, while on a shooting excursion, I saw a pair of -them on the western side of Key West. They were near the water, picking -gravel, but on our approaching them they ran back into the thickets, which -were only a few yards distant. Several fishermen and wreckers informed -us that they were more abundant on the Mule Keys, but although a large -party, including myself, searched these islands for a whole day, not one -did we discover there. I saw a pair which I was told had been caught when -young on the latter keys, but I could not obtain any other information -respecting them than that they were fed upon cracked corn and rice, which -answered the purpose well." - -Grundlach tells us that the nest of the Partridge Dove is built of twigs -and placed amongst the parasitical plants that entwine themselves around -the branches of their favourite forest trees. We are without any reliable -information concerning the manner of incubation or the appearance of the -eggs. - - * * * * * - -The BRONZE-WINGED PIGEONS (_Phapes_) also pass a considerable portion of -their lives upon the ground, but, unlike the preceding, are furnished with -short tarsi and long toes. All are of comparatively large size, and most -species powerfully framed, though in some instances their length of tail -gives them a somewhat slender appearance. The beak is strong, the wings -generally long and pointed, and the tail composed of from fourteen to -sixteen feathers of various sizes. The variegated plumage is enlivened by -a strong metallic brilliancy. The members of this beautiful group inhabit -Oceania. - - -THE CRESTED BRONZE-WING. - -The CRESTED BRONZE-WING (_Ocyphaps lophotes_), the most striking member -of the family, has a slender body, moderately long, pointed wing, and -long, graduated tail, formed of fourteen feathers, and wedge-shaped at its -extremity. The short beak is hooked at the tip, and the low foot has its -centre toe almost as long as the tarsus; the back of the head is decorated -with a long, pointed plume. The head, face, breast, and under side are -grey; the crest is black, the mantle light olive-brown, shading into -red on the sides of the head; the large feathers on the wing-covers are -of a glossy, metallic bronze-green, edged with white; the quills brown, -narrowly bordered with brownish white, and partially tipped with white; -the centre tail-feathers are light brown, the rest of a deeper shade, with -a greenish sheen on the outer web and white tips. The eye is orange-red, -the bare skin around the eye red, the beak deep olive, with a brown base -and black tip, the foot red. The length is thirteen inches and a half, and -that of the wing and tail six inches each. - -"The chasteness of its colouring," says Mr. Gould, "the extreme elegance -of its form, and the graceful crest which flows from its occiput all tend -to render this Pigeon one of the most lovely members of its family, and -it is therefore to be regretted that owing to its being exclusively an -inhabitant of the interior of Australia it can never become an object of -general observation. As might be supposed, this bird has attracted the -notice of all travellers who have crossed the Blue Mountains." Captain -Sturt mentions it as being numerous on the plains of Wellington Valley -and in the neighbourhood of the Morumbidgee. "The locality nearest the -coast-line that I know it to inhabit is the country near the bend of the -river Murray, in South Australia, where it is tolerably abundant. It -is numerous on the banks of the Namoi, and is occasionally seen on the -Liverpool Plains. It frequently assembles in very large flocks, and when -it visits the lagoons or river-sides for water, during the dry seasons, -generally selects a single tree, or even a particular branch, on which to -congregate before descending simultaneously with its companions to drink." - -"Its flight is so rapid as to be unequalled by that of any member of the -group to which it belongs. An impetus being given by a few quick flaps of -the wing, it goes skimming off, apparently without any further movement -of the pinions. Upon alighting on a branch it elevates its tail and throws -back its head so as to bring them nearly together, at the same time -erecting its crest and showing itself to the utmost advantage." - -The nest of this species is built on low trees or bushes, and is very -slightly formed of a few twigs. The eggs are white and two in number. -According to Captain Sturt, this bird has a particular partiality for -the _Polygonum geranium_, never ascends to higher land if near extensive -marshes covered with this plant, and is always found in river-valleys -where it grows. - -[Illustration: THE CRESTED BRONZE-WING (_Ocyphaps lophotes_).] - - * * * * * - -The TRUE BRONZE-WINGS (_Phaps_) are stoutly-framed birds, with long wings -and short tails; their beak almost equals the head in length; the powerful -tarsus is shorter than the middle toe, and the second and third quills in -the pinions are longer than the rest. - - -THE COMMON BRONZE-WING. - -The COMMON BRONZE-WING (_Phaps chalcoptera_) is brown on the mantle, deep -brown at the back of the head, and a rich deep red on the under side, -shading into grey on the belly; the brow and a line under the eyes and -on the throat are yellowish white; the sides of the throat are grey; the -feathers on the wing-covers adorned with oval copper-bronze patches, and -two or three of the secondary quills with glossy green spots; the centre -tail-feathers are brown, the rest deep grey. The eye is dark reddish -brown, the beak blackish grey, and the foot carmine-red. The female is -without the light streak upon her brow; her plumage is also greyer, and -has fewer bright metallic spots than that of her mate. - -The Bronze-winged Pigeon is very generally distributed in all parts of -Australia; in some it would seem to be stationary, while in others it is -said to be migratory. - -[Illustration: THE BRONZE-WINGED PIGEON (_Phaps chalcoptera_).] - -"It is," says Mr. Gould, "a plump, heavy bird, weighing when in good -condition fully a pound, and is constantly eaten by every class of persons -resident in Australia. Its amazing powers of flight enable it to pass in -an incredibly short space of time over a great expanse of country, and -just before sunset it may be observed swiftly winging its way over the -plains or down the gullies to its drinking-place. During the long drought -of 1839-40, when I was encamped at the northern extremity of the Brezi -range, I had daily opportunities of observing the arrival of this bird to -drink, the only water for miles, as I was assured by the natives, being -in the immediate vicinity of my tent, and that merely the scanty supply -left in a few small natural basins in the rocks, which had been filled -by the rains of many months before. This peculiar situation afforded -me an excellent opportunity of observing not only the Bronze-wing, but -many other birds inhabiting the neighbourhood. Few if any of the true -insectivorous or fissirostral birds came to the water-holes, but on the -other hand those species that live upon grain and seeds, particularly -the Parrakeets and Honey-eaters (_Trichoglossi_ and _Meliphagi_), were -continually rushing down to the edges of the pools, utterly regardless -of my presence, their thirst entirely overcoming their sense of danger. -Seldom if ever, however, did the Bronze-wing make its appearance during -the heat of the day, but at sundown it arrived with arrow-like swiftness, -either singly or in pairs. It did not descend at once to the edge of -the pool, but dashed down to the ground at about ten yards distance, -remained quiet for a short time, then walked leisurely to the water, and -after drinking, winged its way to its roosting-place. With a knowledge, -therefore, of the habits of this bird, the weary traveller may always know -when he is in the vicinity of water; and however arid the appearance of -the country may be, if he observes the Bronze-wing wending its way to a -given point, he may be certain to procure a supply of water. When rain has -fallen in abundance, and the rivers and lagoons are filled, the case is -materially altered; then the Bronze-wing and other birds are not so easily -procured." - -It is supposed that a partial exodus of these birds takes place from time -to time, which Gould thinks very probable. After the termination of the -breeding season, both young and old resort to the stubble-fields, and from -twenty to thirty brace may be daily killed. This species feeds entirely -on the ground, upon a variety of leguminous seeds. It breeds in August -and the four succeeding months, and often rears two or more broods. The -nest is usually placed on the horizontal branch of an apple or gum tree -near the ground, especially on those growing in flat meadow-land in the -neighbourhood of water. The nest, which is very frail, is made of small -twigs, and of rather hollow form. The two eggs are white, an inch and -three-eighths in length, and an inch in breadth. - - * * * * * - -The QUAIL PIGEONS (_Geophaps_) differ from the above birds principally in -the comparative shortness of their powerful beak, their small, rounded -wing, high tarsus, and the bare circle that surrounds the eye. The members -of this group inhabit Australia, and breed upon the ground. - - -THE PARTRIDGE BRONZE-WING. - -The PARTRIDGE BRONZE-WING (_Geophaps scripta_) is light brown on the -mantle and breast; the rest of the under side is grey, shading into white, -except on the yellowish brown belly. The quills and feathers of the -wing-covers have light edges, the outer web of many of the larger feathers -gleaming with greenish purple; the throat, upper breast, a broad line from -the lower mandible to the eyes, and a spot on the sides of the throat are -snow-white, adorned with very peculiar black markings resembling printed -letters. The eye is dark brown, the eye-ring blueish grey, the beak black, -and the foot deep, rich red. The length is twelve inches; that of the tail -five and a half inches. - -"This Pigeon," says Gould, "has more than ordinary claims to the attention -both of the ornithologist and the epicure, since to the first it is of -interest as being a typical example of a minor group of the _Columbæ_, -whose habits and economy are very peculiar, and to the second as a most -delicate viand for the table. - -"It is to be regretted that a bird possessing such high qualifications -as an article of food should be so exclusively a denizen of the plains -of the interior of Australia that it is available to few except inland -travellers, for it would be of especial interest to the sportsman from its -offering a closer resemblance to the _Gallinaceæ_ than any other Pigeon. -I sometimes observed it in pairs, but more frequently in small flocks of -from four to six in number, which, when approached, instead of seeking -safety by flight, ran off with exceeding rapidity in an opposite direction -and crouched down either on the bare plain or among any scanty herbage -that appeared to offer the best shelter, where they often lay until all -but trodden on." - -When this Pigeon does rise, it flies with extreme rapidity, making a -loud burring noise with the wings, and generally spinning off to another -part of the plain, or to the horizontal branch of a tree, on which it -immediately squats in the same line as the branch, from which it is not -easily distinguished or driven off. - -The two eggs are placed on the bare ground without any trace of nest. The -nestlings run and fly when only the size of a Quail. The food of this -bird principally consists of seeds of grasses and small plants, and in -some seasons insects and berries. Water seems quite an essential to its -existence; and many writers inform us that it is abundant on such plains -as are intersected by rivers and water-holes. - -Gould met with this bird on the Liverpool Plains, and as he proceeded on -the Lower Namoi its numbers seemed to increase; it is said to be equally -abundant on the banks of all rivers between New South Wales and the -Murray, in South Australia. Mr. Gould has never observed it in collections -from the northern or western parts of that continent; thus it would appear -to be limited to the south and east. - - * * * * * - -The WHITE-FLESHED PIGEONS (_Leucosarcia_) are recognisable by their -powerful, compact build; long, round beak; short, shell-shaped wings; -moderate-sized, rounded tail, and very long tarsi. - - -THE WONGA-WONGA PIGEON. - -The WONGA-WONGA PIGEON (_Leucosarcia picata_) is of a greyish hue on the -mantle, and white on the brow, throat, and under side. The sides of the -head are light grey; the bridles, a triangular patch and two broad lines -on the upper part of the head are black; the feathers on the sides of the -belly are decorated with dark, triangular, metallic spots; the anterior -wing-feathers are brown, the outer tail-feathers white at the tip, and the -feathers of the lower tail-covers dark brown, becoming lighter towards -their tips; the eye is dark brown, the beak purplish black, and the foot -of a reddish shade. The length of this species is fifteen inches; the wing -measures seven inches and a half, and the tail five inches and a quarter. - -The Wonga-wonga Pigeon is an inhabitant of Australia, where, however, -seeing its value as an article of food, it is by no means so plentiful as -could be wished. - -"This Pigeon," says Gould, "must always be an object of interest, from -its large size, and its white flesh rendering it a great delicacy for -the table, in which respect it is second to no member of its family, -the only one at all approximating it being the _Geophaps scripta_. It -is to be regretted that a bird possessing so many qualifications should -not be generally dispersed over the country, but such is not the case. -To look for it on the plains or in any of the open hilly parts would be -useless, no other districts than the brushes which stretch along the -line of coast of New South Wales, or those clothing the sides of the -hills of the interior, being favoured with its presence. The same kind of -situations that are suited to the Brush Turkey (_Tallegallus Lathami_), -the Menura, and the Satin Bird are equally adapted to the Wonga-wonga. Its -distribution over Australia mainly depends upon whether the surface of -the country be or be not clothed with that rich character of vegetation -common to the south-eastern portion of the continent. As the length of -its tarsi would lead one to expect, this species spends most of its time -upon the ground, where it feeds upon the seeds and stones of the fallen -fruits of the towering trees under whose shade it dwells, seldom exposing -itself to the rays of the sun or seeking the open parts of the forest. -While traversing these solitudes, the explorer is frequently startled by -the sudden rising of the Wonga-wonga, the noise of whose wings is not -very different from that made by the rising of a Pheasant. Its flight is -not of long duration, its wings being merely employed to remove it to a -sufficient distance to enable it to avoid detection by again descending -to the ground or mounting to the branch of a neighbouring tree. I had -frequent opportunities", continues Mr. Gould, "of personally observing it -at Illawarra, on the low islands at the mouth of the river Hunter, and in -the cedar brushes of the Liverpool range. During my encampment in those -parts I shot them whenever an opportunity occurred, for the purpose of -eating." We have no precise information respecting the nidification of -this important bird. - - -THE HACKLED GROUND PIGEON. - -The HACKLED GROUND PIGEON (_Callœnas Nicobarica_) is a powerfully-built -bird, with a strong beak, furnished with a soft, conical excrescence -at its base; the feet approximate the gallinaceous type, having stout -tarsi and short toes; the long wings when closed extend almost to the -tip of the rounded tail, which is composed of twelve broad feathers. -The plumage is richly coloured, and so prolonged around the throat as to -form a complete mane or collar. The head, throat, entire under side, and -wings are blackish green; the feathers on the lower part of the body edged -with blue; the longest of the collar-feathers, back, rump, and feathers -of wing-covers are grass-green, with a metallic lustre, the shorter -collar-feathers being of a glossy golden hue, and those of the tail pure -white. The eye is light reddish brown, the beak blackish and the foot -reddish purple. The length is fourteen inches, the breadth across the -wings twenty-nine inches; the wing measures nine inches and a half, and -the tail two inches and two-thirds. - -[Illustration: THE HACKLED GROUND PIGEON (_Callœnas Nicobarica_).] - -This beautiful bird, according to Jerdon, is met with on the Andaman and -Nicobar Islands, the Merqui Archipelago, the Philippines, and Malaya -generally, usually preferring to settle upon the small, unoccupied -islands. Though, like its congeners, it possesses considerable powers -of flight, it seeks the grain and insects that afford it the means of -subsistence almost exclusively on the ground, upon which it passes the -entire day, only leaving its surface to seek a perch whereon to sleep. We -are without particulars respecting the incubation of this Pigeon, except -that, like the Partridge, it builds its nest upon the ground. - - * * * * * - -The CROWNED PIGEONS (_Gouræ_), as the largest members of the family of -Pigeons are called, inhabit New Guinea and the neighbouring islands. These -birds exceed the Domestic Fowl in size, and are remarkable for a fan-like -crest with which the head is adorned. Their body is stout; their wings, in -which the secondary quills exceed the primaries in length, are long and -much rounded at the tip; the beak is about half as long as the head, the -foot furnished with long tarsi and short toes, and the slaty-blue plumage -very soft in texture. - - -THE CROWNED PIGEON. - -The CROWNED PIGEON (_Goura coronata_) is principally of a slate-blue -colour, with chestnut-red shoulders and white stripes on the centre of the -wing; the tail-feathers terminate in a white stripe. The eye is yellowish -scarlet, the back dull grey, and the foot red, powdered with white. The -length of this bird is twenty-eight inches; the wing measures fourteen and -a half and the tail ten inches. - -[Illustration: THE VICTORIA CROWNED PIGEON (_Goura Victoriæ_).] - -These birds, we learn from Wallace, inhabit the coast of New Guinea in -large numbers, as also the Islands of Waigiu, Salawati, and Misool. -In their habits they resemble Pheasants, living upon the ground, and -wandering about the woods in small parties in search of fallen fruit. -If alarmed, they at once take refuge upon the low branch of a tree, and -in this situation they also sleep. The nest found by Rosenberg was very -loosely constructed, and contained but one fledgling. Large numbers of -these birds are exported alive to Java, Amboyna, and Banda, and from -thence to Europe; from this practice has arisen the idea that the species -is indigenous to those islands. When in confinement the Crowned Pigeons -soon become tame, and learn to attach themselves to those who feed -them. In the Zoological Gardens in the Regent's Park there are several -specimens, whose manners are very curious and interesting. - -"Their walk," says the Rev. J. G. Wood, "is quite of a royal -character--stately, majestic, and well according with the crown they wear -upon their heads. The crest seems always to be held expanded. They have -the habit of sunning themselves upon the hot pavement of their prison by -lying on one side, laying the head flat on the ground, tucking the lower -wing under, and spreading the other over their bodies, so as to form a -very shallow tent, each quill-feather being separated from its neighbour -and radiating around the body. Sometimes the bird varies this attitude -by stretching the other wing to its full length, and holding it from the -body at an angle of twenty degrees or so, as if to take advantage of every -sunbeam and waft of air. While lying in this unique attitude it might -easily pass at a distance for a moss-covered stone, a heap of withered -leaves, or a rugged tree-stump, with one broken branch projecting from its -side; no one would think of taking it for a bird." - - -THE VICTORIA CROWNED PIGEON. - -The VICTORIA CROWNED PIGEON (_Goura Victoriæ_), the second member of this -group with which we are acquainted, is also principally of a slaty blue -colour, but has a reddish brown under side; the wing-stripes are blueish -grey, and a broad line at the end of the tail whitish grey. In this bird -the feathers that form the crest terminate in small fan-like appendages. -The eye is reddish, and the foot flesh-pink. This Pigeon is somewhat -larger than the species last described. It inhabits the most southern -parts of North Guinea, and is nowhere very numerous. - - -THE DIDUNCULUS, OR TOOTHED PIGEON. - -The DIDUNCULUS, or TOOTHED PIGEON (_Didunculus strigirostris_), is an -extraordinary bird, representing a family of Pigeons possessing a powerful -body, moderately long neck, and large head. The beak, which is much -higher than it is broad, has the upper mandible arched and hooked at its -extremity, its margins being smooth; the tip of the curved under mandible, -on the contrary, is furnished with three tooth-like indentations. The -tarsus is strong, partially bare, and longer than the centre toe; all -the toes are unconnected, and armed with broad hooked claws. The rounded -wings extend, when closed, almost to the end of the moderate-sized and -slightly-rounded tail. The head, throat, breast, and belly of this -species are of a glossy greenish black; the hinder portions of the under -side, the wings, tail, and feathers on the lower wing-covers rich, deep -chestnut-brown; the quills are greyish black, and all the feathers on the -upper part of the mantle decorated with a brilliant green spot at their -tips; the lower back, wings, tail, and feathers of the lower tail-covers -are of a beautiful dark chestnut-brown, and the quills greyish black. -The eye is blackish brown; the bare patch that surrounds it and the -cheek-stripes bright orange-red; the beak is also orange-red, with light -yellow tip; the feet red, and the claws yellowish white. The length -is twelve inches and a half, and breadth twenty-four inches; the wing -measures seven inches, and tail three inches. - -The first description of the Didunculus was published by Sir William -Jardine, in the "Annals and Magazine of Natural History." "We are," -he says, "indebted to Lady Harvey, who purchased it at Edinburgh, -for a specimen of this bird;" and adds, "We are aware of no existing -description, though there is one allusion made to a bird which may turn -out to be this. In Mr. Strickland's 'Report on the Present State of -Ornithology,' it is stated that in the recent American voyage of discovery -Mr. Titian Peale had discovered a new bird allied to the Dodo, which he -proposed to name Didunculus." - -The subject remained in this state till 1862, when Dr. Bennett -communicated his observations on this Pigeon to the _Sydney Morning -Herald_. This communication was subsequently published in the _Proceedings -of the Zoological Society of London_, from which the following account is -taken:-- - -"The Rev. John B. Stair," says Dr. Bennett, who formerly resided for -some time at the Navigator group of islands, which are believed to be -the exclusive habitat of this singular bird, "informed the Secretary of -the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria that it is named by the natives -_Manua-mea_ or Red Bird, from the predominant colour of its plumage being -chocolate-red. It was formerly numerous, and therefore we may be surprised -that it should not have been seen and procured by the early navigators. -Now it is nearly extinct. It feeds on plantains, and is partial to the -fruit of the _soi_, a species of _Dioscorea_, or yam, a twining plant -abundant in these islands, and producing a fruit resembling a small -potato. In disposition it is exceedingly shy and timid. Like the Ground -Pigeons, it roosts on bushes or stumps of trees, and feeds on the ground; -it also builds its nest in such situations. During the breeding season -both parents aid in the work of incubation, relieve each other with great -regularity, and are so intent on the performance of their duty that when -sitting on the eggs they may be easily captured by hand. Two living birds -were obtained in this way by Mr. Stair. They are also taken by the natives -with birdlime or springes, and shot with arrows, the sportsman concealing -himself near an open space in which a quantity of the _soi_, their -favourite food, had been placed. - -"The first living bird obtained was accidentally killed; the second, when -placed in confinement, was sullen, and refused food, but soon became -reconciled to captivity, and throve well. The natives fed it upon boiled -taro (the root of the _Caladium esculentum_), rolled into oblong pellets, -in the same manner as they fed their pet Wood Pigeons and Doves. The power -of wing of most of the Pigeon tribe is very great, a circumstance which -also obtains in this bird. It flies through the air with a loud noise, -like the Top-knot Pigeon (_Lopholaimus antarcticus_), of the Illawarra -district, and many other of the Australian Pigeons; and Mr. Stair -describes it as making so great a noise with its wings on rising, that -when heard at a distance it resembles the rumbling of distant thunder, for -which it might be mistaken." - -In a second communication, made to the same society, by Dr. Bennett, in -1863, he speaks of another living specimen of this rare bird brought to -Sidney by Mr. Williams. "It was," he says, "at first rather shy and wild, -but afterwards became more tame, and manifested but little fear; this -feeling was, however, occasionally exhibited by the utterance of rapid -'coos,' and by fluttering its wings. It is a stupid-looking bird, and has -no particular attraction except in the anomalous and extraordinary form of -the beak, which cannot fail to attract the attention of the most ordinary -observers. The only sound it utters is a quick 'coo-coo-coo,' the beak -being always open when the sounds are emitted. The bird was captured about -five miles from Apia, in the Island of Upola; it is evident, therefore, -that a few still remain there. It is, however, agreed by every one with -whom I have conversed who has resided at the Navigators' Islands, that it -is nearly extinct, both from being eaten by the natives, as well as owing -to the attacks of cats, rats, and other vermin. Its food consisted at -first of boiled yams, but it will eat bananas, apples, bread, and boiled -potatoes." - -In a third paper, read by Dr. Bennett in 1864 at a meeting of the -Zoological Society, he says:--"In the contour of the bill, the form and -position of the nostrils, and several other characters, the Didunculus -differs from any other living species yet known. Although a smaller bird, -it approximates in all its characters to the extinct Dodo, and, like it, -combines the characters of a rapacious bird with those of the harmless -Pigeon. Although the mandibles are powerful, yet the beak is never used as -an offensive weapon, for when the hand is placed in the cage, or the bird -is seized for removal from one cage to another, it never attempts to bite, -but, on the contrary, is so timid that, after fluttering about or running -into a dark corner, it soon becomes subdued and is easily taken." - -Of a living pair purchased by Dr. Bennett, he says: "They would nibble -into minute bits the seeds of loquats, almonds, and hempseed, with the -same action as a Parrot when feeding. When I first had them, boiled -potatoes and bread formed their diet; the former, being soft, were torn -and swallowed in large pieces, but the latter they placed under their -feet and tore with their hooked beak into small bits. It was supposed -that these birds never drink water; this I soon found to be incorrect. -They invariably feed in the light, but will not take food if any one be -present. They run with great rapidity, elongating the body and depressing -the head, and in the action of running resemble Grouse." - -Another specimen, purchased at a high price by Dr. Bennett, was presented -by him to the Zoological Gardens, London, where it lived for several -months. Its skin is now in the British Museum. Of this bird Dr. Bennett -says that, while in his possession, "it never became domesticated, nor -evinced the slightest attachment to the lady who fed it; it was the same -to her as to strangers." Dr. Bennett does not consider the Didunculus -a bird which could be readily reconciled to captivity; "for some time -it would be comparatively tame, and then, without any apparent cause to -account for the change, it would become very wild." Walpole says that the -Didunculus makes its nest on the ground, and that both parents incubate -the eggs. - - * * * * * - - -TRUE GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. - -The TRUE GALLINACEOUS BIRDS are so named because they present a general -resemblance, both in their structure and habits, to our common Barn-door -Fowls. They are usually of a moderate or rather large size, and of a -stout and somewhat heavy build. They have a small head, often partially -or wholly denuded of feathers, and a bill of moderate length, of which -the upper mandible is distinctly arched and overhangs the lower, both at -the tip and along the margins. As they are all essentially terrestrial in -their habits, their legs are always strong and well-developed. The tarsi -are stout, and very commonly armed with a spur, or even with two or more -such weapons, which are especially developed in the males. The toes are -three in front and one behind, the latter being usually small and slightly -elevated on the back of the tarsus, but sometimes more elongated, and -then placed upon the same level as the other toes, so as to be efficient -in grasping. The anterior toes are not very long, but stout, and often -united by webs at their base; they are armed with strong, but rather blunt -nails, which are of great use in scratching up the ground in search of -food--a habit common to most of the species, from which, indeed, many -ornithologists give them the name of RASORES, or SCRAPERS. The feathers -of the legs are continued down to the articulation of the tarsus, and -sometimes extend beyond this point, even to the extremities of the toes. -The wings are generally short and weak in comparison with the weight of -the body, so that they fly heavily and only to short distances. Their -plumage is firm and often adorned with brilliant colours, and parts of -it, especially in the males, are frequently developed to an extraordinary -extent, sometimes giving them a grotesque appearance. The feathers are -remarkable for the great development of the accessory plumules springing -from the base of the stem at its junction with the quill. - -The members of this order are spread over all parts of the world, but the -finest species are inhabitants of the warmer regions. The _Gallinæ_ may -be generally described as being the order more especially set apart by -their great Creator for the service of man. Hence they are more easily -domesticated than any other birds; their flesh is the most palatable, and -their fecundity the greatest. They live almost entirely on the ground, -which consequently affords them their chief nourishment in the seeds and -grains of different plants. Their flesh and eggs are universally wholesome -and very nutritious, while their feathers are employed for a variety of -uses. They are peculiarly attentive to their offspring; and that the -increase should keep pace with the wants of man, they are much more -prolific than ordinary birds. They are social, live in societies, and are -polygamous. They prefer escaping from danger by running, and only take to -flight when compelled by necessity. They are fond of rolling in the dust; -some nestle on the ground and live only on plains, while others reside in -forests, and always make their nests on trees. The young are usually able -to run as soon as they leave the egg, but at night, or on the approach of -danger, they shelter themselves under the wing of their mother. - -[Illustration: SAND GROUSE.] - - * * * * * - -The SAND GROUSE (_Pteroclæ_) differ in so many essential particulars -from allied groups as to make it necessary to regard them, not merely as -forming a family, but a distinct tribe of birds, the peculiarity of whose -habits, movements, and plumage render them eminently fit to enjoy life -in the desert places and sandy wastes which they frequent. The principal -characteristics of the _Pteroclæ_ or Sand Grouse, are a short body, -much-arched breast, neck of moderate length, and small, delicate head. The -beak is short, slightly arched at its culmen, and compressed at its sides -in such a manner as to make it almost round; the lower mandible becomes -thicker towards its tip, the nostrils, situated at the base of the bill, -and concealed by the feathers on the brow, are open above, and partially -covered by a skin. The tarsi and toes are small, the latter in some -species connected by a skin as far as the first joint; the hinder toe is -very slightly developed or entirely wanting. The claws are short, slightly -bent, blunt, and broad; the bones supporting the wings are comparatively -short, but the quills very long; the tail is formed of from fourteen -to eighteen feathers, and is usually either rounded or wedge-shaped at -its extremity; in some species, however, the two centre feathers are of -considerable length. The plumage, composed of short, broad, rounded, and -very stiff feathers, has a smooth appearance, although in reality it is -somewhat lax, and its coloration is such as best accords with the earth -or sand of the localities these birds are intended to occupy. The sexes -usually differ in the coloration of their plumage; the young at first -resemble the mother, but very soon attain their adult garb. The _Pteroclæ_ -are only met with in the Eastern Hemisphere, and are particularly numerous -in Africa, whilst in Europe, owing to the small extent of their favourite -barren tracts, they are comparatively rare. Africa and Asia have their -distinct species, which usually remain throughout the entire year in -their native lands; owing, however, to their great power of wing, they -are capable of flying to a considerable distance, and often make their -appearance in countries very remote from each other. One species alone -migrates annually. - - -THE GANGA, OR LARGE SAND GROUSE. - -The GANGA, or LARGE SAND GROUSE (_Pterocles arenarius_), one of the -largest members of the group, is of a reddish grey on the head, shading -into a somewhat deeper tint at the nape; the mantle is mottled with light -or dark yellow and slate-grey, each feather having a round yellow spot -at its tip; the throat is ochre-yellow, a band upon its lower portion -brownish black; the breast is reddish grey, and has a very clearly defined -streak on its surface, which is black or brownish black, as is the belly; -the quills are grey or greyish blue, tipped with brownish black above -and deep black beneath; the secondaries are white at the roots; some of -the feathers on the upper wing-covers are partially of a pure, unspotted -ochre-yellow, and those of the lower covers white; the two centre -tail-feathers are reddish brown, striped with pale black; the rest are -deep grey, tipped with white above, and coal-black on their lower surface. -The feathers on the upper tail-covers are mottled like the back, and those -on the lower covers spotted black and white; the plumage on the feet is -of a dark brownish yellow. The eye is deep brown, the beak dull blueish -grey. Both sexes are about thirteen and a half inches long, and from -twenty-six to twenty-seven inches broad; the wing measures eight inches -and three-quarters, and the tail four inches. The female is of a sandy -yellow over the entire back and sides of the throat, each of the mantle -feathers being striped with blackish brown, and those on the head, neck, -throat, and upper breast marked with small dark spots: the bands upon the -throat and breast are comparatively indistinct, and the brown and black -belly paler than that of the male bird. - -The Ganga is met with in North-western Africa, and occasionally in the -most southern countries of Europe; in Asia it is very numerous, appearing -regularly in India during the cold season. "This fine Sand Grouse," says -Jerdon, "is only a winter visitant to India, arriving towards the end of -September and leaving in March. It frequents extensive open sandy plains, -flies in vast flocks, being said to be more abundant than _P. exustus_ in -those parts where it does occur. Like the others of this tribe, it goes -regularly twice a day to certain spots on the banks of rivers or tanks to -drink, and it is fond of basking in the sun and rolling on the sand. One -writer records that he saw these birds leave their roosting-places among -sand-hills about sunrise, and collect in thousands on a hard bare plain, -close to where they usually drank, but that they were neither feeding nor -drinking at that early hour, and came there, he suggests, for the sake -of basking in the early rays of the sun. This species seeks its food on -grassy plains and also on stubble-fields, and does so immediately after -drinking." - -The flight of this Sand Grouse, we are told, is amazingly strong and -rapid, and when roused it flies to great distances. In disposition it is -generally shy and wary, and difficult to approach closely, from the open -nature of the country it affects. It is highly esteemed as a game bird, -and much sought after by many sportsmen, as well from the difficulty of -the chase as for its qualities on the table. It is stated that, from the -closeness and firmness of its plumage, it takes a good gun and heavy shot -to bring it down. A writer records the preponderance of one sex in every -flock, sometimes seven or eight females and not one male being killed, -and _vice versâ_. The flesh is mixed white and brown on the breast, and -although somewhat tough when fresh, and perhaps requiring to be skinned, -is considered delicious eating; indeed, one authority states that it is -the finest game bird for the table in India. Shooting these Grouse from a -hole dug in the ground is said to be a very deadly way of making a good -bag. They are caught in the neighbourhood of Peshawur and other places in -horse-hair nooses. Adams, when at Peshawur, towards the end of the year, -noticed the arrival of this species and also of the _P. exustus_. Their -guttural voices were frequently heard among the sounds giving notice of -cold weather. Both kinds were often seen in flocks during the day, and -seemed to be regular migrants. - -The eggs of this Sand Grouse, usually three, occasionally four in number, -are, according to the Arabs, deposited on the sand or bare ground; whilst -Adams, on the contrary, maintains that this species excavates a small hole -wherein to place the brood, and raises a circle of dry grass around its -outer edge. - - -THE LARGE PIN-TAILED GROUSE, OR KHATA. - -The LARGE PIN-TAILED GROUSE, or KHATA (_Pterocles alchata_), is somewhat -smaller than the Ganga, and has the feathers more highly coloured. Like -that bird, the plumage is principally of a sandy yellow, the brow and -sides of the cheeks being reddish brown, the throat and a delicate line -commencing at the eye and passing to the back of the head are black; the -nape and the back brownish-greyish green, spotted with yellow; the small -wing-covers greyish crimson, their upper feathers striped with reddish -brown, then with light yellow, and again with deep brown; the feathers -of the larger covers are greyish-greenish yellow, bordered with blackish -brown; the lower part of the throat is reddish fawn-colour; the upper -breast bright crimson-brown, surrounded above and below by a narrow -black line, and the belly white. The quills are grey, with black shafts -shading beneath to a deeper tint; the shoulder-feathers are greenish -grey above and fawn-grey on the lower surface; most of the tail-feathers -are striped grey and yellow on the outer, and grey tipped with white on -the inner web; while the long centre pair are greenish grey, marked with -faint stripes. The plumage of the female resembles that of her mate, but -is readily distinguished by the stripes upon her mantle, a double line -upon her throat, enclosing a patch of greyish yellow, and by the white -hue of its upper portion. The eye is brown, the beak dark grey, and -the foot of a brownish shade. The length of the male is twelve inches -and three-quarters, the breadth twenty-two inches and a half; the wing -measures seven inches, and the tail five inches. This well-known Sand -Grouse inhabits Northern Africa, Western Asia, and the south of Europe, -especially Spain, Sicily, and the Levant, and it occasionally penetrates -through Central Asia to the Punjaub and Scinde. - -"The Khata," says Jerdon, "is a comparatively rare bird in India, only -a few finding their way across the Sutlej. I presume that, like _P. -arenarius_, it is migratory to this country, and only found in the cold -season." It is a very beautiful bird, and the bill is thicker and stronger -than that of any other of the genus. - -This species has a peculiar call, resembling the syllables "kaa-kia," -and not unlike the cry of the Jackdaw. It flies in flocks of from ten to -seventy, or more, and is said to be very shy and wary, and more difficult -to approach than the Large Sand Grouse. Its specific appellation is taken -from its Arabic name, _El-chata_ or _El-katta_, which, however, is also -applied to _P. arenarius_. It breeds among rocks in Central and Western -Asia, Northern Africa, and the south of Europe, laying four or five eggs -of a reddish grey colour, with brownish spots. We are told that it swarms -in countless hosts in Palestine, and Mr. Blyth believes, with justice, -that this bird, rather than the _Coturnix communis_, is the "Quail" of -the Israelites. Colonel Chesney, indeed, writes of it as "a kind of Quail -about the size of a Pigeon, which at times literally darkens the air with -its numbers;" and Burckhardt tells us that the number of Khatas in the -stony district beyond the Jordan is beyond description; the whole plain -seems sometimes to rise and fly off in the air in masses, that appear like -large moving clouds. In the mountains of Edom they so abound that two or -three are often killed at a time by a stick thrown among them by the Arab -boys. At some seasons of the year an ass-load may be taken at one shutting -of the clasp-net. "This species," according to Tristram, "abounds in the -central and southern districts of the Great Sahara, and in winter may be -seen in packs or in large flocks. There is scarcely," he observes, "a bird -in nature which surpasses the male _Pterocles alchata_ in softness of -colouring or delicacy of pencilling. Alas!" he adds, "that such handsome -plumage should clothe such very dry bones. Their flesh being black and -hard, is never seen at the table of the Franks, but is nevertheless eaten -by the Turks. The Khata lays two or three eggs at a time, merely placing -them on the ground. In size they resemble those of a Pigeon, and have a -greenish black shell. The Arabs eat them fried in butter." - -[Illustration: THE KHATA (_Pterocles alchata_).] - - -THE COMMON SAND GROUSE. - -The COMMON SAND GROUSE, or ROCK PIGEON OF INDIA (_Pterocles exustus_), -the third species of this group, is principally of a beautiful reddish -cream-colour, shading into bright yellow on the face, cheeks, and -wing-covers, and overspread with a bright greenish gloss upon the back; -the deep reddish-brown lower breast and belly are divided from the -upper portion of the plumage by a narrow black line, which commences -at the sides of the throat, and passes across the breast; the lower -tail-covers and feathered tarsi are cream-colour, the small feathers of -the wing-covers have a line of reddish brown at the tip, the primary -quills are black, all except the three outermost having the tip and inner -web white; the very long, slender, and sharply-pointed centre pair of -tail-feathers are of a yellowish shade, and those at the exterior dark -brown, spotted and striped with a paler tint. The eye is dark brown, -the bare circle that surrounds it lemon-yellow; the beak and toes are -lead-grey. This species is thirteen inches long and twenty-three broad, -the wing measures seven and a half, and the tail from five and a half to -six inches. The markings upon the back of the female are darker than in -the plumage of the male bird; the head, nape, and throat are greyish, -darkly spotted; the breast band is paler, the belly striped black and -brown. The centre tail-feathers are only a trifle longer than the rest. - -[Illustration: THE COMMON SAND GROUSE (_Pterocles exustus_).] - -"This," writes Jerdon, "is the most common and abundant species of Sand -Grouse throughout India, being found in every part of the country except -the more wooded portions, and never occurring in forest districts. It is -therefore quite unknown in Malabar, in the wooded districts of Central -India, and in Lower Bengal, and neither this, nor either of the previous -species, as far as is known, occur to the eastwards, in Assam, Sylhet, -or Burmah. Out of India, it is common through great part of Central and -Western Asia and Northern Africa, and, it is stated, has been met with, -though rarely, in Europe. This Sand Grouse frequents the bare open -plains, whether rocky or otherwise, and is very partial to ploughed lands -and bare fallow fields. It feeds chiefly in the morning, and between eight -and nine a.m. goes to drink at some river or tank, at which in certain -parts of the country thousands assemble, and may then be seen winging -their way in larger or smaller parties from all quarters, at a great -height, uttering their peculiar, loud, piercing call, which announces -their vicinity to the sportsman long before he has seen them. They remain -a few minutes at the water's edge, walking about and picking up fragments -of sand or gravel, and then fly off as they came. In the hot weather, at -all events, if not at all seasons, they drink again about four p.m. When -they are seated on bare sand or rock they are most difficult to observe, -from the similarity of their colour to that of the ground; sometimes they -can be approached with ease near enough to get a good shot, at other -times, especially if in large flocks, they are shy and wary. A small flock -or single birds can often be approached very close by walking rapidly, -not straight, but gradually towards them; in this way I have often walked -up to within two or three yards of them. They feed on various hard seeds, -especially on those of various _Alysicarpi_, _Desmodium_, &c., as well as -on grass, seeds, or grain." - -These Sand Grouse breed in the Deccan and Southern India from December to -May, and in Central India still later. In some parts of the country, as at -Mhow and Saugor, most of them leave the district after breeding in July, -and do not return till the end of the rains. The eggs are laid on the bare -ground, three or four in number, of cylindrical form, nearly equally thick -at both ends, of a greenish stone-colour, thickly spotted with grey and -brown. This species, if kept long enough, is very excellent eating, though -the flesh is somewhat hard and tough, but with a high game flavour. The -young birds, when nearly full-grown, are most excellent. - - -THE STRIPED SAND GROUSE. - -The STRIPED SAND GROUSE (_Pterocles Lichtensteinii_) has the mantle and -under side of a light greyish yellow, delicately striped with black; the -brow and fore part of the head are whitish, and divided in the centre by -a black line, that passes from the base of the bill to the top of the -head, which, like the region of the cheek and the throat, is marked with -dark spots instead of stripes. The mantle is enlivened by numerous bright -yellow, crescent-shaped spots, and the upper breast decorated with a broad -band of light brownish yellow, through which pass two lines, the one dark -brown and the other light grey; the primaries are deep brown on the outer, -and light brown on the inner, web; the secondaries brown at the root, with -pure white outer web and black tip; the rounded tail--the centre feathers -of which do not exceed the rest in length--is reddish yellow, each feather -being delicately striped with black. The eye is dark brown, and the skin -around it sulphur-yellow. The beak is dull orange; and the fore parts of -the foot are copper-colour. This species is ten inches and two-thirds -long, and twenty-one inches and a half broad; the wing measures seven and -the tail two inches and a half. The female is without the dark line on the -brow, and the reddish brown band upon her breast; her plumage is greyish -yellow, striped very uniformly with delicate black lines. The Striped Sand -Grouse, which closely resembles its congeners in its habits, is, according -to Jerdon, common in Arabia, and occurs as a straggler in Scinde and the -Punjaub. - - -PALLAS'S SAND GROUSE. - -PALLAS'S SAND GROUSE (_Syrrhaptes paradoxus_), the representative of a -group inhabiting Asia, is distinguished by the long bristle-like point -in which the first wing-quill terminates, and by the shortness of its -toes; these latter--three in number--are very broad, and so connected by -a fold of skin as to present, when seen from beneath, the appearance of a -foot-sole without toes. The claws are broad and strong, and the connecting -skin covered with horny warts. - -This Sand Grouse is fifteen inches long, without including the -longest tail-feathers, and twenty-three inches broad, exclusive of -the bristle-like wing-quills; the wing measures seven inches, and the -tail four inches and a half, or seven inches inclusive of its central -tail-feathers. The female is shorter and more slender than her mate. In -this species, the top of the head and a line that commences at the eyes -and passes over the sides of the throat are dark grey; the region of the -head is separated from the greyish yellow breast by a band formed of -delicate black and white lines; the upper belly is brownish black, its -lower portion and the feathers of the middle tail-covers light grey; the -throat, brow, a broad stripe over the eyes, and the back are clay-yellow, -the latter striped with a deeper shade. The quills are dark grey, those -at the exterior being bordered with black on the outer, and the rest with -grey on the inner web; the shoulder-feathers are of a brownish hue, edged -with yellow, and tipped with white, and those on the inner wing-covers -yellowish brown, tipped with blackish brown; the plumage on the tarsi is -yellowish white. The female is without the band upon her breast, and is of -a paler shade upon the face and lower belly; her plumage is also rather -spotted than striped. - -These singular looking birds, respecting whose habits we have only -recently received reliable information, inhabit Southern Europe, Africa, -and Asia, living in dry sandy deserts, bare or rocky plains, or bushy or -woody grounds, and are especially numerous in the neighbourhood of low -hills. They are usually met with singly, or in pairs, except when such as -occupy the desert plains resort to water, which they do in flocks. When -flushed, they rise with a low chuckling call, fly for a short distance, -and then alight. If followed, they run along the ground for a few steps, -and with difficulty rise again. "Others, however," Dr. Smith tells us, -"fly to a great height and suddenly descend, when they approach the water -on their feeding grounds; sometimes this descent is not commenced till -they are directly over the spot on which they purpose to alight. On such -occasions they are obliged to make a circular or semi-circular sweep, -before they can reach the desired locality." Their food consists of hard -seeds, bulbs, and insects, mixed with fine gravel. The two eggs which are -deposited on the bare ground are elliptical in form, about seventeen or -eighteen lines long by twelve or thirteen lines broad at their centre, and -have a greenish-greyish yellow shell, marked, dotted, and streaked with -various shades of greyish brown; in some instances one end of the egg is -decorated with a wreath of spots. - - * * * * * - -The GROUSE TRIBE (_Tetraonidæ_) constitute the richest group of the entire -order. These birds have a compact body, short neck, small head, and short -powerful beak, with a thick base. The foot is short, the tarsus moderate; -the wing of medium length, and usually much rounded; the tail is generally -straight, but in some instances pointed or incised at its extremity. The -thick plumage in most species extends over the entire body, even to the -toes; some few also exhibit bare patches of brightly-tinted skin. The -sexes are nearly alike in colour. The members of this tribe inhabit almost -every latitude of the globe. - - * * * * * - -The GROUSE PROPER (_Tetraones_) are recognisable by their powerful, -compact bodies, short, or moderate-sized wings, and short straight tail; -the latter, however, is occasionally long, and either wedge-shaped or -forked at its extremity. The bill is strong, thick, short, and much -vaulted, and the foot low and powerful, with more or less well-feathered -tarsus. The plumage is thick and rich, the brow and nape often exhibit -bare patches, covered with small horny plates of a bright red colour. The -toes of some species are covered with a short and remarkable horny growth. - -[Illustration: PALLAS'S SAND GROUSE, OR SAND GROUSE OF THE STEPPES.] - -These birds are met with throughout the whole of Europe, Asia, and North -America, but are quite unknown in Africa. All are, without exception, -stationary in their habits, and rarely undertake expeditions to any -great distance from their native haunts. During the period of incubation -they live alone or in pairs, but at other times in parties, which often -unite into large flocks. Their food consists of fruits, seeds, the -young shoots of plants and trees, insects, and larvæ. Some species are -polygamous, but many pair; in the latter case, at least, both males and -females assist in rearing the young. Although by no means highly endowed, -the _Tetraones_ have their sense of sight and hearing well developed. They -walk quickly, but fly heavily, and with much noise, resorting but rarely -to this means of progression, and never rising to any height in the air. -The increase of these birds is very rapid, the female laying from eight to -sixteen eggs, oval in shape, smooth, yellowish, and spotted with brown. No -actual nest is prepared for their reception, a slight hollow in the earth, -carelessly lined with some soft material, being all that is required for -the purpose, provided that the situation is sufficiently retired to secure -the safety of the young. We are told by several Swedish naturalists that -not only are these birds subject, like their congeners, to many changes of -plumage, but that they cast their claws, and at the same time the horny -fringes with which their toes are defended. - - -THE CAPERCALI. - -The CAPERCAILLIE, CAPERCAILZIE, or CAPERCALI (_Tetrao urogallus_), the -largest and finest species of the above group, is of a blackish hue on -the crown of the head and throat; the nape is deep grey, marked with -undulating black lines; the back pale black, powdered with grey and -reddish brown; the tail black, spotted here and there with white; the -breast glossy steel-green, and the rest of the under side spotted more or -less distinctly with black and white. The eye is brown, the bare skin that -surrounds it bright red, and the beak greyish white. This noble bird is -from two feet two inches to two feet five inches long, its breadth being -from four feet four inches to four feet seven inches; the wing measures -from fifteen to seventeen, and the tail from thirteen to fourteen inches. - -"The Capercali," says Mr. Lloyd, "is to be found in most parts of the -Scandinavian peninsula; indeed, as far to the north as the pine-tree -flourishes, that is to say, very near to the North Cape itself. These -birds are, however, very scarce in the more southern of the Swedish -provinces. The favourite haunts of the Capercali are extensive fir-woods. -In coppices or small covers they are seldom or never to be found." -Professor Nilsson observes that such as breed in the larger forests remain -there all the year round, but those on the contrary that breed on the -sides of elevated mountains, or in more open parts of the country, in the -event of deep snow, usually descend to the lower grounds. - -The principal food of the Capercali, when in a state of nature, consists -of the leaves and tender shoots of the Scotch fir (_Pinus sylvestris_). He -very rarely feeds upon those of the spruce (_Pinus abies_). He also eats -juniper-berries, blue berries, and other berries common to the northern -forests, and also, occasionally in the winter time, the buds of the birch, -&c. The young Capercali feed principally at first on ants, worms, and -insects. - -In the spring of the year, and often when the ground is still deeply -covered with snow, the cock stations himself on a pine, and commences -his love song, or _play_, as it is termed in Sweden, to attract the hens -about him. This performance is usually carried on from the first dawn of -day to sunrise, or from a little after sunset, until darkness has set -in. The time, however, more or less depends upon the mildness of the -weather, and the advanced state of the season. During his play the neck -of the Capercali is stretched out, his tail is raised and spread like a -fan, his wings droop, his feathers are ruffled up, and, in short, he much -resembles in appearance an angry Turkey-cock. He begins his play with -a call, something resembling the words "Peller, peller, peller." These -sounds he repeats at first at some little intervals; but, as he proceeds, -they increase in rapidity, until at the last, and after perhaps the lapse -of a minute or so, he makes a sort of gulp in his throat, and finishes -by drawing in his breath. During the continuance of this latter process, -which only lasts a few seconds, the head of the Capercali is thrown up, -his eyes are partially closed, and his whole appearance would denote that -he is worked up into an agony of passion. - -"On hearing the call of the cock, the hens, whose cry in some degree -resembles the croak of the Raven, or rather, perhaps, the sound of 'gock, -gock, gock,' assemble from all parts of the surrounding forest. The male -bird now descends from the eminence on which he was perched to the ground, -where he and his female friends join company. - -"The Capercali does not play indiscriminately over the forest, but has -certain stations, which may be called his playing grounds. These, however, -are often of some little extent; and here, unless very much persecuted, -the call of these birds may be heard in the spring, year after year, for -years together. The Capercali does not during his play confine himself to -any particular tree, and is seldom met with on the same spot for two days -in succession. On these playing grounds several Capercali may occasionally -be heard playing at the same time. Old male birds will not permit young -birds, or those of the preceding season, to play. Should the old birds, -however, be killed, the young ones, in the course of a day or two, usually -open their pipes. Combats, as may be supposed, not unfrequently take place -on these occasions, though I do not recollect having heard of more than -two of these birds being engaged at the same time." - -"The Capercali hen makes her nest upon the ground, and lays from six to -twelve eggs; these are two inches three lines long, by one inch eight -lines in breadth, and of a pale reddish yellow-brown, spotted all over -with two shades of darker orange-brown. It is said she sits for four -weeks; her young keep with her until the approach of winter, but the cocks -separate from the mother before the hens. When the females really commence -incubation, they are forsaken by the old males, who skulk about among the -brushwood while renewing their plumage, the female alone attending to the -hatching and rearing of her progeny." - -"Except there be deep snow upon the ground," says Mr. Lloyd, "the -Capercali is much upon the ground in the daytime; very commonly, however, -he sits in the pines, sometimes on the very uppermost branches. During the -night he generally roosts in the trees; but if the winter be very cold, he -not unfrequently buries himself in the snow. Considering the large size of -the bird, his flight is not particularly heavy or noisy; indeed, I have -not only seen the Capercali at a very considerable height in the air, but -I have known him to take a flight of several miles at a time. During the -winter he is in most instances to be seen perched on the very uppermost -branches of the pines." - -"The Capercali lives to a considerable age; at least, so we infer from the -cocks not attaining their full growth until their third year, or upwards. -The old ones may be easily known from their greater bulk, their eagle-like -bill, and the more beautiful glossiness of their plumage. The size of -these birds, I have reason to suppose, depends in a great degree on the -latitude where they are found." - -Pennant, in his "British Zoology," speaking of the Capercali, says, "This -species is found in no other part of Great Britain than the Highlands of -Scotland north of Inverness, and is very rare even in those parts. In -our country I have seen one specimen, a male, killed in the woods of Mr. -Chisholme, to the north of Inverness." - -Of late years successful attempts have been made to restore this bird -to Scotland, and in 1836 Mr. Lloyd procured for Sir T. Fowell Buxton -forty-nine Capercali, male and female. These he presented to his friend -Lord Breadalbane, by whom they were reared with such success that about -Taymouth Castle they became as common as the Black Cock, and spread thence -over all the more wooded parts of the Highlands as far as Aberdeen, and -have grown so tame that a carriage might be driven under the trees on -which the hens are perched without their taking the slightest notice. - -Although the Capercali is exceedingly shy in its native wilds, it -sometimes divests itself of its shyness and approaches people fearlessly; -and this, says Mr. Lloyd, in his amusing volume on the "Game Birds -of Sweden and Norway," "has occasionally given rise in Sweden to the -notion that it is actually 'possessed.'" "About this time last year," -Lieutenant Jack relates, "whilst the cottager Anders Pehrsson, of -Bengtsbo, in the province of Westmarland, was collecting brushwood in -the forest, a Capercali cock, without showing the smallest apprehension, -came and alighted on the ground immediately near him. The old belief -in _Troll-Foglar_, or enchanted birds, once so common, and which is -still retained by a portion of the peasantry, could not but have its -effect on the man from such clear and conclusive evidence. With this -crotchet in his head, he therefore hastened to the _Klockare_, or clerk -of the parish, named Pettersson, who was also its oracle, residing at a -distance of about an English mile from the spot, and related to him what -had happened. Pettersson, who professed not to have the most distant -apprehension of the _Troll_ and their emissaries, at once put his gun -in order, and, accompanied by Pehrsson, repaired to the spot indicated, -which the Capercali had not yet quitted. The _Klockare_ advanced to within -a few paces of the bird, and pulled the trigger, but the gun 'clicked.' -It was cocked a second and a third time, though with the same result. -The flint is now hammered, and fire at length produced, though confined -to a flash in the pan. The ardour of the sportsman rose to its highest -pitch. How provoking! neither pricker nor other instrument to clear the -touch-hole. These had been forgotten in the hurry of departure from home. -As a substitute a pointed piece of wood is had recourse to; but it breaks -short off in the touch-hole, and only makes matters worse. All this -while the Capercali remains motionless, a quiet spectator of the enemy's -proceedings. The _Klockare_, on his part, gazes at the bird, and that -with a feeling somewhat akin to awe. He is on the point of sharing his -comrade's belief in _förtrollning_, or enchantment. Once more, however, -he musters up courage, and, renewing his endeavours, finally succeeds -in clearing the touch-hole; fresh priming is then put in the pan, but -when all is in readiness, and he is prepared to discharge his piece, the -bird, which hitherto had not budged an inch from the spot, suddenly takes -wing. Our Nimrod is just about to give vent to his feelings, and pour -maledictions on his villainous weapon, when, to his joy, he sees the bird -alight on a tree within an easy distance. To place the gun to his shoulder -and fire is now the work of a moment, and to the undisguised delight, not -to say astonishment, of both our doughty knights of the chase, the old -blunderbuss went off with a loud bang, and the Troll-bird gave up the -ghost." - -"In Scandinavia," continues Mr. Lloyd, "the Capercali is in considerable -request for the table. It is more palatable, however, during the autumnal -months, when it lives for the most part on berries and the like, than -in the winter, when its food consists of pine-leaves, which give it a -somewhat resinous flavour. In Wermeland and the adjacent country it is -a standing dish at the last-named season at the houses of the gentry, -who usually lay in an ample supply of these birds at the setting in of -the frost. On the occasion of births, marriages, and deaths with the -peasantry, the Capercali is looked upon as a needful addition to the -feast. With them it is eaten either simply boiled or first parboiled and -afterwards roasted until hard as a stone, in which state it will keep for -weeks or months." - - * * * * * - -The HEATH COCKS (_Lyrurus_) represent a group of slenderly-formed birds, -possessing short, arched, and rounded wings, the third quill of which -exceeds the rest in length. The tail, composed of eighteen feathers, is in -the female very slightly excised at its extremity, but in the male is so -deeply forked as to present somewhat the form of a lyre. The powerful beak -is of moderate size; the foot has its exterior and inner toes of equal -length, and is completely covered with feathers. The very glossy plumage -exhibited by the members of this group may be regarded as their most -distinguishing characteristic, the male in particular being remarkable for -the resplendent brilliance that adorns his feathers. - -[Illustration: THE CAPERCALI (_Tetrao urogallus_).] - - -THE BLACK COCK. - -The BLACK COCK (_Lyrurus tetrix_) is principally of a rich black, relieved -upon the head, throat, and lower back with a magnificent steel-blue -sheen; the wings are enlivened by bands of pure white, the feathers on -the lower tail-covers are also of snowy whiteness; the eye is brown, the -pupil blueish black, and the beak black; the toes are greyish brown, the -eye brown, and a bare patch around the eye bright red. In the female the -prevailing colour of the plumage is a mixture of rusty yellow and rusty -brown, marked with transverse stripes and spots of black. The length of -the male is nearly two feet, and its breadth over three feet; the length -of the wing is twelve inches, and that of the tail seven inches. The -female is six inches shorter and nine inches narrower than her mate. The -young in their first plumage resemble their mother; but in the first moult -the black feathers of the young males appear about the sides and breast. - -[Illustration: THE BLACK COCK (_Lyrurus tetrix_).] - -The Black Cock is generally distributed over the European continent, being -found in Germany, Holland, France, and, according to Savi, in Italy. In -the north, it is met with in Scandinavia, Russia, Siberia, and Lapland. -It is said at one time to have been frequent in Ireland, but has long -since disappeared. In England it is met with on heathy hills and forest -districts, becoming more plentiful toward the borders of Scotland, and -is found in considerable abundance in the mountainous and wooded parts -of that country. Its favourite haunts are the low slopes of hills, in -which brushwood and coppice alternate with heather and fern, and rocky, -well-wooded glens. In spring and summer its food consists of leaf-buds, -the tops of heather, berries of various plants growing among the heath, -insects, larvæ, and sometimes corn and seeds from the neighbouring fields. -In winter this supply is diminished to the tender tops of shoots of -birch, fir, and heath, and vaccinia and juniper berries. In spring and -summer, these birds live apart in families, but in the autumn and winter -remain together in flocks, which, when snow is on the ground, roam from -place to place in search of food. - -"Unlike the Capercali, which mostly roosts in trees," says Mr. Lloyd, -"the Black Cock almost invariably passes the night on the ground, and in -the winter, more especially if the cold be intense, it not seldom _buries -itself in the snow_." Nilsson indeed supposes that the bird only makes a -hollow in the snow and allows itself to be covered by the falling flakes; -but Mr. Lloyd assures us that the bird makes a regular burrow for itself, -the depth depending, it is generally believed, on the mildness or severity -of the weather. "Scores of times," he says, "when crossing glades and -other openings in the forest, where the surface of the snow, to the casual -observer, appeared to be as smooth as glass, one or more Black Cocks -have suddenly emerged from beneath the snow, almost at my feet, and when -expecting every moment others to follow I have carefully looked about me, -I never could discover anything beyond the slightest indentation in the -snow where the bird had burrowed, the hole itself being filled up by the -sides collapsing; and yet perhaps within the next minute half a score of -Black Cocks would fly up all around me. That their heads were above the -surface previously to their leaving the snow I hold to be impossible, nor -can I conceive that even their beaks protruded as others will have it. -If air be needful to birds when thus imbedded in the snow, their beak no -doubt forms an imperceptible orifice, through which they are enabled to -respire." - -In addition to his own experiences in the matter, Mr. Lloyd quotes the -observations of the amusing though sometimes "marvel-relating" Bishop -Oppidam: "In the winter-time the Black Grouse take care of themselves in -this manner: they first fill their craw with as much food as it will hold, -till it hangs like a bag under their necks, whereby they are provided for -something to live on for some time; then they will drop themselves down -into the soft snow and do not stay in their first hole, but undermine -and burrow in the snow some fathoms from it; and there they make a small -opening for their bills, and thus be warm and comfortable." - -In the warm days of early spring these birds resort to their pairing -ground, for unless they have been disturbed, they frequent the same place -year after year. "The places selected at such seasons," says Sir W. -Jardine, "are generally elevations, such as the turf enclosure of a former -sheep-fold, which has been disused and is now grown over, or some of those -beautiful spots of fresh and grassy pasture, which are well known to the -inhabitants of a pastoral district. Here, after perhaps many battles have -been fought and rivals vanquished, the noble, full-dressed Black Cock -takes his stand, commencing at the first dawn of day, and where game is -abundant, the hill on every side repeats his humming call; he struts round -the spots selected, trailing his wings, inflating his throat and neck, and -puffing up the plumage of these parts and the now brilliant wattle above -the eyes, raising and expanding his tail and displaying the beautifully -contrasting white under tail-covers." (See engraving, p. 185.) - -"While the Cock is thus parading to and fro," says Mr. Lloyd, "he -frequently vaults high into the air, and in doing this 'slews' his body -round, so that on alighting again his head is turned in an opposite -direction." This season of admiration does not continue long, the females -dispersing to seek a place for their eggs, and the males retreating to -the shelter of the brushwood or brakes of fern, they are then seldom seen -except early in the morning and evening. The nest of the "Grey Hen," as -the female is commonly called, is very simple, being merely a hollow in -the ground sheltered by a low bush or tuft of grass; the eggs are from -six to twelve in number, about two inches long, and of a yellowish white -colour, spotted and dotted with yellowish red. The mother has the entire -charge of the young, both during and after incubation, and most zealously -does she defend her trust, acutely distinguishing friends from foes, as -the following anecdotes from the _Zoologist_ will prove:-- - -"As Mr. W. S. Hurrel was crossing the hill between Carr Bridge and the -Spey, on a fishing excursion, with some of his dogs following, one of them -pointed, when a Grey Hen offered to do battle in defence of her brood, and -flapping her wings like fanners, she with heroic bravery actually beat her -canine antagonist and drove him crest-fallen away. Mr. Bass, M.P., and his -friends who have taken the shootings around Carr Bridge are in the habit -of giving presents to the herd-boys in the districts in order to engage -them to preserve the nests, and if possible guard them from external -violence. One of the keepers lately accosted one of these herd-boys, -and in answer to several queries on the subject of nests, was told by -the boy that in guarding the game from molestation he had no difficulty -except with one nest, which was situated in a place much frequented by -the cattle, and which he said must have been destroyed unless by some -means protected. 'But,' continued the boy, 'I have built a little house of -stones and turf about it, and that will prevent the cattle getting at it.' -'But,' said the keeper, 'you will certainly scare away the birds.' 'Oh, -no,' replied the boy, 'I have left a little door for the hen to get in and -out of, and she sits on her eggs as usual;' which the keeper on visiting -the place found to be true." - -The Black Cock is pursued with great zest in all countries of which it is -a native--in Scandinavia various modes of warfare are resorted to. - -"A very common plan of starting the Black Cock, in the winter time," says -Mr. Lloyd, speaking of his Scandinavian experiences, "is with the aid of a -_bulvan_, or artificial decoy bird. This is affixed to the top of a long -and slender pole, or of two poles tied together, which is then hoisted a -little above the top of a birch-tree, standing on an eminence, that it -may be seen from a distance. The fowler then conceals himself in a screen -constructed of a few fir-boughs, previously prepared for the purpose. Here -he patiently awaits the coming of the birds, and when attracted by the -_bulvan_, or driven towards it by people patrolling the country for the -purpose, they alight in the tree on which the decoy is placed, or on those -in the immediate vicinity, one or other of them usually meets its doom. - -"At times two or three individuals take part in this amusement, and if -there be several wooded knolls in the same locality, each may be occupied -to advantage by a _jägare_ and his _bulvan_, for as these birds, when -alarmed at the shot, keep flying from one _bulvan_ to the other, they are -pretty sure of being killed sooner or later." - -These _bulvans_ seem to be very rudely constructed, for if a stuffed Black -Cock be not procurable for a _bulvan_, "an imitation one may be made out -of an old hat or piece of dark-coloured cloth. Two small patches of red -cloth, one on each side of the head, represent the combs over the eyes, -and two others of white stuff the white spots on the bird's shoulders. -The tail of a veritable Black Cock is usually attached, but should this -not be procurable, one made with black cloth, and lined with white, can -be substituted in its stead. Legs are not required, the stick to which -the _bulvan_ is fastened supplying their place. At times, however, the -_bulvan_ is carved out of a piece of wood and afterwards painted." The -Black Cock may be domesticated without much trouble, and instances are -known of its having bred in captivity. "In the rural districts of Sweden," -Mr. Lloyd tells us, "one often sees a caged Black Cock in the houses of -the gentry, this bird being greatly admired by every one both for his -beauty and for his _spel_, or song, which, though anything but musical, is -wild and pleasing, and during the pairing season almost continual." - - -THE HYBRID GROUSE. - -The HYBRID GROUSE (_Tetrao medius_). In this remarkable bird, a cross -between the Black Cock and Capercali, the entire mantle is black, faintly -marked with grey spots and zigzag lines; the upper wing is watered with -blackish brown and grey; the secondary quills are enlivened by a brown -whitish stripe, and edged with the same shade; the slightly-incised tail -is black, occasionally with white tips to its feathers. The under side -is black, the head and fore part of the neck gleam with a purple light, -the sides of the body are powdered with grey and spotted with white; the -plumage of the legs is white, and the tarsus blackish grey; the eye is -dark brown; and the beak greyish black. The female sometimes resembles -that of the Capercali, sometimes the Grey Hen; but it is smaller than -either. The length of the male is from twenty-five to twenty-eight inches; -that of his mate twenty-one to twenty-two inches. - -[Illustration: HYBRID GROUSE (_Tetrao medius_).] - -The Hybrid Grouse are found wherever the Black Cock and Capercali inhabit -the same district, and are particularly numerous in Scandinavia. They -closely resemble their parents in general habits, although towards the -former of these species they frequently exhibit a very pugnacious spirit -during the period of incubation, and constantly do great damage to the -sportsmen by attacking and disturbing the Grey Hen when brooding. - -"The Capercali," says Mr. Lloyd, "occasionally breed with the Black -Grouse, and the produce are in Sweden called _Racklehanen_. These partake -of the leading characters of both species, but their size and colour -greatly depend upon whether they have been produced between the Capercali -cock and Grey Hen, or _vice versâ_." Females of these hybrids are much -more rare than males, but neither, according to Mr. Lloyd, are common. - -[Illustration: HAZEL GROUSE (_Bonasia sylvestris_).] - -Professor Nilsson has given us the following account of one of these birds -which he kept in confinement:--"He is more dull than lively. For the most -part he will sit for a whole day on his perch in a passive attitude, with -his tail hanging down, his feathers somewhat ruffled, and his eyes closed. -He is, nevertheless, wild and shy. Towards people who approach his coop -he evinces more shyness than malice; but to small animals and birds that -come near him, or attempt to purloin his food, he displays an exceedingly -angry and spiteful temper. About March, when he puts on his beautiful -summer plumage, he is more vicious than usual. Towards the end of that -month, or early in April, when the fine weather sets in, he commences his -_spel_ (call). In this, however, he never indulges at an early hour in the -morning, but only in the daytime, both before and after noon. His moulting -season commences about July, and continues for a long period. His food -consists of whortle-berries, and other forest berries when obtainable, -but he is also fond of apples chopped up small, cabbages, and various -vegetables, as well as of barley and the seeds of the spruce pine." - - -THE HAZEL GROUSE. - -The HAZEL GROUSE (_Bonasia sylvestris_), a third species, represents a -group that have their tarsi only partially feathered, and their toes quite -bare. These birds have the tail composed of sixteen feathers, and rounded -at its extremity, while the plumage on the head is prolonged into a crest. -The sexes are very similarly coloured, and of about the same size. The -plumage on the mantle is spotted reddish grey and white, most of the -feathers being also delicately pencilled with undulating black lines. The -reddish grey upper wing is enlivened with white streaks and spots; the -throat is spotted brown and white. The quills are greyish brown, dotted -with reddish white on the narrow outer web, and the blackish tail-feathers -dotted with grey, those in the centre being marked with reddish brown. The -eye is rust-brown, the beak black, and the bare part of the foot greyish -brown. - -The length of the male is from seventeen to eighteen inches, and the -breadth from twenty-three to twenty-five inches; the wing measures seven -and the tail five inches; the female is about one-fifth or one-sixth -smaller than her mate. The habitat of this species extends from the Alps -to the extreme north of Europe, and from Scandinavia to Eastern Siberia. -Extensive forests of oak, beech, alder, and hazel are the situations it -prefers, whilst it almost entirely avoids fir and pine woods; for this -reason, it is by no means equally spread over this portion of the European -continent, being numerously met with in a large part of Scandinavia, -Russia, and Siberia, whilst in Austria, Bavaria, Bohemia, and Silesia it -is comparatively rare, and in Northern Germany quite unknown. In certain -districts the Hazel Grouse remains within its forest home throughout -the entire year, and in others wanders to a short distance in search of -berries. These expeditions are made by the male birds alone, and they -usually return within a month to their former haunts. Leyen informs us -that the retreats chosen by these birds vary with the different seasons of -the year--that in May, June, and July they seek the borders of the forest, -and in August some retire within the most sheltered nooks of its interior -to subsist upon berries, while others wander over the country in the -manner above described. In September they again seek the brushwood, and -in winter make their home within their favourite forests. In Switzerland -they appear to prefer the wooded tracts of the Alps, and are very rarely -seen upon the plains that lie beneath. They frequently associate with the -Capercali, but often venture higher than that bird. In the more northern -parts of Europe, they are also met with in mountainous districts, and in -Scandinavia are especially numerous at the foot of the Northern Alps. - -The Hazel Grouse is peculiarly quiet and retired in its habits, and has -but one mate; its movements upon the ground are rapid, and its power of -springing from one point to another when in danger remarkable. Naumann -mentions having seen one of these birds leap to a height of fully four -feet, in order to snatch some berries from a bush. Whilst running the -hen keeps her crest close to her head, whilst that of the male is fully -expanded and displayed. Although not much in the habit of having recourse -to its wings, the flight of the Hazel Grouse is strong and more rapid than -that of the Capercali; in its general character it resembles that of the -Partridge. - -In Finland, M. Wilhelm von Wright tells us, that the Hazel Hen is found in -larger or smaller packs, according to their greater or less abundance in -the districts. "It is not for me, of course," says Mr. Lloyd, "to question -the accuracy of so good an observer, but singularly enough I myself never -heard of more than a single family continuing in company. Sweden, however, -is not Finland, and the habits of birds may vary in different countries. -The favourite haunts of the Hazel Hen are hilly and wooded districts. In -the open country it is never found, but it somewhat varies its ground, -according to the season of the year. During summer and autumn one often -sees these birds in woods consisting of deciduous trees; but when the -leaves begin to fall, they retire to the great pine forests, probably that -they may be less exposed to birds of prey. - -"Their food in the autumn consists of worms, larvæ, and the various -berries with which the Scandinavian forests abound; but in the winter, -when the snow lies deep on the ground, they subsist chiefly on the tender -tops of the birch and alder, especially the latter. I have then also found -in their crops the stalks and tops of the blackberry. - -"Even when the Hazel Hen is 'treed,' a practised eye is often required to -discover its whereabouts, for it frequently sits so shrouded amongst the -branches of an umbrageous pine as not to be readily seen, at least by a -casual observer. It is so cunning, moreover, as to regulate its movements -by those of the fowler; for whilst he is on the look-out for the bird -on one side of the tree, it creeps to the opposite, leaving during its -progress little more than its head exposed, and that only for the purpose -of keeping the enemy in sight. - -"The usual way of shooting the Hazel Hen in Scandinavia is without any -dog, and solely with the aid of the so-called _hjerp-pipa_, or pipe. This -implement, which is much less in size than one's finger, is constructed of -wood or metal, or, it may be, the 'wing-bone of a Black Cock.' It produces -a soft, whistling sound, that may be varied according to the call of the -bird. Such a pipe may be readily manufactured. Often, indeed," continues -Mr. Lloyd, "when we have accidentally met with a Hazel Hen has my man with -his knife alone made one out of a sapling of a pithy tree, and that in the -course of a very few minutes. - -"Provided with this implement, the sportsman traverses the forest in -silence, and when he has succeeded in flushing the brood he, after a -time, begins to _lacka_, when one or other of the birds is pretty sure -to respond, or, it may be, fly directly towards him, and in the end he -usually succeeds in shooting the whole or greater part of them." - -M. Wilhelm von Wright speaks of the Hazel Hen as an exceedingly amusing -bird in an aviary. At first it will not eat, but endeavours to hide -itself in a corner; the best way is therefore to supply it with food and -water and leave it to itself. Red whortle-berries and juniper-berries are -the best for it at first, but afterwards it will eat hempseed, barley, -buckwheat, and other grain. To induce it to drink, some berries should -be put into the vessel containing water; it will also eat meat, raw or -boiled. Dry sand should be placed in a box, as it "dusts" itself daily, if -provided with this, especially should the sun shine, it makes a hole with -its beak in the sand, which it throws over its body. Afterwards it lies -first on one side and then on the other, or on its back, with eyes half -closed, and often mounts on some part of the coop and whistles. - - -THE PRAIRIE HEN, OR PINNATED GROUSE. - -The PRAIRIE HEN, or PINNATED GROUSE (_Tetrao cupido_, or _Cupidonia -Americana_), a North American species very nearly related to the above -birds, represents a group recognisable by two long tufts, each composed -of about eighteen slender feathers, that hang down on each side of the -neck and cover bare patches of skin which indicate the position of -bladder-like cavities connected with the windpipe and capable of being -inflated. The sexes are similarly coloured, but are readily distinguished -by the inferior size of the tufts on the head of the female. The feathers -on the mantle are black, striped with pale red and white, while those on -the under side are striped light brown and white. The quills are greyish -brown, with black shafts, and spotted with red on the outer web; the -tail-feathers dark greyish brown, tipped with dirty white; the regions of -the cheeks and throat are yellowish; the belly is of a whitish shade, and -a line under the eye brown; the long throat-feathers that form the tufts -are dark brown on the outer and pale yellowish red on the inner web. The -eye is reddish brown, the brow bright scarlet, beak dark horn-grey, and -bare parts of the foot and throat orange-yellow. This species is eighteen -inches long, and its breadth thirty inches; the wing measures five inches -and five-sixths, and the tail four inches and a half. - -"When I first removed to Kentucky," says Audubon, "the Pinnated Grouse -were so abundant that they were held in no higher estimation as food than -the most common flesh, and no hunter of Kentucky deigned to shoot them. -They were, in fact, looked upon with more abhorrence than the Crows are -at present in Massachusetts and Maine, on account of the mischief they -committed among the fruit-trees of the orchards during winter when they -fed on their buds, whilst in the spring months they picked up the grain -in the fields. Children were employed to drive them away with rattles -from morning till night, and also caught them in pens and traps of -various kinds. In those days during the winter, the Grouse would enter -the farm-yard and feed with the poultry, alight on the houses, or walk in -the very streets of the villages. I recollect having caught several in a -stable at Henderson, where they followed some Wild Turkeys. In the course -of the same winter a friend of mine, who was fond of rifle-shooting, -killed upwards of forty in one morning, but picked none of them up; so -satiated with Grouse was he as well as every member of his family. My own -servants preferred the fattest flitch of bacon to their flesh, and not -unfrequently laid them aside as unfit for cooking." - -[Illustration: THE PRAIRIE HEN (_Cupidonia Americana_).] - -Such an account appears still more strange when we learn that in the same -country where sixty years ago they could not have been sold for more -than a cent a-piece, scarcely one is now to be found. The Grouse have -abandoned the State of Kentucky, and removed (like the Indians) every -season further westward to escape from the murderous white man. In the -Eastern States where some of them still exist, game-laws have been made -for their protection. The Pinnated Grouse selects for its abode wide -prairies and treeless land covered only with grass or scattered bushes, -and has hence received the name of the Prairie Hen; it does not, however, -avoid cultivated land, but readily avails itself of the plentiful -supplies of food to be found there. This species is more strictly confined -to the ground than any other of its kindred, and seldom ascends the trees -or bushes except in search of fruits or berries, or when pressed by severe -weather. In winter these birds go on expeditions which have been called -migrations, but though these occur with some regularity, their only object -is to seek for favourable feeding-places. Even these short journeyings are -not always undertaken, but take place in certain winters, so that many -sportsmen are under the impression that these birds are non-migratory. -This species is less elegant than the Ruffled Grouse, its walk resembling -that of the Common Hen, although it carries its head more erect. If -surprised it rises at once; but if it perceives the sportsmen from a -distance and the spot around it clear, it runs off swiftly to the next -high grass, there to conceal itself till danger is past. Audubon describes -these birds as running rapidly with wings partially expanded, until -suddenly meeting with a large clod they stop, squat, and disappear in a -moment. At noon they may be seen near to each other dusting themselves and -trimming their feathers. When the mother of a brood is discovered with her -young, she ruffles up her feathers and tries every art to allure you from -the place. On the larger branches of trees these birds walk with ease; but -on smaller ones balance themselves with their wings. They usually roost -singly on little risings of the ground, and a few feet apart. Their flight -is strong, regular, tolerably rapid, and at times prolonged to several -miles distance. - -[Illustration: _Plate 27. Cassell's Book of Birds_ - -COLUMBA LIVIA ____ ROCK PIGEON - -(_about one half Nat. size_)] - -"The Pinnated Grouse," says Audubon, "moves through the air with frequent -beats, after which it sails with the wings bent downwards, balancing -itself for a hundred yards or more, as if to watch the movements of its -pursuer, for at this time they can be easily observed to look behind them -as they proceed. They never rise when disturbed without uttering four or -five distinct clucks, although at other times they fly off in silence. -The ordinary voice of this species nearly resembles that of our domestic -fowls, but during the pairing season the male utters a peculiar call. - -"The curious notes," continues the same writer, "emitted in the love -season are peculiar to the male. When the receptacles of air above -alluded to, which in form, colour, and size resemble a small orange, are -perfectly inflated, the bird lowers its head to the ground, opens its -bill, and sends forth, as it were, the air contained in these bladders in -distinctly-separated notes, rolling one after another, from loud to low, -and producing a sound like that of a large, muffled drum. This done, the -bird immediately erects itself, refills its receptacles by inhalation, -and again proceeds with its 'tootings.'" Audubon observed in those -Prairie Hens he tamed, that after producing the noise the bags lost their -rotundity and assumed the appearance of a burst bladder, but in a few -seconds became again inflated. He caught one of these birds and pierced -the air-cells with the point of a pin, after which it was unable to "toot" -any more. Another bird, of which he punctured one cell only, was unable to -inflate that one, but next morning could toot with the other, though not -so loudly as before. As soon as the pairing and fighting season is over, -the bladders collapse and are concealed beneath the feathers of the ruff. -During the winter they are much reduced in size. The bladders and long -neck-feathers are seen on the young males before the first winter, and -in the spring attain maturity, but they increase in size and beauty for -several years. - -These birds live both on vegetable food and on insects. During the sowing -season they visit corn-fields of various kinds, where they do considerable -damage. They feed on the barberry, and various other berries growing on -low shrubs, on buds of various plants, and on acorns. "In the western -country," says Audubon, "these birds frequent the sumach bushes to feed -on their seeds, often in such numbers that I have seen them bent by their -weight, and I have counted more than fifty on a single apple-tree, the -buds of which they entirely destroyed in a few hours. They also alight -on high forest trees on the margins of large rivers. During winter these -Grouse congregate in large flocks, but as soon as the snows have melted -away, and the first blades of grass issue from the earth, announcing -the approach of spring, they separate into parties of fifty or more, -their love season commences, and a spot is pitched upon to which they -daily resort until incubation is established. Inspired by love, the male -birds, before the first glimpse of day lightens the horizon, fly swiftly -and singly from their grassy beds to meet, to challenge, and to fight -the various rivals led by the same impulse to the arena. The male is at -this season arrayed in his full dress, and enacts his part in a manner -not surpassed in pomposity by any other bird. Imagine them assembled to -the number of twenty by daybreak; see them all strutting in presence of -each other; mark their consequential gestures, their looks of disdain, -and their angry pride as they pass each other. Their tails are spread out -and inclined forwards to meet the expanded feathers of their neck, which -now, like stuffed frills, lie supported by the globular, orange-coloured -receptacles of air from which their singular booming sounds proceed. Their -wings, like those of the Turkey Cock, are stiffened, and declined so as -to rub and rustle on the ground as the bird passes rapidly along. Their -bodies are depressed towards the ground, the fire of their eyes evinces -the pugnacious workings of their minds, their notes fill the air around, -and at the very first answer from some coy female the heated blood of the -feathered warriors swells every vein, and presently the battle rages. Like -Game Cocks, they strike and rise in the air to meet their assailants with -greater advantage. Now many close in the encounter; feathers are seen -whirling in the agitated air, or falling around them tinged with blood. -The weaker begin to give way, and one after another seek refuge in the -neighbouring bushes. The remaining few, greatly exhausted, maintain their -ground, and withdraw slowly and proudly, as if each claimed the honours -of victory. The vanquished and the victors then search for the females, -who, believing each to have returned from the field in triumph, receive -them with joy. It not unfrequently happens that a male already mated is -suddenly attacked by some disappointed rival, who unexpectedly pounces -upon him after a flight of considerable length, having been attracted by -the cackling of the happy couple. The female invariably squats next to and -almost under the breast of her lord, while he, always ready for action, -throws himself on his daring antagonist, and chases him away never to -return." - -In tracts of land in the western country, the Pinnated Grouse may be heard -booming and tooting before break of day, and at all hours afterwards until -sunset; but in those districts where they have been frequently annoyed -by that intruder, man, their meetings are more noiseless, their battles -shorter and less frequent, and their fighting-grounds more concealed. Many -of the young males fight in the autumn, the females generally joining them -to make peace. - -The nest is made earlier or later, according to the latitude of the place, -between the beginning of April and the end of May. Audubon found a nest in -Kentucky finished and containing a few eggs at the first-mentioned date; -but he thinks, taking the difference of seasons into consideration, that -the average time is about the beginning of May. The nest, which is formed -of dry leaves and grass, neatly interwoven, is carefully placed amid the -tall grass, or a large tuft in the open ground, or at the foot of a bush. -The eggs are from eight to twelve in number, and are of a light colour. -The mother sits upon the nest eighteen or nineteen days, and as soon as -the young have freed themselves, leads them away from the nest, when the -male ceases to associate with her. In autumn the families congregate -together in flocks, which at the approach of winter consist of several -hundreds. When alarmed, the young squat so closely in the grass as to be -quite hidden. "Once," says Audubon, "my horse almost placed his foot on a -covey that was in the path. I observed them, and instantly leaped to the -ground; but, notwithstanding all my endeavours, the cunning mother saved -them by a single cluck. The little fellows rose on the wing for only a few -yards. I spent much time in search of them; I could not discover one. I -was greatly amused, however, by the arts the mother employed to induce me -to leave the spot where they lay concealed." - -These birds never have more than one brood during the year; but should the -eggs have been destroyed, a second set is laid, generally fewer in number -than the first. About the 1st of August the young are nearly as large as -the little American Partridge, and are then fit for the table; but they do -not become strong in the wing till the middle of October. - -The war against these Grouse is carried on in various ways. Some are shot -on their breeding-places, others killed with sticks, or caught in nets and -snares. "I observed," says Audubon, "that for several nights in succession -many of these Grouse slept in a meadow not far distant from my house. This -piece of ground was thickly covered with tall grass, and one dark night I -thought of amusing myself by trying to catch them. I had a large seine, -and took with me several negroes supplied with lanterns and long poles, -with the latter of which they bore the net completely off the ground. We -entered the meadow in the early part of the night, although it was so dark -that without a light, one could hardly have seen an object a yard distant, -and spreading out the leaded end of the net, carried the other end forward -by means of the poles, at the height of a few feet. I had marked before -dark a place in which a great number of the birds had alighted, and now -ordered my men to proceed towards it. As the net passed over the first -Grouse in the way, the alarmed bird flew directly towards the confining -part of the angle, and almost at the same moment a great number of others -arose, and, with much noise, followed the same direction. At a signal, the -poles were laid flat on the ground, and we secured the prisoners, bagging -some dozens. Repeating our experiment three times in succession, we met -with equal success; but now we gave up the sport on account of the loud -bursts of laughter from the negroes, who could no longer refrain. Leaving -the net on the ground, we returned to the house laden with spoil, although -I am confident that several hundreds had escaped." - -"The Pinnated Grouse," as Audubon further relates, "is easily tamed, and -easily kept. It also breeds in confinement. I have often been surprised," -he continues, "that it has not been fairly domesticated. While at -Henderson I purchased sixty alive that were expressly caught for me within -twelve miles of that village, and brought in a bag laid across the back -of a horse. I cut the tips of their wings, and turned them loose in a -garden and orchard about four acres in extent. Within a week they became -tame enough to allow me to approach them without their being frightened. I -supplied them with abundance of corn, and they fed besides on vegetables -of various kinds. This was in the month of September, and almost all of -them were young birds. In the course of the winter they became so gentle -as to feed from the hand of my wife, and walked about the garden like -so many tame fowls, mingling occasionally with the domestic poultry. I -observed that at night each individual made choice of one of the heaps in -which a cabbage had grown, and that they invariably turned their breast -to the wind, whatever way it happened to blow. When spring returned -they strutted, 'tooted,' and fought, as if in the wilds where they had -received their birth. Many laid eggs, and a good number of young ones made -their appearance; but the Grouse at last proved so destructive to the -young vegetables--tearing them up by the roots--that I ordered them to -be killed. So brave were some of the male birds that they never flinched -in the presence of a Turkey Cock; and now and then would stand against a -Dunghill Cock for a pass or two before they would run from him." - - * * * * * - -The PTARMIGANS (_Lagopus_) constitute a group of remarkable birds, -characterised by their very compact body, medium-sized wings, in which the -third quill is the longest, a short, slightly rounded, or straight tail, -composed of eighteen feathers, and a small beak. The comparatively small -feet have the tarsi and toes covered with hairy feathers. The rich plumage -varies in its hues according to the season of the year; the sexes are very -similar in their coloration, and the young soon acquire the same tints -as their parents. The unusually large claws possessed by the members of -this group are shed, like those of their congeners, when the plumage is -changed. The Ptarmigans inhabit both America and the Eastern Hemisphere as -far northward as vegetation extends, and have occasionally been seen even -at 80° north latitude. In a southerly direction they are met with as far -as the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the mountains of Central Europe. - -These birds live on open ground, and feed upon twigs and leaves of shrubs, -berries, grasses, and seeds; their flight is quick, strong, and prolonged. -They walk and run very nimbly, and often escape from their pursuers by -hiding under shrubs or among heather, when much alarmed they take wing, -but even then never resort to the woods for shelter. Their eggs, which are -numerous, are spotted with dark brown. The young run about as soon as they -leave the egg, and follow their mother in search of food. At the approach -of winter several families frequently associate together. - - -THE WILLOW PTARMIGAN. - -The WILLOW PTARMIGAN (_Lagopus albus_) is about fifteen inches long and -twenty-four inches and a half broad; its wing measures seven inches and -a half, and the tail four inches and a quarter, the female is one inch -shorter and narrower than her mate. During the winter the plumage of -this beautiful bird is of a dazzling white, except the fourteen outer -tail-feathers, which are black, with white roots and edges; the six -largest quills have an oval brownish black streak in the outer web. As -the pairing season advances, the head and nape become reddish brown, -spotted and streaked with black, the feathers on the shoulders, back, and -rump, and those in the centre of the tail are black, edged with white, -and have lines of reddish brown or yellow over half their surface; the -tail-feathers become paler and lose their light edges. The primary quills -remain white as in winter, while the secondaries turn brown; the face and -throat are usually of unspotted reddish brown; the head, upper breast, and -thighs of a reddish hue, dotted and lined with black; the feathers of the -middle part of the breast are black, spotted with reddish brown and white, -and those of the belly and legs entirely white. The lower tail-covers are -black, marked with reddish brown and yellow, and the corners of the mouth -are decorated with white spots. The above colours often vary in their -shades, and in the course of the summer become much paler. The female -is always lighter in hue than her mate, and acquires her summer plumage -before the male. When the feathers begin to darken, the comb on the brow -becomes higher and of a reddish tint. - -Many observers have assumed that there are two moulting seasons--the -first, which occurs in autumn, extends to the whole of the feathers; -during the second, which takes place in spring, the smaller feathers -alone are changed; but the winter clothing does not immediately replace -the summer dress, nor does that at once supersede the winter suit. On -this account it has been supposed by some that the Ptarmigan moults -four times in the year. American observers, on the contrary, think they -have perceived that the smaller feathers at least are not replaced, but -simply changed in colour. According to Richardson, "The second change -is occasioned, not by the reproduction of feathers, but by the coloured -ones becoming white, the process commencing on their tip. This alteration -takes place in scattered feathers, which at the same time lengthen, and in -a week or ten days the change is complete; spotted specimens undergoing -the change may be distinguished from spring ones by the worn state of the -tarsal feathers." - -This Ptarmigan is spread throughout the northern parts of both the New and -Old World, although it is not found everywhere in the same numbers. It is -very plentiful in Scandinavia, and also in Finland, and Russia, and common -in the eastern coasts of the latter country, and in many parts of Siberia. -Radde did not meet with it about the Lake of Baikal or the Amur, and -therefore concludes that it does not stay there during the summer; but he -found it in Eastern Sayan, at a height of between five and six thousand -feet above the sea-level, on wide plains, overgrown with birch bushes. It -breeds in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains, and upon the arctic coasts; -but collecting in flocks on the approach of winter, it retires southward -as the severity of the weather increases. Considerable bodies, however, -remain behind, even in the coldest winters. In the year 1819 its earliest -appearance at Cumberland House, latitude fifty-four degrees, was in the -second week in November, and it returned to the northward again before the -beginning of spring. - -[Illustration: THE WILLOW PTARMIGAN (_Lagopus albus_). ONE-THIRD NATURAL -SIZE.] - -These Ptarmigans prefer the shelter of birch or willow trees, and where -such abound are frequently met with in very large numbers, one pair living -close to another, but each holding its own small domain (usually measuring -about fifteen paces) with the utmost intrepidity against all intruders; -no sooner, however, is the breeding season over than the various families -unite into large flocks, and wander over the country to a considerable -distance. In disposition this species is lively, and its movements -generally restless and rapid, its broad, thickly-feathered feet enabling -it to run with equal facility over fresh snow or unsafe moss-covered -earth. Whilst in motion the head and tail are usually held down; but when -the bird is quite secure from danger, the body is kept much elongated, and -the head boldly raised erect. The flight is graceful and light, that of -the male accompanied by a loud resonant note as he is about to descend, -but the female utters no sound when on the wing. During very severe -seasons, or when an enemy is at hand, the Willow Ptarmigan frequently -takes refuge in the snow for warmth or shelter; and in very sharp wind, -or biting frost, it is not uncommon to see a whole flock snugly buried -in a snow-bed, close to each other, with only their heads protruding, to -enable them to detect the first sign of danger, in evading which they -exhibit a most wonderful instinct. Their food consists of leaves, buds, -blossoms, berries, and various kinds of insects; grain of all kinds they -also devour. The nest of this species is concealed with great skill in -some retired nook, and slightly lined with grass, earth, and feathers. The -small pear-shaped eggs are laid at the end of May or beginning of June; -they are from twelve to sixteen in number, and have a yellowish shell, -thickly covered with reddish-brown dots and streaks. No sooner are the -young capable of walking than they are at once led forth to seek their -food upon the neighbouring marshes and bogs, as the insects and larvæ of -which such localities afford a rich supply are particularly acceptable to -the delicate little family. Throughout the whole of the breeding season, -many and fierce encounters take place between the male birds, and from ten -o'clock in the evening till early morning their loud calls may be heard -challenging each other to a trial of strength, which usually continues -until the females gently warn their pugnacious partners that it is time to -retire to rest. - - -THE ALPINE OR GREY PTARMIGAN. - -The ALPINE or GREY PTARMIGAN (_Lagopus Alpinus_ or _mutus_)--see Coloured -Plate XXVIII.--may be said to vary its plumage every month during the -summer. At all seasons, however, the belly, lower tail-covers, exterior -wing-covers, quills, and tarsi are white, the tail is black, and the -quills streaked with black. About the middle of April other black feathers -begin to make their appearance, and the entire plumage becomes, as it -were, chequered. By May the head, throat, back, and upper feathers of the -wing-covers are more or less variegated with reddish brown and white. As -the autumn approaches the feathers gradually change, and by the end of -September are of a light grey, dotted with black, and the reddish streaks -on the neck and head almost white. In the female these parts are marked -with undulating reddish and black lines, the bands being much broader and -more clearly defined. In winter the plumage of the male is entirely of a -snowy white, except the few black tail-feathers; these latter also show a -light border. Occasionally specimens are met with that have retained some -of these dark feathers through the cold season. - -The Alpine Ptarmigan, or Fjall Ripa, as it is called, is met with in -Scotland, and abounds in Scandinavia, in the higher ranges of that -peninsula, up to the vicinity of the North Cape. - -"The Fjall Ripa," says Professor Rusch, in a letter to Mr. Lloyd, "is -found so far south in the province of Christiansand, that its southern -limits can certainly be placed in latitude 58° 40´. It occurs wherever the -mountains rise above the limits of the dwarf birch, with steep precipices -and stone rubble. On mountains in the southern districts of Norway, at the -height of 3,000 to 3,500 feet, the sportsman may be tolerably certain of -meeting with one pair or more of these birds." - -During the year the plumage varies very considerably, being almost in a -constant state of moult. By all accounts, this species puts on at least -three different dresses in the course of the year. The tail-feathers are -always black, and the male has a small black mark from the base of the -bill to the temple; but with these exceptions the winter dress of both -sexes is white. - -The male begins to assume his spring dress about the middle of April, the -female a few days later, and usually completes it by the end of May or -beginning of June; the information respecting the autumnal moulting is -not so precise. In the beginning of September, according to Barth, they -have assumed the greater part of their autumnal dress, which about the -middle of the same month begins to change into the winter plumage in such -a manner that the autumn moulting is simultaneously continued. - -The _Lagopus Alpinus_ is not shy in summer, and early in autumn may be -approached very closely without taking flight. "Not unfrequently, indeed," -says Mr. Lloyd, "the fowler or wayfarer finds himself in the very midst -of a brood, without having been previously aware of its presence; but as -the season advances the several families 'pack,' and they then become very -wary, especially should they have become associated with the _Lagopus -albus_, which is of a much wilder nature, and thus they keep together -throughout the winter, and until the month of May, when they separate in -pairs. Their favourite resorts are amongst stones and shingle, where they -find shelter in bad weather, and from which in their summer plumage they -are hardly to be distinguished." - -During the summer and autumn they feed on seeds and leaves, especially on -those of the crakeberry (_Empetrum nigrum_), the leaves of which are green -all the year round. When heavy storms of snow make these unattainable they -devour the tender tops of willow and dwarf birch. - -"The easily satisfied appetite of the _Lagopus Alpinus_," says M. Barth, -"coupled with the fact that the crakeberry grows in such profusion -everywhere as in many places to cover the whole slope of the _fjall_, up -to near the line of perpetual snow, explains the question why these birds -never lack food in the higher regions, where one would least suppose -it possible for any living creature to find the wherewithal to sustain -existence. The crakeberry plant in some years has so many berries that the -ground looks black with them; nevertheless, in those years I never found -the berries themselves in the crop of this species, but only the stalks -and leaves. After producing fruits in such abundance, the crakeberry plant -would seem to require some time for rest, inasmuch as in the succeeding -year scarcely a berry is to be seen on it. The Ptarmigan would therefore -be very badly off if its taste only permitted it to feed on the berry and -not on the stalk--another instance of the wise foresight of Nature. During -pairing time the cry of the male is said to resemble the croak of a frog, -or the snoring of a man. The female note is a low 'ü-ack, ü-ack.'" - -The nest is made among stones, or heather and grass. The eggs are -yellowish, with brown spots, and are from eight to fourteen in number. The -brood is hatched about the middle or end of June, according to the season. -The male is said to remain with his mate during the time of incubation, -but as soon as the young are hatched he leaves them with their mother -and joins his male companions on the upper part of the _fjalls_, where -his family follow him with their mother as soon as they are sufficiently -grown; both parents and brood remain together till the approach of winter, -when the various families unite in packs. Mr. Lloyd, however, doubts the -truth of the generally-believed fact of the partial separation of the male -from his family, and thinks that these packs of males may be such as have -been unable to obtain mates. - -"While the female is sitting," says M. Grouland, "the male always remains -in the near vicinity of the nest, to protect her against the attacks of -foxes, weasels, and the numerous birds of prey by which she is then often -molested. He never separates from her, even after the young are hatched, -but accompanies the family everywhere, and evinces the same regard for -the mother as for the poults. When meeting a family of Fjall Ripa (the -Swedish name for these birds) in the forest, one has an opportunity of -witnessing the instinct implanted by Nature in the parents to protect -their offspring. Should a person then approach the spot where they are -collected, the male, for the purpose of drawing the enemy's attention -from them to himself, runs forward to meet him with plaintive cries and -outstretched wings, thereby endangering himself to secure the safety of -those he holds dearer than life itself." - -M. Barth relates that, "When the fowler comes suddenly upon a brood of -young Fjall Ripa it is really distressing to see the mother running to -and fro before him. Should he remain stationary, her boldness gradually -increases, until at length, either from a feeling of her own weakness, or -from her fears being dispelled at seeing him make no attempts to injure -her, she by degrees retires with the same pitiable mien, and ultimately -hides herself behind a bush, waiting for the moment when she may once more -venture to call her chicks together. Ofttimes has a female Fjall Ripa -approached so near me in the way I have described that I could have killed -her with my foot." - -The _Lagopus Alpinus_ is pursued by many feathered enemies, and when hard -pressed sometimes takes refuge in the hut of the Laplander or among his -reindeer. "Of all the genus _Tetrao_," says Mr. Lloyd, "this species is -the least in request in Scandinavia, but if well dressed I have always -found it very palatable, and little inferior to the _Lagopus albus_." - -[Illustration: THE ALPINE PTARMIGAN (_Lagopus Alpinus_), IN SUMMER -PLUMAGE. ONE-THIRD NATURAL SIZE.] - - -THE RED GROUSE, BROWN PTARMIGAN, OR GAR COCK. - -The RED GROUSE, BROWN PTARMIGAN, or GAR COCK (_Lagopus Scoticus_), closely -resembles the above bird in its general appearance during the summer, but -is without the white feathers in the wings, and has the feet covered with -plumage of a greyish hue, spotted with brown. The feathers on the head -and nape are light reddish brown, spotted with black; those on the back -and wing-covers are spotted in the centre with black; the throat-feathers -are red, those on the back and belly dark purplish brown, with numerous -markings; the quills are dark brown, and the quill-feathers, except the -four in its centre (which are striped red and black) are entirely black; -the plumage on the legs has a reddish shade and dark markings; the tarsi -and toes are covered with whitish feathers. The eye is nut-brown, the -beak black, and the powerful claws of a whitish hue. The female is darker -than her mate, has white spots on her breast and belly, and some of her -wing-feathers tipped with white. This species is fifteen inches long and -twenty-six broad; the female is not quite so long. - -The Red Grouse is peculiar to Great Britain and Ireland, not having -been found in any other part of the world, and is especially abundant -in Scotland, inhabiting heathy tracts from the sea-level to a height -of 2,000 feet, particularly in the moist peat tracts of the western and -northern districts. - -"It is pleasant," says Macgillivray, "to hear the bold challenge of the -Gar Cock at early dawn on the wild moor, remote from human habitation. -I remember with delight the cheering influence of its cry on a cold -morning in September, when, wet to the knees and with a sprained ankle, -I had passed the night in a peat-bog in the midst of the Grampians, -between the sources of the Tummel and the Dee." After expatiating on his -misadventures and the reflections to which they gave rise, he continues, -"However, morning came at last, and I started up to renew my journey. It -was now that I got a view of my lodging, which was an amphitheatre formed -of bare craggy hills, covered with fragments of stone and white moss, -and separated by patches of peat-bog. Not a house was to be seen, nor a -sheep, or so much as a blade of green grass. Not a vestige of life can be -found here, thought I; but I was reproved by a cry which startled me. The -scarlet crest and bright eye of a Moor Cock were suddenly protruded from a -tuft of heather, and I heard with delight the well-known 'kok, kok' of the -'blessed bird,' as the Highlanders call him." - -[Illustration: THE ALPINE PTARMIGAN (_Lagopus Alpinus_), IN WINTER -PLUMAGE. ONE-HALF NATURAL SIZE.] - -"The Brown Ptarmigan," continues our author, "feeds for the most part -upon the tops of heath (_Calluna vulgaris_ and _Erica cinerea_), and also -picks the leaves and tender twigs of _Vaccinium myrtillus_ and _Empetrum -nigrum_, with the young heads of _Eriophorum vaginatum_, shoots of _Galium -saxatile_, _Carices_, grasses, willows, and other plants. It is also -said to eat the berries of _Empetrum nigrum, accinium myrtillus_, and -_Vaccinium vitisidæa_. In two instances I have found its crop filled with -oat-seeds, to which it is said to be very partial, although it rarely -ventures upon cultivated land. While feeding, it walks among the heath, -selecting the fresh tips of the twigs, which it breaks off nearly of the -same size, the largest pieces not exceeding half an inch in length. Along -with these substances, fragments of white quartz, from one-twelfth to -two-twelfths of an inch in diameter, are found in the crop and gizzard, -being introduced for the purpose of aiding the action of the latter in -comminuting the food. When the Brown Ptarmigans have filled their crops -they repose among the heath or bask under a sunny bank, under the shelter -of the shrubs or tufts of herbage. On ordinary occasions this species does -not fly much, but keeps concealed among the heath, seldom choosing to -rise, unless its enemy comes very near. On the approach of danger it lies -close to the ground, when, being of a colour not contrasting strongly with -that of the plants around, it is with difficulty perceived by rapacious -birds." When traced by a dog, it either runs to some distance or squats -at once, and often remains thus concealed for a long time, or again runs -and squats. "I have seen them," continues Macgillivray, "run in this -manner for four or five hundred yards before they were put up. On such -occasions the male is generally the first to rise. He erects himself among -the heath, stretches out his neck, utters a loud cackle, and flies off, -followed by the female and young, affording by their straightforward, -heavy, though strong flight an easy mark to a good shot." - -The Red Grouse flies low, heavily, and in a direct course, moving its -wings rapidly, sometimes, especially when at full speed, with a whirring -sound, and then descending with almost motionless pinions. - -"If disturbed when feeding," says Macgillivray, "the male often boldly -starts up and utters a loud cackle, which may be imitated by quickly -repeating the syllable 'kok' with a deep voice. In spring and summer they -are often heard uttering the same sound without being disturbed, either -as a call of defiance to their fellows, or as a warning or protection -to their mates and young. Early in the morning as well as late in the -evening, but occasionally through the day, you may hear on the moors -a loud cry, which is easily syllabled into 'Go, go, go, go, go-back, -go-back;' although the Celts, naturally imagining the Moor Cock to -speak Gaelic, interpret it as signifying, 'Co, co, co, co, mo-claidh, -mo-claidh'--that is, 'Who, who (goes there?) my sword! my sword!'" These -birds pair early in spring. The nest is made in a hollow of the ground -among the heath, and is irregularly formed of bits of twigs, grass, and -a few feathers; the eggs, from eight to twelve in number, are oval, and -of a yellowish white, yellowish grey, or brownish yellow colour, clouded, -blotched, and dotted with blackish and amber brown. The young leave the -nest soon after they are hatched, and are tended by both parents, the -mother showing much anxiety for her progeny, and endeavouring by affecting -lameness to lure any intruder from them. The young are soon able to fly, -and all keep together till the end of autumn, when several flocks unite -and form a pack, continuing together till spring arrives, when they -separate and pair. In the more remote parts of Scotland the Red Grouse is -considered a bird of good omen. By its crowing at dawn, the evil spirits -of night are thought to be put to flight, or deprived of their power. The -flesh of the Red Grouse is dark, and has a peculiar, bitter flavour, but -is held in high estimation. - - * * * * * - -The PARTRIDGES (_Perdices_), one of the most numerous groups of the -order, are comparatively slenderly built birds, with small heads and -unfeathered tarsi. The wings, in which the third or fourth quill exceeds -the rest in length, are relatively quite as short and rounded, but not -so much arched as those of the _Tetraones_. The tail, composed of from -twelve to sixteen feathers, is always short. The somewhat elongated beak -is but slightly raised at its culmen, and compressed at its sides. The -tarsus is frequently furnished with one, or occasionally with two spurs. -The members of this group are without the warty skin above the eyes -possessed by the birds above described; in some species, however, bare -patches are observable on those parts, and on the throat. The plumage is -smooth, and very similarly coloured in both sexes. These birds inhabit -all portions of the eastern hemisphere, except its extreme north, and -frequent every variety of locality from the coast to a very considerable -height on mountain ranges. Some species prefer cultivated lands, while -others are found in forests where they may occasionally be seen perched -on the branches of trees. Their food consists of insects, grain, and -portions of plants. The nest is a mere hole scratched in the dry mould, -generally under the shelter of some bush or tuft of grass. The eggs, from -twelve to twenty in number, are hatched in three weeks time; the female -sits exceedingly close on her nest during this period, especially during -the latter part of incubation, and offers a bold resistance to any enemy -seeking to plunder her; but if quietly approached, both she and her eggs -may be gently removed, and she will hatch them in confinement, departing -with her young to the fields as soon as the latter are able to accompany -her. The male takes no part in the labour of incubation, but like all -birds that pair, he is attentive to his mate, assists her in defending -the brood, and uses many arts to lure intruders from the nest. The young -are reared on small insects, larvæ, and the eggs of insects; the parents -leading them to the places where these are deposited, and scraping away -the mould. Multitudes of ants and larvæ are eaten by young Partridges. - - * * * * * - -The SNOW PARTRIDGES (_Tetraogallus_) may be regarded as combining the -characteristics of both the Ptarmigans and Partridges. Their body is -compactly framed, their neck short, the head small, the wing of moderate -size, and slightly pointed at the extremity, its second and third quills -being longer than the rest. The gently-rounded tail is of medium length; -the beak long, broad, and powerful, and the heavy short foot furnished -with a blunt spur. The thick plumage is much developed on the tail-covers; -a small patch behind the eye is unfeathered. - - -THE CASPIAN SNOW PARTRIDGE. - -The CASPIAN SNOW PARTRIDGE (_Tetraogallus Caspius_), a member of the above -group, inhabiting Persia, is dark grey upon the head, nape, and upper -breast; the plumage on the back is varied grey and reddish yellow, and -the rest of the under side grey, the shafts of the feathers are streaked -longitudinally with reddish yellow. Two dark lines pass from the corners -of the lower mandible to the breast. These lines divide three white -patches, one on the throat, and one on each side of the face. The feathers -on the upper wing-covers are shaded with black and reddish yellow, with -a broad red edge at their outer web; the quills are pure white, as are -the belly and feathers of the lower tail-covers. The eye is dark brown, -the beak pale horn-grey, and the foot reddish yellow. The length is about -twenty-four inches. - -This species was first described by Gmelin, in 1788-93, in the thirteenth -edition of the "Systema Naturæ." Latham, who places it among the true -Partridges, says that it inhabits Astrabad, Ghilan, and other parts of -Persia. - -We are indebted to Mr. Gray, who has made for these birds the separate -generic title of _Tetraogallus_, for the following description of their -habits, derived from the _St. Petersburg Transactions:_--"This species -builds on the highest summits of the rocky mountains of the Caucasus. It -prefers altogether the region of snow, which it never quits. Thus, when we -desired to acclimatise the young chickens of this Partridge in the plains -of Kahetia, they have not survived the spring. It runs on the rocks and -the ledges of precipices with great agility, and rises with a great cry -at the least danger; so that the most skilful sportsman cannot approach -within shot except under cover of mists. It lives in societies of from six -to ten, becoming the inseparable companion to the goat, on the excrement -of which it feeds during the winter months. In autumn it grows very fat, -and its flesh resembles that of the Common Partridge. In the crop of this -gallinaceous bird I have found a quantity of sand and small stones, mixed -with all kinds of seeds of Alpine plants." - -The following passage in Layard's "Discoveries in the Ruins of Nineveh -and Babylon" seems also to refer to this species:--"A covey of large -birds sailed with a rapid swoop, with the whistling sound peculiar to the -Partridge kind, from an opposite height, and alighted within a few yards -of me. They were the _Kabk-i-dered_, or the _Pur-kak-lik_, as they are -called by the Turks, a gigantic Partridge, almost the size of a small -Turkey, only found in the highest regions of Armenia and Kurdistan." - -Prince Charles Bonaparte thought that there was some reason for believing -that this species exists on the confines of Europe, and a correspondent -of Mr. Gould's observed it among the mountains of Candia, where it was -excessively rare, and only to be seen on the peaks of the hills. - -In the Zoological Gardens, London, two specimens were received, one in -1842, and another about 1852, both of which lived there for several years. - - -THE HIMALAYAN SNOW COCK, OR SNOW PHEASANT. - -The HIMALAYAN SNOW COCK, or SNOW PHEASANT (_Tetraogallus Himalayensis_), -is grey upon the top of the head, cheeks, and nape. The feathers on the -back are of a reddish grey, delicately spotted with black, and streaked -with deep reddish brown. The chin, nape, throat, and lower breast are -whitish. The upper breast is greyish white, decorated with crescent-shaped -black spots. The rest of the feathers are grey, sprinkled with brown, and -marked with two brown spots. The sides are paler than the mantle, and the -lower covers almost white; the tarsi are dark grey. The eye is surrounded -by two brown lines, which unite at the sides of the neck. The primary -quills are white, their grey tips spotted with brown. The tail-feathers -are of a reddish shade, spotted with black on the outer and grey on the -inner web. The eye is deep brown, the bare patch behind it yellow, the -beak pale horn-grey, and the foot yellowish red. The male is twenty-nine -inches long, and forty broad; the wing measures thirteen, and the tail -eight inches. The female does not exceed twenty-four inches in length. - -"These fine birds," we learn from Hutton, "are common in the Hazara -Mountains, and are called by the Affghans _Kank-i-durra_, or the Partridge -of the Ghâts. They are sometimes sold in the markets of Cabool and -Candahar. They rise," he tells us, "in coveys of from ten to twenty, and -usually have a sentry perched on some neighbouring rock, to give warning -of danger by a low and musical whistle." - -The _Tetraogallus Himalayensis_ "is confined," says "Mountaineer," -"exclusively to the snowy mountain ranges, or the large spurs jutting -from them which are elevated above the limits of forest, but is driven in -winter to perform one, and in some places two, annual migrations to the -middle regions. In summer it is only seen near the limits of vegetation. -In Kunawur it is common at all seasons, from Cheenee upwards; but on the -Gangetic hills, from June till August, however much a person wanders -about on the highest accessible places, but few are met with, and I have -no doubt whatever but that nearly all such as at other seasons frequent -this part retire across the snow into Chinese Tartary to breed. About the -beginning of September these birds are first seen near the tops of the -higher grassy ridges jutting from the snow, and the green slopes above -and about the limits of forests. After the first general and severe fall -of snow they come down in numbers on to some of the bare exposed hills in -the forest regions, and remain there till the end of March. This partial -migration is probably made in the night after the fall of snow, as I have -invariably found them in their winter quarters early next morning. It -requires a deep fall of snow to drive them down, and in some mild winters, -except a few odd birds, they do not come at all. The birds on each -respective hill seem to have a particular spot for their winter resort, -which they return to every year the migration is made. The Snow Pheasant -is gregarious, congregating in packs, sometimes to the number of twenty -or thirty, but in general not more than from five to ten, several packs -inhabiting the same hill. In summer the few which remain on our side are -found in single pairs generally; but across the snow, where the great body -migrate, I almost always, even then, found several together. They seldom -leave the hill on which they are located, but fly backwards and forwards -when disturbed. - -"The _Jer-moonals_, as these birds are called in India, never enter forest -or jungle, and avoid spots where the grass is long, or where there is -underwood of any kind. It is needless to add that they never perch. During -the day, if the weather be fine and warm, they sit on the rocks, or rugged -part of the hills, without moving much about, except in the morning and -evening. When it is cold and cloudy, and in rainy weather, they are very -brisk, and are moving about and feeding all day long. When feeding they -walk slowly uphill, picking up the tender blades of grass and young shoots -of plants, occasionally stopping to snatch up a certain bulbous root of -which they seem very fond. If they reach the summit of the hill, after -remaining stationary for some time, they fly off to another quarter, -alighting some distance down, and again picking their way upwards. When -walking, they erect their tails, have a rather ungainly gait, and at a -little distance present something the appearance of a large grey Goose. -They are partial to feeding on spots where the sheep have been kept at -nights when grazing in the summer pastures. These places have been called -'tatters' by the shepherds, and the grass on them keeps green and fresh -long after the rest of the hill is dry and brown. They roost on the rocks -and shelves of precipices, and return to one spot many successive nights. -Their call is a low, soft whistling, occasionally heard at intervals -throughout the day, but more generally at daybreak. It is most common in -cloudy weather. The first note is considerably prolonged, and followed -by a succession of low rapid whistles. This species has by far the most -agreeable song of all our game birds. This call is only heard when the -bird is at rest. When alarmed and walking away, it sometimes utters, at -short intervals, a single low whistle, and when it gets on the wing the -whistles are shrill and very rapid. However far it flies, the whistles are -continued until it alights, and for a few seconds afterwards, but then -slightly changed in tone to a few notes which seem in a strange manner -to express satisfaction at being again on the ground. However odd the -comparison, I can compare the whistling of these birds, when flying and -alighting, to nothing but the different sounds produced by the wings of a -flock of Pigeons when flying, and when alighting on some spot where they -have to flutter a few seconds before they gain footing." - -The Jer-moonals are not remarkably wild or shy. When approached from -below, on a person getting within eighty or one hundred yards, they move -slowly uphill or slanting across, often turning to look back, and do -not go very far unless followed. If approached from above they fly off -at once, without walking many yards from the spot. They seldom, in any -situation, walk far downhill, and never run, except for a few yards, when -about to take wing. The whole flock rise together; their flight is rapid, -downwards at first, and then curving, so as to alight on the same level. -Where the hill is open and of great extent, it is often continued for -upwards of a mile, at a considerable height in the air; when the space is -more circumscribed, as is often the case on the hills they frequent in -winter, it is of shorter duration, perhaps merely across or into the next -ridge. "They feed on the leaves of plants and grass, and occasionally on -moss, roots, and flowers; grass forms by far the greater portion of their -food: they are very partial to the young blades of wheat and barley, when -it is first springing up, and while it remains short, and should there -be an isolated patch on the hill where they are, they visit it regularly -night and morning. They never, however, come into what may be called the -regularly cultivated parts. They are generally exorbitantly fat, but the -flesh is not particularly good, and it has often an unpleasant flavour -when the bird is killed at a high elevation, probably owing to some of -the plants it there feeds upon. Though I have spent many summers on the -snowy ranges, I never found the nest or eggs, but in Thibet I often met -with broods of young ones newly hatched. There were, however, several -old birds, and probably more than one brood of chicks, so I could form no -correct idea of the number in one brood. The eggs which have been found by -travellers are about the size of those of a Turkey, but like those of the -Grouse, are of a more lengthened form; their ground colour is clear light -olive, sparingly dotted over with small, light chestnut spots." - -The considerable height at which the Snow Pheasants live secures them -from many persecutors to whom their congeners are exposed: nevertheless -they also have their enemies, for all the larger and stronger Eagles -regard them as welcome prey. "The Ring-tailed Eagle," says "Mountaineer," -"is an inveterate annoyer of these birds; inhabiting exposed situations -where there is nothing to conceal so large a quarry from his sight as he -sails along the hill-side above them, they at once arrest his attention, -and are driven backwards and forwards by this unrelenting tormentor all -day long." They, however, often manage to escape his clutches, for the -same author continues: "On the appearance of these birds of prey, which -fortunately for them are not very numerous, they seldom wait till one of -them makes a stoop, but on the enemy wheeling round near the spot where -they are, immediately fly off to another quarter; the Eagle never flies -after or attacks them on the wing, so that although he allows them little -quiet while near their resort, he only occasionally succeeds in securing -one." From man this bird has little to fear, as few persons pursue game -at the heights they inhabit, and the hunting propensities of the Eastern -nations are not very considerable. According to "Mountaineer" these hardy -birds are easily kept in confinement, but (although they will eat grain) -would probably not live long without an occasional supply of their natural -green food of grass and plants. "They may," he tells us, "be kept without -the least trouble in large cages, the bottoms of which, instead of being -solid, are made of bars of wood, or iron wire, so that the birds being put -out on the grass may feed through the interstices." - - * * * * * - -The RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGES (_Caccabis_). This section embraces several -European species possessing strong bodies, short necks, and comparatively -large heads. The wings, in which the third and fourth quills exceed the -rest in length, are of medium size: the tail, composed of from twelve to -sixteen feathers, is moderately long, and not completely concealed by its -upper covers. The beak is long, but powerful; the foot of medium height, -and furnished with a blunt spur or species of horny wart. The thick -smooth plumage is principally of a reddish grey, shaded in some instances -to slate-grey; the upper breast, part of the throat, and the thighs are -brightly coloured. These birds are met with in Southern Europe, Western -and Central Asia, Northern and Western Africa, Madeira, and the Canary -Islands, everywhere inhabiting such barren or rocky situations as accord -with their mottled plumage, and carefully avoiding tree-covered regions. - - -THE GREEK PARTRIDGE. - -The GREEK PARTRIDGE (_Caccabis Græca_, or _C. saxatilis_) is of a blueish -grey, shaded with red on the breast and mantle; the throat is white; a -line encircling the throat, another on the brow, and a small spot on -the chin are black; the feathers on the thighs are striped alternately -yellowish brown and black; the rest of the under side is reddish yellow; -the quills are blackish brown, with yellowish white shafts, and reddish -yellow streaks at the edge of the outer web; the exterior tail-feathers -are rust-red. The eye is reddish brown, beak coral-red, and foot pale red. -The length of the male is from thirteen to fourteen inches, the breadth -from nineteen to twenty inches; the wing measures six, and the tail four -inches; the female is smaller than her mate. - -This bird is met with in Central Europe, but more numerously in the -most southern parts of that continent; as also in Turkey, Asia Minor, -Palestine, and Arabia: in a westerly direction it would appear to -venture but rarely beyond the limits of the Red Sea, and in India and -Southern China is represented by an almost identical species. It is a -remarkable fact that, whilst such of these Partridges as inhabit Central -Europe decidedly prefer sunny, verdure-covered spots lying beneath the -snow-boundary of the Alps, those occupying warmer latitudes frequent the -open plains and barren lowland tracts. - -Tristram tells us that this is the commonest Partridge in the Holy Land: -"In every part of the country, whether wooded or bare, it abounds, and -its ringing call-note in early morning echoes from cliff to cliff, alike -amidst the barrenness of the wilderness of Judea, and in the glens of the -forest of Carmel. The male birds will stand erect on a boulder-stone, -sending their cheery challenge to some rival across the _wady_, till the -moment they perceive themselves detected; they then drop down from their -throne, and scud up the hill faster than any dog, screening themselves -from sight by any projecting rock as they run." - -According to Lindermayer, the Greek Partridge lays as early as February; -in the Alps the female does not brood till the end of May at the earliest, -and often as late as July. The nest is a mere hollow in the ground, -beneath a low bush, and is slightly lined with moss, heath, or grass. -In the south even this trifling preparation for the little family is -omitted, and the hen contents herself with making a hole in the sand. -The eggs, from twelve to fifteen in number, have a pale, yellowish white -shell, delicately streaked with light brown; the mother alone broods, -and when her young are strong enough, leads them forth to seek their -food in company with her mate. Tschudi tells us that the young display -extraordinary alacrity in concealing themselves on the first alarm of -danger, and on this account the shooting of these much-esteemed birds is -attended with no small difficulty, and frequently tries the sportsman's -patience to the utmost. - - -THE CHUCKORE. - -The CHUCKORE PARTRIDGE (_Caccabis Chukor_), a very nearly allied species, -is found throughout the Western Himalayas, passing into Thibet, and in the -salt range and alpine regions of the Punjaub, passing into Affghanistan. - -"In our part of the hills," says "Mountaineer" (the North-western -Himalayas), "the Chuckore is most numerous in the higher inhabited -districts, but is found scattered over all the lower and middle ranges. -In summer they spread themselves in the grassy hills to breed, and about -the middle of September begin to assemble in and around the cultivated -fields near the villages, gleaning at first in the grain fields which have -been reaped, and afterwards, during winter, in those that have been sown -with wheat and barley for the ensuing season, preferring the wheat. A few -straggling parties linger on the hill-sides, where they breed, as also in -summer many remain to perform the business of incubation in the fields. -In autumn and winter they keep in loose scattered flocks, very numerous, -sometimes to the number of forty or fifty, or even a hundred. In summer, -though not entirely separated, they are seldom seen in large flocks, and a -single pair is often met with. They are partial to dry, stony localities, -never go into forests, and in the lower hills seem to prefer the grassy -hill-sides to the cultivated fields. This may probably be owing to their -comparatively fewer numbers, as I have observed that many others of -the feathered race are much shyer and more suspicious of man when few -in number than those of the same species in places where they are more -numerous. Their call is a kind of chuckling, often continued for some -time, and by a great many birds at once. It is uttered indiscriminately -at various intervals of the day, but most generally when breeding. The -Chuckore feeds on grain, roots, and berries, when caught young it becomes -quite tame, and will associate with domestic poultry. From the beginning -of October Chuckore-shooting is, perhaps, the most pleasant of anything -of the kind; in the hills about some of the higher villages ten or twelve -brace may be bagged in a few hours." - -From a writer in the _Bengal Sporting Magazine_ we learn that "the male -is very bold, and is tamed for the purpose of fighting. In a domesticated -state he makes no hesitation in offering battle to every animal, and pecks -very fiercely, always searching for a tender part; the nose of a dog or -the naked feet of the native servants immediately attract his attention, -and he soon makes the object of his attack fain to run." - -"When reclaimed," says another contributor to the same periodical, "this -bird is peculiarly bold, fearless, and entertaining. It trots about the -house, and is as familiar as a little dog. It is amusing to see its -antipathy to quick motions in others. It will follow a servant who hurries -into a room, pecking at his heels, scouring away when he attempts to turn -upon it. It is still more persevering against the poor wight who moves -backwards and forwards as he pulls the punkah. Half asleep at his task, -he is roused by a fierce attack on his legs. He attempts to continue his -work, and at the same time to drive away the intruder; but it is of no -use, and he is at last obliged to call for assistance to rid him of his -persecutor." - -[Illustration: THE RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE (_Caccabis rubra_). ONE-THIRD -NATURAL SIZE.] - - -THE RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE. - -The RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE (_Caccabis rubra_), a species inhabiting -South-western Europe, differs from the last-mentioned bird in the deeper -shade of the red on its mantle, and in the broad stripe and spots that -adorn its neck. The back of the head and nape are bright rust-red, the -crown of the head is grey, the breast and upper belly are greyish brown, -the under belly and lower tail-covers reddish yellow; the long, light grey -feathers on the thighs are marked with whitish red and dark brown streaks, -edged with black. A white line, commencing on the brow, passes over the -eye to the sides of the throat, the centre of which is pure white. The -eye is light brown, the eye-ring cinnabar-red, beak crimson, and foot pale -carmine-red. The female is recognisable from her mate by the inferiority -of her size, and is without the spur-like wart upon her tarsus. The male -is fourteen inches and a half long and twenty broad; his wing measures six -and the tail four inches and a half. - -This bird inhabits France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Channel -Islands, and has been recently introduced into England, where it is now -plentiful. It is more wild than the Common Partridge, and stronger on the -wing, and will run sturdily before the dogs. It prefers heaths, commons, -and waste land, but also frequents turnip fields. The nest is slightly -formed of grass and leaves, and placed in a field of corn or grass. "Two -or three instances are recorded," says Mr. Yarrell, "in which a nest with -eggs were found in the thatch, or upon the top of low stacks." - -[Illustration: THE COMMON PARTRIDGE (_Perdix cinerea_, or _Starna -cinerea_). ONE-THIRD NATURAL SIZE.] - -The eggs are of a reddish yellow-white, spotted and speckled with reddish -brown, one inch and seven and a half lines long, and one inch and three -lines broad, and from fifteen to eighteen in number. The young leave the -nest soon after they are hatched. Their food is the same as that of the -Common Partridge. - - -THE BARBARY PARTRIDGE. - -The BARBARY PARTRIDGE (_Caccabis petrosa_), another member of the above -group, is principally recognisable by the reddish brown band, spotted -with white, that encircles its throat. The brow and sides of the head -are light grey, shading to a blueish tint on the wing; the throat and -eyebrows are whitish grey, the breast is of a blueish tint, shaded with -grey, the thighs are striped yellowish brown and black; the rest of -the under side is blueish grey. Some of the mantle-feathers are marked -with reddish grey; the eye, beak, and foot of this bird are similarly -coloured to those of its congeners. Its size is somewhat less than that -of the species already described. The Barbary Partridge inhabits Greece, -Sardinia, and occasionally the South of France; it is numerously met with -in North-western Africa. Naturalists are by no means agreed as to the -situations it prefers, some informing us that it selects lowland districts -or rising ground in the vicinity of corn-fields, whilst on the contrary, -Bolle, who is particularly accurate in his observations, states that -in the Canary Islands it quite as frequently lives and breeds on rocky -heights as in the valleys and open country. This savoury game we are told -by the last-mentioned authority, swarms in such numbers on four of the -Canary Islands as to be occasionally regarded as an intolerable nuisance. -Salvadori informs us that the period of incubation commences early in -February, and Bolle, that the eggs, from four to twelve in number, are -hatched in twenty-two days. After the breeding season the pairs collect -into parties, but if alarmed and separated appear to be at little trouble -to seek for and rejoin their former companions. - - -THE COMMON PARTRIDGE. - -The COMMON PARTRIDGE (_Perdix cinerea_, or _Starna cinerea_) is -distinguishable from the above birds by the coloration of its plumage, -by the plates protecting the feet forming two distinct rows both before -and behind, by the absence of the spur-like wart on the tarsus, and by -the formation of its wing, the third, fourth, and fifth quills of which -are longer than the rest; the tail is composed of sixteen or eighteen -feathers. In this species the brow, a broad line above and behind the -eye, and the sides of the head and throat, are light rust-red, the rest -of the head is brown, marked with yellow, and the grey beak is striped -with rust-red; the feathers are delicately traced with black zigzag lines, -and have light shafts: a broad dark band, varied with black, adorns the -breast, and passes along both sides of the belly, where it is interrupted -by various rust-red streaks, surrounded by a white line. The white belly -has a large horseshoe-shaped brown spot at its centre; the rump-feathers -and those in the centre of the tail are streaked with shades of brown; the -primary quills are pale brownish black, spotted with reddish yellow. The -eye is nut-brown, the eye-space and stripe that passes behind it are both -red, the beak is blueish grey, and the foot reddish grey or brown; the -female is smaller than her mate, and less pleasing in her colour: her back -is darker, and her belly without the brown patch in its centre. The male -is twelve inches long and twenty broad, and the wing measures six, and the -tail three inches. - -The Common Partridge is almost exclusively a European bird. Mr. Gould -states that in his extensive observations he has never met with a single -species either from Africa or Asia. Temminck, however, tells us that it -visits Egypt and the shores of Barbary, and Russian naturalists have -included it among the birds found between the Caspian and Black Seas, -south of the Caucasus. - -In Europe it is extensively distributed in all suitable localities, and -inhabits all the level parts of England and Scotland. - -It frequents cultivated land and corn-fields, ranging sometimes into -neighbouring waste ground covered with furze and broom. It runs with great -rapidity when alarmed, but often squats close to the ground and flies -off when nearly approached. The food of the Partridge consists of corn, -grain of various kinds, peas, seeds, and tender shoots of grass; it also -consumes insects and larvæ of many kinds, that would otherwise injure the -crops. It feeds principally in the early morning and late in the evening, -when coveys of these birds may be met with in fields of corn or stubble, -according to the season. During the day they frequent pasture lands, and -sun and dust themselves in dry bare places, or bask under hedgerows. In -the evening their sharp shrill call-note is heard as they collect together -to roost on the ground. The coveys, which assemble in the latter part of -the autumn, and keep together during the winter, separate again early in -the spring, when pairing-time begins. - -The nest is merely a slight hollow in the ground, lined with a few dried -leaves, or bits of grass scraped together; it is usually placed beneath a -tuft of grass, among standing corn, or even by the road-side. - -The eggs are from twelve to twenty, and of a greenish brown tint; -occasionally, a greater number are found, but these are not supposed to be -the produce of one bird. The female alone broods, guarding her nest with -zealous anxiety, but her partner is also on the watch, lest danger should -approach. - -The following instance of the care of the Partridge for her eggs is -related by Mr. Jesse:--"A gentleman living near Spilsby, in Lincolnshire, -who was one day riding over his farm superintending his men as they -ploughed a piece of fallow land, saw a Partridge glide off her nest so -near the foot of one of his plough-horses that he thought the eggs must -have been crushed: this, however, was not the case; but he found that -the old bird was on the point of hatching, as several of the eggs were -beginning to chip. He observed the old bird return to her nest the instant -that he left the spot. It was evident that the next round of the plough -must bury the nest and eggs in the furrow. His surprise was great, when -returning with the plough, he came to the spot and saw the nest indeed, -but the eggs and bird were gone. An idea struck him that she had removed -her eggs, and he found her before he left the field sitting under the -hedge upon twenty-one eggs. The round of ploughing had occupied about -twenty minutes, and in this short time she, assisted by the cock bird, had -removed the twenty-one eggs to a distance of about forty yards." - -Another interesting anecdote is thus related by Mr. Murkwick:--"As I -was hunting with an old pointer the dog came upon a brood of very small -Partridges, the old bird cried, fluttered, and ran tumbling along, just -before the dog's nose, till she had drawn him to a considerable distance, -when she took wing and flew still further off, but not out of the field; -on this the dog returned to me near the place where the young ones lay -concealed in the grass. This the bird no sooner perceived than she flew -back again to us, settled before the dog's nose again, and by rolling and -tumbling about drew off his attention from her young and thus preserved -her brood a second time. I have also seen," continues the same writer, -"when a Kite has been hovering over a covey of young Partridges, the old -birds fly up at the bird of prey, screaming and fighting with all their -might to preserve their brood." - -Of the same daring spirit Mr. Selby gives the following remarkable -instance:--"A person engaged in a field not far from his residence, -had his attention arrested by some objects on the ground, which upon -approaching he found to be two Partridges, a male and female, engaged in -battle with a Carrion Crow; so successful and so absorbed were they in -the issue of the contest, that they actually held the Crow till it was -seized and taken from them by the spectator of the scene. Upon search, the -young birds (very lately hatched) were found concealed in the grass. It -would appear that the Crow (a mortal enemy to all kinds of young game), -in attempting to carry off one of these, had been attacked by the parent -birds, with the above singular result." - -The eggs of Partridges are frequently hatched under a Domestic Hen, and -the young reared on ants' eggs, curds, and grits, with a little green -food, when old enough they should be fed with grain. They are easily -tamed, though it is said they never wholly forget their wild origin. An -account is given by Daniell of one of these birds that became an inmate of -a clergyman's house, which long after its full growth entered the parlour -at breakfast and other times, received food from any hand, and stretched -itself before the fire, the warmth of which it seemed to enjoy. - - * * * * * - -The FRANCOLINS (_Francolinus_) are distinguishable by their moderately -long, powerful, and slightly-hooked beak, and by the two spurs upon their -foot. The tail, composed of fourteen feathers, is either quite straight or -gently rounded at its extremity; the third or fourth wing-quill exceeds -the rest in length. The thick plumage is often much variegated. The male -and female are usually alike in size, colour, and markings. These birds -inhabit the southern portions of Asia, and are very numerously met with on -the continent of Africa. Some species frequent level plains, while others -live in forests; when disturbed they conceal themselves in the brushwood -in the thickest part of the jungle, not venturing forth again till all -danger has disappeared. Should no hiding-place be near, they endeavour to -escape by running, and have only recourse to their wings when the danger -is very urgent. In their general habits they very much resemble the true -Partridges; they breed at the same season, testify the same care and -devotion for their young, and are equally prolific. They differ, however, -from Partridges, inasmuch as they do not frequent cultivated grounds, -but prefer the neighbourhood of woods, where they seem to select damp -localities overgrown with reeds. They live upon berries quite as much -as upon grain, and seek eagerly for such worms and insects as abound in -marshy soil. The African species feed on small bulbous roots which they -dig from the ground with their beaks. They are very fond of perching upon -trees, especially during the night, and their call is much more harsh -and noisy than that of the Partridge. Their flesh is excellent. (See -XXIX.--Coloured Plate--Sanguine Francolin, _Ithaginis cruentus_.) - - -THE BLACK PARTRIDGE. - -The BLACK PARTRIDGE (_Francolinus vulgaris_) is of a deep black on the -brow, cheeks, and breast; the feathers on the back of the head are edged -with red, and streaked with white; the ear-feathers are pure white; those -on the centre of the throat are reddish brown, and form a broad collar; -the mantle-feathers are black, bordered with red, and spotted with white, -those of the lower back finely striped black, and more or less spotted -and lined with white. The thighs and lower tail-covers have the feathers -tipped with brown; the quills are black and red, those at the exterior -black and grey at their roots. The eye is brown, the beak black, and the -foot yellowish red. This species is from thirteen to fourteen inches long, -and twenty broad. The wing measures five inches and three-quarters, and -the tail three inches and a half. - -Jerdon informs us "that the Black Partridge is found throughout the whole -of Northern India, from the Himalayas to the valley of the Ganges, and -southwards to Sindh and Guzerat, eastwards through Dacca to Assam, Sylhet, -and Tipperah, and on mountains 4,000 feet above the level of the sea." It -frequents by preference grass meadows near water, cultivated fields of -corn, mustard, or pulse, and any patch of moderately high green herbage, -also low jungle, and is not unfrequently flushed in moderately long grass -interspersed with bushes, even at some distance from water. - -"In the cold weather," says Jerdon, "after the young have flown and -separated from their parents, they may be found scattered over a greater -expanse of country than during the hot weather and rains, and are often to -be found in fields far from water. This Partridge is stated occasionally -to perch and roost on trees; but this is certainly a rare habit, at least -with this species." - -During pairing-time the call of the cock bird may be frequently heard at -sunrise, and towards evening. Malesherbes represents it as an agreeable -sound, resembling the syllables "Tre-tre-tre." - -A Sicilian proverb says that the bird wishes to declare his own value, and -that he may be purchased for three coins. This cry has been represented by -many different syllables that, however, would scarcely give a correct idea -of its sound to those who have not heard it. The Mussulmans say that it -repeats the pious words, "Dobhan teri kudrut," others that it calls out, -"Lussun, piaz, udruk," or garlic, onions, ginger. Adams represents the cry -as "Lohee-wha-which-a-whick," and some one else as "Juk-juk-tee-tar." One -writer has compared it to the harsh grating blast of a cracked trumpet; -but Jerdon says that it is far from being a loud call, though sufficiently -audible for a great distance. This cry is almost always uttered from a -slight eminence, such as a bank, ant-hill, or clump of earth, and where -the birds are numerous, answering cries may be heard from all sides. These -birds generally call much after rain, or after a heavy dew. - -The Francolin is not shy, but when it finds itself pursued, runs quickly -for two or three minutes, avoiding open ground, before it takes wing; -its flight is strong and steady, but slow, and not long continued. When -alarmed it usually only rises to the nearest bush, and thence descends -again to the ground. - -In India, according to Jerdon, the hens brood from May to July. The nest -is usually in high grass, sometimes in indigo fields, and occasionally -in plantations of sugar-cane. The eggs are ten or twelve, and sometimes -even fifteen in number, of a pale blueish white or pale green tint. It is -probable that the mother alone broods. - -A few years ago many of these birds were shot in Sicily, but now they -seem to have almost disappeared from that island. In Syria and Palestine, -according to Tristram, "they are found in the rich lowland plains of -Gennesaret, Acre, and Phœnicia, concealing themselves in the dense herbage -and growing corn, where their singular call can be heard resounding at -daybreak from every part of the plain, while not a bird can be seen." In -the _Bengal Sporting Magazine_ for 1841, we are told that seventy-five -brace were shot by one sportsman in the neighbourhood of Kamal in the -Upper Provinces; but it is everywhere more scarce than it was formerly. -The flesh of this bird is good, especially when kept for a few days, and -eaten cold. The beautiful spotted feathers of the lower plumage were used -in some parts of the country to make into capes, but are now scarcely -procurable. - - * * * * * - -The BARE-NECKED PHEASANTS (_Pternistes_) constitute a group of African -Francolins, recognisable by their comparatively slender body, moderately -long neck, and small head. The wing (in which the fourth quill exceeds the -rest in length) is much rounded, the tail, over which the pinions do not -extend, is almost straight at its extremity. The beak is of medium size, -the foot high, and armed with a spur. - - -THE RED-NECKED PHEASANTS. - -The RED-NECKED PHEASANTS (_Pternistes rubricollis_) are principally of a -pale greyish brown, almost all the feathers, except those on the head, -being decorated with a triangular yellowish white spot, and edged with -white. The primary quills are black, bordered with yellow on the outer, -and spotted with the same shade on the inner web; the tail-feathers are -irregularly striped with yellow and brown. The eye is light brown, the -bare circle that surrounds it cinnabar-red; a patch upon the throat is -yellow, edged and spotted with black; the beak deep brownish grey, with -red base and nostrils; the foot dark brownish grey. The male is sixteen -inches long and twenty-five broad; his wing measures seven inches and -two-thirds, and the tail four inches; the female is an inch and a half -shorter and one inch narrower than her mate. - -As far as has been at present ascertained, the habitat of this species -extends over all the low-lying country near the African coast, from the -northern boundary of Abyssinia to Somali; we have never seen it upon -mountains, although it occasionally frequents their immediate vicinity. -The Red-necked Pheasant, like other Francolins, is extremely shy, and if -disturbed runs with great quickness to a place of security, and only when -very hard pressed employs its wings. Its flight is noisy but light, and -resembles that of the _Lyrurus tetrix;_ upon the ground, however, it is -far more at home than in the air, running over its surface with almost -incredible ease and rapidity. Like its congeners, this species has but -one mate, and lives on excellent terms with its companions, as several -pairs and their young usually keep together, forming small parties. In -spite of this usually peaceful mode of life, the males, like the rest of -their kind, occasionally indulge in regular pitched battles. Their cry -is very similar to that of the Partridge; about April or May the males -become much excited, and may be heard calling almost incessantly during -the evening hours. A nest found by Brehm in a thick, dark bush near the -ground, was formed of leaves and feathers, and contained within its -deep walls, six pure white eggs, closely resembling those of a Domestic -Fowl. "My attention," he tells us, "was attracted to the nest in the -first instance by the movements of the hen, who ran out of the bush at -my approach, and placing herself in an open space near me, spread and -beat her wings, and by her cries endeavoured to lure me from the spot. I -carefully marked the bush that contained the brood and at once pretended -to follow the anxious mother, who, after leading me some five hundred -paces, suddenly rose and flew back to her home in a series of large curves -quite after the manner of the rest of her congeners. The cock was not to -be seen, but no doubt was in the immediate vicinity." The flesh of this -species is much esteemed, and large numbers are snared for the table. -In many European houses it is to be seen caged, yet, though it endures -captivity well, it never becomes really tame. - - * * * * * - -The AMERICAN PARTRIDGES (_Odontophori_) are delicately-framed birds, -possessing a short high beak, compressed at its sides, high, much arched, -and furnished at its margin with two strong, tooth-like projections. The -moderately long tail is composed of twelve feathers, the external of which -are frequently much shortened; the fourth, fifth, and sixth quills of the -very decidedly-rounded wings exceed the rest in length; the tarsi are -high, without a spur, but the toes are long and furnished with long, sharp -claws. The thick plumage is more or less brilliantly coloured and always -beautifully marked; some species have a bare patch around the eye. All the -members of this group are strictly American, and by far the greater number -of them are natives of that portion of the continent lying between 30° -north latitude and the equator. Four species are now included in the fauna -of North America, and four have been discovered in Brazil; some few extend -their range to the larger of the West Indian Islands, and several others -inhabit the vast mountain ranges of the Andes. - -The American Partridges form a large and well-defined group, -distinguishable from the Partridges and Quails of the Old World by the -absence of any spur, or spur-like appendage on the tarsi, and by the -tooth-like processes in the upper mandible. They are pugnacious in their -disposition, seem arboreal in their habits, and deposit their eggs in -a depression of the ground or in a very inartificial nest. Their food -consists of seeds, berries, fruits, and the tender leaves of grass and -other vegetables. Their flesh is white, tender, and well flavoured. In the -morning and evening twilight they perch on a low branch near each other, -when the males frequently give utterance to their cries, which reverberate -through the forest to a great distance. If alarmed when on the ground, -they usually hasten to some neighbouring branch, along which they run, and -crouching down conceal themselves amongst the foliage. - -The female lays from eight to fifteen eggs. - - -THE CAPUEIRA PARTRIDGE. - -The CAPUEIRA PARTRIDGE (_Odontophorus dentatus_), the largest species -of the entire family, represents a group of powerfully-built birds, -with comparatively long necks and moderate-sized heads, their short -tail, rounded at its extremity, is formed of soft feathers; the short, -decidedly-rounded wing has its fifth and sixth quills longer than the -rest; the strong, hooked beak is compressed at its sides, and has the -high upper mandible much vaulted; the margins of the lower mandible -are furnished with two well-defined tooth-like appendages. The tarsi -are high, the toes long, armed with sharply-pointed hooked claws, and -protected by large horny scales. The plumage, which is alike in the two -sexes, is prolonged into a crest on the head; the eye is surrounded by -a broad, brightly-coloured skin. This species is yellowish brown on -the nape, back, wings, and tail; the crown of the head is brown, and a -cheek-stripe that extends to the nape is reddish yellow, dotted with a -lighter shade: the feathers on the throat and upper portion of the back -are spotted with brown and black, and striped with yellow; those on the -shoulders have a large black triangular patch on the inner web. The -feathers of the wing-covers have a pale, yellow, heart-shaped spot at -their tip, whilst the lower shoulder-feathers and exterior secondaries are -edged with reddish yellow on the inner web, and streaked with black, the -centre part of each being also varied with reddish grey and brown. The -brown primary quills have the outer web dotted with white, and the shaft -grey; the secondaries are marked with reddish yellow on the outer web. -All the feathers on the hinder parts of the body and tail are of mottled -reddish yellow in the centre, with a pale yellow border, and a black spot -at the tip; those on the under side are slate-grey, edged with brown. The -eye is brown, the bare ring that surrounds it deep flesh-red, the beak -black, and the foot greyish red. The female is of paler hue, and the young -show more reddish brown in their plumage than the adult male. The length -of the body is sixteen inches and a half, the wing measures three inches -and a half, and the tail three inches. - -This bird is found in suitable localities in most parts of Brazil, from -the Rio de la Plata to the Amazon. We are indebted to the Prince of Wied -for what we know of its life and habits. - -"This species," says the prince, "is called 'Capueira' by the Brazilians. -Its habits and mode of life are very similar to those of the Hazel Grouse, -or Gelinotte (_Bonasia sylvestris_). It never frequents the open country, -but confines itself entirely to the thick woods. In the early part of the -year the 'Capueira' lives in pairs, and after the breeding season the -families remain in coveys of from ten to sixteen or more in number. These -birds run very quickly, and procure their food among the dry leaves on -the ground in the midst of the extensive woods. The stomachs of such as I -examined contained fruits, berries, insects, small stones, and a little -sand. The part of the country in which I met with them is the eastern -portion of Southern Brazil, from Rio de Janeiro to 13° south latitude; -by Spix they appear to have been found still farther north. In the vast -forests bordering the rivers Mucuri, Alcobaça, Belmonte, and Ilheo they -were very common, and we frequently killed them for the sake of their -flesh, which is excellent. Their loud and remarkable voice is heard only -in the forests, where it reverberates to a great distance. Azara states -that the cry is uttered by both sexes, but I believe it is emitted by the -male bird only. Like the Domestic Cock in Europe, it frequently aroused us -at the break of day, bidding us, as it were, continue our researches among -the grand but almost impenetrable forests of that magnificent country. -They commenced calling before daybreak, thus affording us ample time for -breakfasting, and enabling us to start by the dawn of the young day." - -Azara tells us that the voice of the Capueira consists of two notes; -but on this point he is incorrect, as it comprises three or four notes, -which are frequently and very quickly repeated. Morning and evening the -Capueiras perch on a branch in a line, very near to each other, and at -this time the male birds frequently give utterance to their cry, which -Azara states to resemble the word "uru," but it appeared to me very -different. The nest found by me in the woods near the fine lake called -Lagoa d'Arara (Macaw Lake) was placed on the ground, and contained from -ten to fifteen pure white eggs, which coincides with Sonnini's account; -while Azara's assertion that they are of a violet-blue is doubtless a -mistake, which may probably have arisen, as M. Temminck suggests, from -his having mistaken the eggs of a Tinamou for those of a Capueira. Some -travellers have asserted that they have found the nests of this bird on -trees, and that they were placed in such situations in order that they -might be secure from the attacks of snakes and other enemies; but this is -also a mistake, for were such a precaution necessary, it would be adopted -by all the birds in the country, whereas numerous species, especially -the Tinamous, constantly breed on the ground. The sport afforded by the -Capueira very closely resembles that afforded by the Hazel Grouse. When -a covey was disturbed by the pointers they flew to the trees, the motion -of their wings causing the same rustling sound as those of the Partridge. -Occasionally they might be killed very easily; at other times it was very -difficult to sight them among the dense foliage of the woods. Their flesh, -which is very palatable, forms an excellent article for the table. - - -THE VIRGINIAN OR AMERICAN PARTRIDGE. - -The VIRGINIAN or AMERICAN PARTRIDGE (_Ortyx Virginianus_) represents a -group distinguishable by the following characteristics:--Their body is -short and powerful, with the neck and head of medium size; the beak is -strong, short, much vaulted, and has the lower mandible incised, the upper -mandible terminates in a hook, while the margin of the lower portion -near its apex presents two or three distinct notches. The moderate-sized -and arched wing has the fourth quill longer than the rest; the rounded -tail is composed of twelve feathers, and the foot is protected by rows -of smooth, horny plates in front, and covered with small scales at the -back and sides. The plumage is glossy, and prolonged into a crest on -the head. In the male all the feathers of the mantle are reddish brown, -spotted and lined with black and edged with yellow; those on the under -side are whitish yellow, striped with reddish brown and marked with black. -Two bands, the one white, the other black, pass across the brow; the -white throat is separated from the sides of the neck--which is mottled -with black, brown, and white, by a black line. The upper wing-covers are -principally reddish brown; the dark brown primary quills are bordered -with blue on the outer web; the secondaries are irregularly striped with -brownish yellow; the centre tail-feathers are greyish yellow, dotted with -black; the rest are greyish blue. The eye is reddish, the beak dark brown, -and the foot greyish blue. The female has more yellow on the brow and -neck, and the rest of her plumage is less clearly marked than that of her -mate; the young resemble the mother. This species is nine inches long, and -thirteen inches and five-sixths broad; the wing measures four inches and a -half, and the tail two inches and a quarter. - -Canada forms the northern, the Rocky Mountains the western, and the Gulf -of Mexico the southern limit of the range of these birds. They have been -introduced into the island of Jamaica, where they thrive, breeding in that -warm climate twice in the year. In the southern part of the United States -they are stationary, but in the north they make yearly expeditions, which -resemble migrations. They are principally met with in open fields, or -about fences sheltered by bushes or briars, and they sometimes visit the -woods, but are rarely found in the depths of the forest. In their general -demeanour they very much resemble our own Partridge. They run nimbly and -fly swiftly, making a loud whirring sound with their wings. When chased -by dogs they take refuge in the trees, where they remain until danger -is past, walking with ease on the branches. Their usual cry is a clear -whistle. The love-call of the male consists of three clear notes, the two -last being the loudest, and resembling the syllables, "Ah! Bob White!" - -"The male," says Audubon, "is seen perched on a fence, stake, or on -the low branch of a tree, standing nearly in the same position for -hours together, and calling, 'Ah! Bob White,' at every interval of a -few minutes. Should he hear the note of a female, he sails directly -towards the spot whence it proceeded. Several males may be heard from -the different parts of a field, challenging each other, and should they -meet on the ground they fight with great courage and obstinacy until -the conqueror drives off his antagonist to another field." About the -beginning of May the female proceeds to build her nest; this is placed -on the ground, close to a tuft of grass, and partly sunk in the earth: -it is formed of leaves and fine dry grass, is of a circular form, and -covered above, with an opening at the side. The eggs are of a pure white, -and rather sharp at the smaller end. Both parents assist in hatching the -eggs. When the young are freed from the shell they leave the nest, and -are led in search of food by their mother, who shelters them with most -assiduous care. If danger threatens, she throws herself across the path of -the intruder, beating the ground with her wings as if severely wounded, -and uttering notes of alarm to decoy the stranger into pursuit of herself, -and give warning to her young to conceal themselves in the high grass till -the danger is past, when, having allured her pursuer to a distance, she -returns, and leads them safe home. The American Partridge usually rears -only one brood in the year, but should this be destroyed she immediately -prepares another nest, and even should mischance befall this also, a third -batch of eggs is laid. This Partridge has been occasionally employed to -hatch the eggs of the Domestic Hen. - -[Illustration: THE VIRGINIAN PARTRIDGE (_Ortyx Virginianus_). ONE-HALF -NATURAL SIZE.] - -"A friend of mine," says Wilson, "informs me, that of several hens' -eggs, which he substituted for those of the Partridge, she brought out -the whole; and that for several weeks he occasionally surprised her in -various parts of the plantations, with her broods of chickens, on which -occasions she exhibited much alarm, and practised her usual manœuvres for -their preservation. Even after they were considerably grown and larger -than the Partridge herself; she continued to lead them about; but though -their notes or call were those of common chickens, their manners had -all the shyness, timidity, and alarm of young Partridges: they ran with -great rapidity, and squatted in the grass exactly after the manner of -the Partridge. Soon after this they disappeared, having probably been -destroyed." - -In summer the food of these birds consists of insects, berries, and -grain, and in the autumn they revel in the fields of buckwheat and Indian -corn. When winter comes, and their supplies have disappeared, those in -the northern districts commence their southward course, and many perish -during these journeys. Early in October the shores of the large rivers -are covered with flocks of them, which rove along the margin of the river -and cross towards evening, the weaker ones often falling and perishing in -the water. After the principal streams have been thus crossed, the flocks -distribute themselves about the country, and resume their usual mode -of life. During the severity of winter they often suffer from scarcity -of food, and will then approach the dwellings of men, and become half -domesticated, visiting the barns and mixing with the poultry, to share -their food. The eggs of this species have frequently been hatched by the -Domestic Hen; two of these birds that had been brought up in this manner, -according to Wilson, associated with the cows, followed them to the -fields, returned with them in the evening, stood by them while milked, and -again returned with them to pasture. These remained during winter, lodging -in the stable, but as soon as spring came they disappeared. - -Dr. Bachmann attempted to domesticate the American Partridge, and gives -us the following account of his proceedings:--"The eggs had been obtained -from the fields, and were hatched under a Bantam hen. By confining the -young with their foster mother for a few days they soon learned to follow -her like young chickens. They were fed for a couple of weeks on curds, -but soon began to eat cracked Indian corn and several kinds of millet. -They were permitted to stray at large in my garden; but fearing that they -might be induced to fly over the enclosure and stray away, I amputated a -joint of the wing. There was no difficulty in preserving them during the -summer and winter, and they became so very gentle that they were in the -habit of following me through the house, and often seated themselves for -hours on the table at which I was writing, occasionally playfully pecking -at my hand and running off with my pen. At night they nestled in a coop, -placed for that purpose in the garden. The cats in the neighbourhood, -unfortunately for my experiment, took a fancy to my birds and carried -off several, so that at the breeding season my stock was reduced to two -females, with a greater number of males; the latter now commenced their -not unmusical notes of 'Bob White,' at first low, but increasing in energy -and loudness till they were heard throughout the whole neighbourhood. -These notes were precisely similar to those of the wild birds, affording -a proof that they were natural, and not acquired by an association with -others of their own species, as these birds had no opportunity of hearing -any other notes than those of the poultry on the premises. As the spring -advanced, the males became very pugnacious, and great contests took place -between themselves, as well as with the Pigeons and the young poultry that -occasionally intruded on their domicile. In May the hens commenced laying, -both in one nest, and the eggs were hatched under a Domestic Hen." - -Dr. Bachmann was prevented carrying out his experiments further, but other -observers have been more fortunate, and have without trouble reared many -of these delicate birds in closed rooms. Their great fertility is very -favourable to their increase, wherever it is wished that they should be -naturalised. - -Several attempts have been made to introduce this species into England, -and from time to time specimens have been shot in different parts of the -country. - -The American Partridge is easily caught by means of snares and traps of -various descriptions. Many are shot, but they are most frequently netted -in the following manner:--A number of persons, furnished with a net, ride -along the fences and thickets where the birds resort, one of the party -simulating the call of the bird, which is soon answered by a covey; the -party approach in an apparently careless manner to ascertain the position -and number of the others; and then a horseman furnished with a net gallops -a hundred yards in advance, and places it so that his companions can drive -the Partridges into it. In this manner fifteen or twenty Partridges may be -caught at one driving, but a pair out of each flock usually receive their -liberty for fear that the breed should be destroyed. - - * * * * * - -The CALIFORNIAN PARTRIDGE (_Lophortyx Californianus_) and GAMBEL'S -PARTRIDGE (_Lophortyx Gambelii_) represent an American group principally -remarkable for the crest that adorns their head. These birds have a -powerful body, short neck, and moderately large head. The short arched -wing is rounded at its extremity, and has its fourth or fifth quills -longer than the rest. The tail, composed of twelve feathers, is short and -remarkably graduated; the beak is short, strong, and much arched at its -culmen; the foot is of medium height, and the thick plumage compact and -glossy. At the top of the head rises a crest, formed occasionally of from -two to ten, but generally of from four to six feathers; these are slender -at the roots, becoming gradually broader towards the tips, which incline -forward, and have somewhat the form of a sickle. This crest is much -developed in the males. The coloration of the plumage, though by no means -gorgeous, is both beautiful and brilliant. - - -THE CALIFORNIAN PARTRIDGE. - -The CALIFORNIAN PARTRIDGE (_Lophortyx Californianus_) has the feathers on -the top of the forehead of a straw-yellow, with dark shafts, these being -surrounded by a dark line that passes over the eyes. The crown of the -head shows two shades of brown; the long feathers that cover the nape are -blueish grey, with black shafts and edges, and two white spots at their -tips. The back is olive-brown, the throat black, encircled by a white -band, the upper breast is blueish grey, its lower portion yellow, each -feather being lighter at the tip, and bordered with black; the feathers -on the belly are brownish red, edged with a darker shade, those on the -sides brown, with white shafts, and those on the lower tail-covers light -yellow, with dark shafts. The quills are brownish grey, the secondaries -bordered with a yellowish tint; the tail is pure grey. The eye is dark -brown, the beak black, and foot deep lead-colour. The female is of a dull -whity-brown on the forehead, and brownish grey on the crown; the throat -is yellowish, with dark markings, the breast dull grey; the rest of the -plumage resembles that of the male, but is duller and fainter. - -The Californian Partridge was first observed during the visit of the -unfortunate ship _La Perouse_ to California, since which time it has been -found to inhabit in abundance all suitable localities in that country; the -accounts of its life and habits are, however, as yet very scanty. - -"These beautiful birds," says Gambel, "so extraordinarily plentiful -throughout California, assemble in the winter in numerous swarms of more -than a thousand individuals, if the woods are able to provide for that -number, and are equally plentiful on bushy plains and the declivities of -hills. They exhibit great watchfulness and activity, and when pursued run -nimbly away into concealment; if suddenly started they take refuge in -trees, crouching close to the horizontal branches like squirrels--in which -position the great resemblance of their colouring to that of the bark of -the tree, makes it very difficult to detect them." The nest is usually -placed on the ground at the foot of a tree or beneath a bush. The eggs are -generally numerous and placed in a shallow hollow, scooped at the foot of -an oak, and spread over with a few leaves and a little dried grass. Gambel -found twenty-four eggs in one nest, but thought that possibly they were -the produce of two hens--fifteen being the usual number of the brood. - -Freyborg, who also observed this bird in its native country, says that it -is stationary, or at least wanders only to a short distance, and feeds on -grass, seeds, bulbous roots, garlic, plants of various kinds, berries, and -insects, preferring thick bushes to any other localities. It seldom moves -more than forty or fifty paces, and scarcely ever strays from the shade -of the woods to open spots; it holds out for some time before the hounds, -and flies to the nearest tree. In the winter it digs long burrows under -the snow. In California these birds are shot from the trees with a small -rifle, and they are also chased by the help of dogs--their flesh being -in great request, and considered to resemble that of the Hazel Grouse -(_Bonasia sylvestris_). - -Captain Beechey brought home several of these birds, but the females all -died, and of the males which were presented to the Zoological Society, -scarcely one survived. - -Since this time several others have been imported to different parts of -Europe, and two pairs brought by Deschamps laid and hatched a numerous -brood--other experimenters have been equally successful. - - -GAMBEL'S PARTRIDGE. - -GAMBEL'S PARTRIDGE (_Lophortyx Gambelii_) resembles the species last -described in its general appearance, but has the black patch on the face -larger, and only a very small portion of the brow is white. The back of -the head is bright reddish brown, streaked with light yellow. All its hues -are brighter and more glossy than those of the Californian Partridge. - -[Illustration: THE CALIFORNIAN PARTRIDGE (_Lophortyx Californianus_).] - -"It was late in June," says Coues, "when I arrived in Arizona, where I -heard that this Partridge was especially plentiful. In my first day's -sporting I stumbled, so to say, over a covey of young poults that were -just escaped from the egg, but the nimble little creatures ran and -concealed themselves with such wonderful celerity, that I could not -catch a single one. I thought that I had mistaken for them the _Oreortyx -pictus_, and wondered to find young ones of these so late in the year. -But it was not yet late for Gambel's Partridge, as I found several broods -in August only a few days old. In the following year I observed that the -old birds had paired by the end of April, and at the beginning of June -I saw the first young ones. I would also notice that breeding goes on -rapidly in the months of May, June, July, and August, and that probably -two or possibly three broods are hatched in one year. The greatest number -of poults in one brood are, as far as I could learn, between fifteen -and twenty-six, the smallest from six to eight. On the first of October -I found some half-grown young, the greater number were already nearly -or quite as large as their parents, and so fledged that they might well -attract the attention of a sportsman. As long as the young brood require -their parents' care they keep together in a small collected flock, and if -this is threatened each little chick runs away so quickly and squats in -some convenient place that it is very difficult to induce them to rise. If -this can be done, the covey fly all close together, but usually quickly -alight on low branches of trees or bushes, but often also on the ground, -and here they generally sit, sometimes stiffly in a heap, and while -they think they are well concealed, allow themselves to be approached -within a few paces. Later in the year, when they have reached their full -growth, they more seldom take to the trees, become more cautious, and are -approached with greater difficulty. The first intimation that a covey is -near, is given in a single note, repeated two or three times, then follows -a rustling of dry leaves, and the whole troop hasten, as quickly as they -may, yet one step farther and then all rise with a whirring noise, and -disperse themselves in different directions." - -[Illustration: THE COMMON QUAIL (_Coturnix communis_). ONE-HALF NATURAL -SIZE.] - -With the exception of close fir-woods, without undergrowth, these birds -people every locality, but seem to prefer thick bushes, and especially -osier holts, on the borders of streams. Dr. Gambel tells us that he saw -them in flocks of fifteen or twenty in company with another species in a -barren tract, where several podded kinds of _Prosopis_, with low-spreading -branches, afforded them excellent covert, and the seeds of bushy _Maluas_, -_Chænopodia_, and _Artemisia_ probably served them for food. In this -dreary region, where one would suppose it impossible for any creature to -subsist, they were running about in small parties, occasionally uttering a -low guttural call of recognition; this call is often composed of several -notes, and very different from that of the common species. When in flight -they emit a sharp whistle, and conspicuously display their long crest. - - * * * * * - -The QUAILS (_Coturnices_) are recognisable by their comparatively small -size, powerful, compact bodies, proportionately long, pointed wings, and -very short, rounded tail, formed of twelve soft feathers, and almost -concealed by the long feathers on the rump. The beak is small, and high -at its base, the foot short, or of moderate size, without a spur, and the -plumage, which completely covers the head, alike in both sexes. These -birds are met with over a larger portion of the globe than any other -members of the entire order, as they not only inhabit the whole of the -Eastern Hemisphere, but are particularly numerous in Australia and the -Malay Islands. Unlike other Rasores, the Quails are by no means social, -but live strictly in pairs and rarely congregate into flocks, or associate -freely with others of their kind, except during the migratory season, at -which time they undertake journeys of considerable extent, their long -wings enabling them to fly with far less effort or fatigue than do the -_Perdices_. The incubation of this group is also somewhat peculiar, for -wherever the means of subsistence are to be found, there they will breed -as readily as in their native lands. As regards their general development, -the Quails will bear comparison with any of their relations, and far -exceed most of them in the rapidity and ease of their movements. In most -respects the food of this group is the same as that consumed by other -Rasores, although, perhaps, they may be said to eat a less proportion of -vegetable matter. - - -THE COMMON QUAIL. - -The COMMON QUAIL (_Coturnix communis_) is brown, striped with reddish -yellow on the upper parts of the body; the head is somewhat darker than -the back, the throat reddish brown, and the region of the crop reddish -yellow; a pale yellowish line passes from the base of the upper mandible -over the eyes and down the sides of the neck across the throat, where it -is bounded by two narrow dark brown lines. The blackish brown primary -quills are spotted with reddish yellow in such a manner as to form -stripes, the first quill has also a narrow yellow border; the reddish -yellow tail-feathers have white shafts and are spotted with black at their -edges. In the female all these colours are comparatively indistinct, and -the reddish brown of the throat but little conspicuous. The eye is light -brownish red, the beak horn-grey, and the foot either reddish or pale -yellow. The length is seven inches and a half, and the breadth thirteen -inches; the wing measures four inches and the tail one inch and three -quarters. - -This species is found in most parts of the Old World. It arrives on the -south coast of Europe and the islands of the Grecian Archipelago in -immense flocks about April, and thence spread over Europe. - -"The European Quails," says Jerdon, "are found throughout India in -considerable numbers during the cold weather, most migrating during the -rains and breeding elsewhere, but a few pairs remaining and breeding in -various parts of the country, especially towards the west and north-west. -The Grey Quail, as it is termed in India, generally rises singly or in -pairs, but considerable numbers are found together; and in some localities -and in certain seasons it occurs in great profusion, and affords excellent -sport to the gunner. It is found in long grass, corn-fields, stubble, and -fields of pulse, wandering about, according as crops ripen in different -parts of the country. It is less numerous towards the south of India -than farther north." In Great Britain it has been considered as a summer -visitor; but, according to Yarrell, many instances have latterly been -recorded of its occurrence in Ireland, as well as in England, during the -winter months. - -This Quail is likewise met with abundantly in Syria and Judæa, and there -seems to be little doubt of its identity with the Quails so frequently -mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. "We have," says Tristram, "a clear proof -of the identity of the Common Quail with the Hebrew _selac_, in its Arabic -name, _salwa_, from a root signifying 'to be fat'--very descriptive of the -round, plump form and fat flesh of the Quail. The expression 'as it were -two cubits high above the face of the earth' probably refers to the height -at which the Quails fly above the ground. There are several expressions -in the scriptural account which are borne out by observations of the -habits of the Quail. At all times its flight is very low, just skimming -the surface of the ground, and especially when fatigued it keeps close, -never towering like the Partridge or Sand Grouse. It migrates in vast -flocks, and regularly crosses the Arabian desert, flying for the most part -at night, and when the birds settle they are so utterly exhausted that -they may be captured in any numbers by the hand. Notwithstanding their -migratory habits, they instinctively select the shortest sea passages, -and avail themselves of any island as a halting-place. Thus in spring and -autumn they are slaughtered in numbers on Malta and many of the Greek -islands, very few being seen till the period of migration comes round. -They also fly with the wind, never facing it like many other birds." "The -Israelites 'spread them out' when they had taken them before they were -sufficiently refreshed to escape; exactly as Herodotus tells us that the -Egyptians were in the habit of doing with Quails--drying them in the sun." - -Brehm mentions having been a witness to the arrival of a huge flock of -Quails upon the coast of North Africa, and tells us that the weary birds -fell at once to the ground completely exhausted by their toilsome journey, -and remained there for some minutes as though stupefied. On recovering -somewhat, they did not again take wing, but continued their journey -apparently on foot. In Africa they occasionally take up their quarters -in stubble-fields and cultivated districts, but principally frequent the -vast steppes, and wander about singly from spot to spot. During the summer -they prefer fruitful plains and the vicinity of corn-fields, carefully -avoiding mountains or marshy localities. The popularity of these birds is -in a great measure due to the pleasant sound of their clear, resounding -cry, which during the breeding season enlivens the whole district in which -they live. Upon the ground they move quickly but ungracefully, with tail -hanging down and neck drawn in, each step being accompanied by a slight -nod of the head. Their flight is very rapid, and occasionally changes to -a beautiful hovering motion. Even towards its own species the Quail is -extremely unsocial and frequently most pugnacious, displaying the latter -quality not only towards its rivals, but to its mate, who is often very -roughly treated. The females exhibit a somewhat more amiable disposition, -and besides being careful of their own offspring, prove excellent -foster-mothers to such young birds as have lost their parents. Whilst the -sun is high the Quails remain concealed among the long grass and weeds, -and about noon indulge in a sand-bath; the succeeding hours are also -spent in a state of quiescence, but the sun has no sooner set, than they -become brisk and fully alive to the necessity of going in search of food -or picking a quarrel with some rival. At this time their agreeable call -may be said to be almost incessant. Seeds, small portions of plants, but -principally insects, constitute their usual diet, the process of digestion -being assisted by the swallowing of small stones. They do not require much -water, the dew affording them in most instances all the moisture they -need; for this reason they are rarely met with at any drinking-place. -Although insect nourishment is decidedly preferred by the Quail, it has -been fed for months together simply on grain and wheat. It would appear -that this bird is polygamous, and it is even stated on good authority that -it will mate with birds of entirely different species. The nest, formed -by the hen of small portions of plants and placed in a corn-field, is not -commenced till the beginning of the summer months. The eggs, from eight to -fourteen in number, are large and pear-shaped, with a glossy, light brown -shell, very variously marked with a deeper shade. The hen broods about -twenty days, and testifies such devotion to her precious charge as often -to sacrifice her life rather than quit the nest, while her mate goes forth -with his companions into the neighbouring fields. The young grow rapidly -and soon leave their parents' care, for by the time they are six weeks old -they have attained their full size, and can fly well enough to join in the -autumn migration. Immense numbers of Quails are annually captured on the -shores of the Mediterranean, and the island of Capri so abounded in them -that we are told some of its ancient bishops derived the principal part -of their revenue from this source. Waterton assures us that no less than -17,000 of these delicate birds have been conveyed to Rome in one day. - - * * * * * - -The DWARF QUAILS (_Excalfactoria_), the smallest members of this family, -represent a group distinguished from those already described by the -rounded form of their wing, in which the third, fourth, and fifth quills -are longer than the rest, the first being much shorter than the second; -and the unusual difference observable in the plumage of the male and -female. According to Latham, the scientific name given to these birds has -arisen from a custom the Chinese have of using them to warm their hands -upon during the winter. The various species inhabit India, the Malay -Islands, and Australia. - -[Illustration: THE CHINESE QUAIL (_Excalfactoria Chinensis_).] - - -THE CHINESE QUAIL. - -The CHINESE QUAIL (_Excalfactoria Chinensis_) is a very beautiful bird, -with the entire mantle of an olive-brown, each feather having a dark and -light line on its shaft; the quills of the wing-covers are without these -markings, though some few of the shoulder-feathers are striped with deep -red. The brow, cheeks, breast, and sides are of a rich, deep grey; the -throat is black above, and white, surrounded by a black line, beneath; -the centre of the breast, the belly, lower tail-covers, and tail are of -a beautiful brownish red. The coloration of the female is less varied in -its tints; her chin is merely indicated by a small white patch, and the -light brown breast is striped. The eye of both is dark brown, the beak -black, and the foot bright yellow. The length of the male is five inches -and a quarter, and the breadth nine inches: the tail measures but one -inch. The female is not quite so large as her mate. - -[Illustration: _Plate 28. Cassell's Book of Birds_ - -LAGOPUS MUTUS ____ PTARMIGAN - -(_about one half Nat. size_)] - -This beautiful little Quail is found all over China, the Malay Islands, -and in many parts of India, but is rare in the latter country, except in -Bengal and the neighbouring provinces. - -"I have killed it," says Jerdon, "only once in the Carnatic. It occurs -occasionally in Central India and in the Upper Provinces, as far as -Bareilly, but it is rare in all these localities, and perhaps only -stragglers find their way so far. In Lower Bengal it is tolerably abundant -in low grassy meadows, the borders of indigo-fields, and in the grasses on -roadsides; and in Purneah, in the month of July, it was the only Quail I -observed." - -This species breeds in July, the eggs being pale olive-green. When the -young are full-grown they spread themselves all over the country, and this -dispersion is greatly assisted and in many parts perhaps caused by the -heavy inundations to which great part of the country in Bengal is annually -subjected, generally in August and September. In the cold season they are -replaced by the Grey Quail and the so-called Rain Quail. - -These birds, according to Bernstein, live by preference in thick, -extensive wilds, where they are easily hidden between high stalks of -plants, but nevertheless visit the fields and pastures in the vicinity -of dwellings. Their quiet and retired mode of life makes it difficult -to observe their habits. They take wing unwillingly, and avoid danger -rather by running or squeezing themselves through sheltering plants than -by flight. Their note is gentle, beginning loud and gradually becoming -softer, "du, du, du," or "du, du, hi." Their food consists of insects, -worms, and a variety of seeds; Bernstein himself kept them on grasshoppers -and various insects. He several times found their nest, which was in -a little hollow of the ground, scraped by the mother, and in this she -prepared her bed of dry grass, stalks, and roots. In none of these nests -were there more than six eggs; these are of a greyish olive-green, or -olive-brown, more or less thickly sprinkled with numerous olive-brown -specks. Bernstein tells us that these birds retain their shyness when -tamed, and often injure themselves by beating against their cage; but -Swinhoe says that in Canton they are highly esteemed as cage-birds, and -may be pretty regularly found in the markets there. Latham informs us that -this species, as well as the Common Quail, is used by the Chinese to warm -their hands in winter, as may be seen in many drawings and paper-hangings -from China, and that many of these birds are made into pies as a delicacy -for Europeans during their voyage home. They are caught in China as in -Europe by means of a call-pipe. - - * * * * * - -The BUSH QUAILS (_Turnices_) are small birds with slender bodies, -moderate-sized rounded wings, in which either the first quill is the -longest, or the three first are of equal length. Their tail is composed -of from ten to twelve narrow, weak feathers, and so small as to be -almost entirely concealed beneath the upper and lower tail-covers; the -medium-sized, straight, thin beak is high at its culmen and slightly -arched towards its tip; the nostrils are situated at either side of the -bill, and are partially covered with a small fold of skin; the delicate -feet have long tarsi, and usually three or occasionally four toes. - -The Bush Quails are spread over the whole of the Eastern Hemisphere, but -are quite unknown in the western division of the globe. Australia would, -however, appear to be their principal head-quarters, for in that country, -according to Gould, they are met with in every part that has as yet been -explored, except in the neighbouring islands. Everywhere they select open -plains, stony tracts covered with grass, or mountain sides, and in such -situations lead a life so retired as to render their capture a work of -some difficulty, except during the breeding season. At that time both -sexes lay aside their usual shy, quiet deportment, and exhibit the most -fierce pugnacity towards all their companions. The strangest part of these -encounters is that they are not confined to the males, as is usually the -case, the females being fully as jealous and as violent as their mates, -and, like them, constantly engage in such furious encounters as nearly -to cost them their lives. Owing to this peculiar temperament these birds -are trained by the Asiatics as fighting-cocks are in Europe. The nest -is composed of grasses, and is placed in a hollow on the surface of the -ground, under the shelter of a tussock of grass. The female usually lays -four pear-shaped eggs. - - -THE BLACK-BREASTED BUSTARD QUAIL. - -The BLACK-BREASTED BUSTARD QUAIL (_Turnix pugnax_), a well-known species -of the above group, has the foot furnished with only three toes. The -feathers on the mantle are of a dark brown tipped with crescent-shaped -black and rust-red spots; the region of the eye, bridles, and cheeks are -white, spotted with black; the wings are greyish brown, spotted with black -and white; the quills are edged with white on the outer web; the throat is -deep black, and the lower breast and belly bright rust-red; the rest of -the plumage resembles that of the male. The eye is white, the beak light -grey, and the foot dark yellow. This species is six inches long; the wing -measures three inches, and the tail one inch. The female is considerably -larger than her mate. - -This interesting bird, which has long been a domestic favourite with the -Hindoos and Malays, is very common in Java, where, as everywhere else, it -frequents grassy patches in the forests and jungles, low bushy jungle, or -fields of _dhal_ and other thick crops near patches of brushwood; but it -is rarely found in barren country, or in cultivated ground where there -is no shelter. It feeds on various kinds of grain, small insects, and -grasshoppers. The call of the female is a peculiar, loud, purring sound. - -"The hen birds," says Jerdon, "are most pugnacious, especially about the -breeding season; and this propensity is made use of in the south of India -to effect their capture. To this end a small cage with a decoy-bird is -used, having a concealed spring compartment made to fall by the snapping -of a thread placed between the bars of the cage. This is set on the ground -in some thick cover, carefully protected. The decoy-bird begins her loud -purring call, which can be heard a long way off, and any females within -earshot rapidly run to the spot and commence fighting with the caged -bird, striking at the bars. This soon breaks the thread, the spring-cover -falls, at the same time ringing a small bell, by which the owner, who -remains concealed near at hand, is warned of a capture, and at once runs -up, secures his prey, and sets his cage again in another locality. In this -way I have known twelve to twenty birds captured in one day in a patch of -jungle in the Carnatic, where only I have seen this practice carried on. -The birds that are caught in this way are all females, and in most cases -are birds laying eggs at the time, for I have frequently known instances -of some eight or ten of those captured so far advanced in egg-bearing -as to lay their eggs in the bag in which they were carried before the -bird-catcher had reached my house." - -The eggs, which are usually laid in a hollow in the ground, behind a -bush, or sheltered by a stone, are from five to eight in number, of a -dull stone-grey or green tint, thickly spotted and freckled with dusky -yellowish brown; they are blunt in shape and very large in proportion to -the bird. The affection of the male of this species for its offspring -would appear to be by no means inferior to that of the mother; for we -learn from Swinhoe that upon one occasion, having succeeded in capturing -two young Bustard Quails that were almost fully fledged and placed them -in a cage, he observed the female parent, as he supposed, clucking like a -hen, as it ran and crept about the prisoners in a vain endeavour to lure -them out of their strange abode. In order to secure a specimen the bird -was shot, and on examination proved to be a male. The Javanese rear this -species on rice and small grasshoppers, and train both sexes to fight for -their entertainment. - - -THE AFRICAN BUSH QUAIL. - -The AFRICAN BUSH QUAIL (_Turnix Africanus_, or _T. Gibraltariensis_), one -of the largest members of the group, is about six inches long; the sexes -resemble each other in the coloration of their plumage, but the female -is of much greater size, and fully one-third heavier than her mate. The -dark brown head of the male is enlivened by three yellow streaks, and the -back marked with irregular black and brown zigzag lines; the feathers of -the wing-covers are yellow, with a black spot on the outer and a reddish -yellow spot on the inner web; the throat is white, and the region of the -crop reddish brown, each feather being edged with a lighter tint; the -sides are reddish brown, with a few dark spots, and shade gradually into -the pure white that covers the belly; the outer webs of the quills have -light edges; the eye is yellow, the beak yellowish, and the foot lead-grey. - -This species is found in many parts of Sicily and Spain, and stragglers -are sometimes seen in the plains of Languedoc; it is met with also in the -north of Africa, especially among the thickets and dwarf palms of Mount -Atlas. Tristram informs us that a nest found in Algeria was most carefully -concealed in thick bushes, and contained several eggs, slightly spotted, -and of a purplish blue shade. - - -THE COLLARED PLAIN-WANDERER. - -The COLLARED PLAIN-WANDERER (_Pedionomus torquatus_) has the foot -furnished with four toes. The beak, which almost equals the head in -length, is straight and compressed at its tip; the wings are short and -shell-shaped, with the first, second, and third quills of equal size; the -tail is short, the tarsus long, and the hinder toe placed high. In this -species the top of the head is reddish brown, spotted with black; the brow -and sides of the neck are light fawn-colour, dotted with black; the broad -white band on the throat also shows black spots; the mantle-feathers are -reddish brown, striped with black, and edged with reddish yellow; the -middle breast is red, the rest of the under side fawn-colour, each of the -feathers being marked like those on the back, whilst those at the sides -exhibit broad irregular black spots; the tail-feathers are striped with -blackish brown. The eye is straw-colour, the beak yellow, with black tip, -and the foot greenish yellow. The male is four inches and a half long, and -his wing three inches and a quarter, whilst his mate, who also surpasses -him in the beauty of her markings, is not less than seven inches long; her -wing measures three inches and a half, and the tail of both sexes one inch -and a quarter. - -"The structure of this singular little bird," says Gould, "is -peculiarly well adapted for inhabiting the arid and extensive plains -that characterise the eastern portion of Australia. The lengthened and -courser-like legs of the Collared Plain-Wanderer are admirably suited for -running, while its short, round wings are as little fitted for extensive -flight. Its general contour suggests the idea of a diminutive Bustard. On -its native plains this bird has many singular habits, particularly that -of secreting itself among the scanty herbage, or of remaining quiet on -the bare ground until it is nearly trodden upon before it will rise, and -when it does take wing its flight is more contracted than that of any -other bird with which I am acquainted." Sir George Grey states that these -birds are migratory; appearing at Adelaide in June, and disappearing about -January. While running about they are in the habit of raising themselves -in a nearly perpendicular position on the extremities of their toes, so -that the hinder part of the foot does not touch the ground, and of taking -a wide survey around them. - -"While in confinement," says the same observer, "these birds eat pounded -wheat, raw boiled rice, bread, and flies; the latter appear to be their -favourite food. They soon become perfectly tame. The three in our -possession we have had for upwards of four months. The call of those we -have in confinement precisely resembles that of the Emu--not the whistle, -but the hollow-sounding noise, like that produced by tapping on a cask, -which the Emu utters--but is, of course, much fainter." - -Gould received from Mr. Strange a fully-developed egg, taken from the -ovarium of the female, which in general character resembled those of -the _Turnices_. It was somewhat suddenly contracted at the smaller end. -The ground-colour was stone-white, sprinkled with small blotches of -umber-brown and vinous grey, the latter tint appearing as if beneath the -surface of the shell, the sprinkled markings predominating at the larger -end. The egg was one inch and one-eighth long, and seven-eighths of an -inch broad. - -[Illustration: THE AFRICAN BUSH QUAIL (_Turnix Africanus_, or _T. -Gibraltariensis_).] - - * * * * * - -The _Phasianidæ_ of Brehm comprise not merely the PHEASANTS PROPER, -but all nearly allied groups. The members of this important division -generally possess a comparatively slender body, medium-sized or short and -much rounded wings, and a long or broad tail, composed of from twelve to -eighteen feathers. The moderately long bill is much vaulted, with its -upper mandible curved over the lower part of the beak, and occasionally -prolonged into a sharp, nail-like tip; the rather high foot is furnished -with long toes, and in the male is armed with a spur; the partially bare -head is sometimes adorned with combs and lappets of skin, and sometimes -with horn-like appendages or tufts of feathers. The plumage is glossy -and brilliantly coloured. This family is almost entirely confined to the -Eastern Hemisphere, only two species being found in America; and even in -the Old World their distribution is nearly completely restricted to the -warmer part of the Asiatic continent and its dependent islands. - - * * * * * - -The TUFTED PHEASANTS (_Lophophori_) constitute a group distinguishable by -their short, rounded tail, the feathers of which are not placed as in most -other Pheasants, but present a fan-like arrangement. - -[Illustration: THE MONAUL, OR IMPEYAN PHEASANT (_Lophophorus resplendens_, -_refulgens_, or _Impeyanus_).] - - -THE MONAUL, OR IMPEYAN PHEASANT. - -The MONAUL, or IMPEYAN PHEASANT (_Lophophorus resplendens_, _refulgens_, -or _Impeyanus_), possesses a comparatively powerful body, moderate-sized -wings, and a rather long tail, composed of sixteen feathers. The upper -mandible is curved and sharply pointed at its tip; the foot is of medium -height, that of the male furnished with a spur. The plumage of the male -is magnificently coloured and very glossy; the region of the eye is bare, -and his head decorated with a crest formed of numerous feathers; these are -denuded of web at the roots and very broad at the extremities. The head -and throat of this beautiful bird are of a metallic green, the crest is -also of that hue, but resplendent with a golden sheen; the nape and upper -part of the throat are of such a glossy purple or carmine-red that they -gleam with all the brilliancy of the ruby; the lower parts of the throat -and back are bronze-green, shaded with gold; the rest of the mantle, the -wing and upper tail-covers are brilliant violet or blueish green; some -few feathers on the under side are white, but its surface is principally -black, shining with green and purple on the centre of the breast, and -lustreless on the belly; the quills are black, the tail reddish brown; the -eye is brown, the bare place that surrounds it blueish; the beak is dark -grey, and the foot greyish green. The length is twenty-six and the breadth -thirty-three inches; the wing measures from eleven to eleven and a half -inches, and the tail eight inches and a quarter. The female is white upon -the throat, the rest of her plumage being pale yellowish brown, spotted, -striped, and marked with dark brown. The primary quills are blackish, the -secondaries and tail-feathers striped black and brownish yellow. The size -of the female is inferior to that of her mate. - -We have from the pen of "Mountaineer" a full account of the life of the -Monaul, but we cannot help regretting that such an excellent observer -should look upon this magnificent species with the eye of a sportsman -rather than with that of a naturalist. "The Monaul is found on almost -every hill of any elevation, from the first great ridge of the Himalayas -above the plains to the limits of the wooded district, and in the interior -it is the most numerous of the game-birds. When the hills near Mussooree -were first visited by Europeans it was found to be common there, and -a few may be still seen on the same ridge eastwards from Landour. In -summer, when the rank vegetation which springs up in the forest renders -it impossible to see many yards around, few are to be met with, except -near the summits of the great ridges jutting from the snow, where in the -morning and evening, when they come out to feed, they may be seen in the -green glades of the forest and on the green slopes above. At that time no -one would imagine they are half so numerous as they really are, but as -the cold season approaches, and the rank grass and herbage decay, they -begin to collect together. The wood seems full of them, and in some places -hundreds may be put up in a day's work. In summer the greater number of -males and some of the females ascend to near the limits of the forests, -where the hills attain a great elevation, and may often be observed on -the grassy slopes a considerable distance above. In autumn they resort -to those parts of the forest where the ground is thickly-covered with -decayed leaves, and descend lower and lower as winter sets in, and the -ground becomes frozen or covered with snow. If the season be severe, and -the ground covered to a great depth, they collect in the woods which -face south or east, where the snow soon melts in the more exposed parts, -or descend much lower down the hill, where it is not so deep, and thaws -sufficiently to allow them to lay bare the earth under the bushes and -sheltered places. Many, particularly females and young birds, resort to -the neighbourhood of the villages situated up in the woods, and may often -be seen in numbers in the fields. Still, in the severest weather, when -fall after fall has covered the ground to a great depth, many remain in -the higher forests during the whole winter; these are almost all males, -and probably old birds. In spring all in the lower parts gradually ascend -as the snow disappears. - -"In the autumnal and winter months numbers are generally collected -together in the same quarter of the forest, though often so widely -scattered that each bird appears to be alone. Sometimes you may walk for a -mile through the wood without seeing one, and suddenly come to some part -where, within the compass of a few hundred yards, upwards of a score will -get up in succession: at another time, or in another forest, they will be -found dispersed over every part--one getting up here, another there, two -or three farther on, and so on for miles. The females keep more together -than the males; they also descend lower down the hills, and earlier, -and more generally leave the sheltered woods for exposed parts, or the -vicinity of the villages, on the approach of winter. Both sexes are found -separately in considerable numbers. On the lower part or exposed side of -the hill, scores of females and young birds may be met without a single -old male; while higher up, or on the sheltered side, none but males are to -be found. In summer they are more separated, but do not keep strictly in -pairs, several being often found together. It may be questioned whether -they do pair or not in places where they are at all numerous; if they do, -it would appear that the union is dissolved as soon as the female begins -to brood, for the male seems to pay no attention whatever to her whilst -sitting, or to the young when hatched, and is seldom found with them. - -"From April to the commencement of the cold season, the Monaul is rather -wild and shy, but this soon gives way to the all-taming influence of -winter's frosts and snows; and from October it becomes gradually less so, -till it may be said to be quite tame, but as it is often found in places -nearly free from underwood, and never attempts to escape observation by -concealing itself in the grass or bushes, it is perhaps sooner alarmed -and at a greater distance than other Pheasants, and may therefore appear -at times a little wild and timid. In spring it often rises a long way in -front, and it is difficult to get near it when it again alights, if it -does not at once fly too far to follow; but in winter it may often be -approached within gunshot on the ground, and when flushed it generally -alights on a tree at no great distance, and you may then walk quite close -to it before it again takes wing. - -"In the forest, when alarmed, it generally rises at once without calling -or running far on the ground; but on the open glades, or grassy slopes, -or any place where it comes only to feed, it will, if not hard pressed, -run or walk slowly, in preference to getting up; and a distant bird, when -alarmed by the rising of others, will occasionally begin and continue -calling for some time while on the ground. It gets up with a loud -fluttering and a rapid succession of shrill whistles, often continued -till it alights, when it occasionally commences its ordinary loud and -plaintive call, and continues it for some time. In winter, when one or -two birds have been flushed, all within hearing soon become alarmed: if -they are collected together, they get up in rapid succession; if distantly -scattered, bird after bird slowly rises--the shrill call of each alarming -others still farther off till all in the immediate neighbourhood have -taken wing. When repeatedly disturbed by the sportsmen or _shikaries_, -they often take a longer flight. - -"In spring, when the snow has melted in every part of the forest, and they -have little difficulty in procuring food, they appear careless about being -driven from any particular spot, and often fly a long way; but in winter, -when a sufficiency of food is not so easily obtained, they seem more -intent on satisfying their hunger, and do not heed so much the appearance -of man. The females seem at all times much tamer than the males. The -latter have one peculiarity, not common in birds of this order; if intent -on making a long flight, an old male, after flying a short way, will often -cease flapping his wings, and soar along with a trembling, vibratory -motion at a considerable height in the air. At such times, particularly -if the sun be shining on his brilliant plumage, he appears to great -advantage, and certainly looks one of the most magnificent of the Pheasant -tribe." - -The call of the Monauls is a loud, plaintive whistle, which is often -heard in the forest at daybreak or towards evening, and occasionally at -all hours of the day. In severe weather, numbers may be heard calling in -different quarters of the wood before they retire to roost. The call has -rather a melancholy sound, or it may be that as the shades of a dreary -winter's evening begin to close on the snow-covered hills around, the -cold and cheerless aspect of nature with which it seems in unison make it -appear so. In autumn the Monaul feeds chiefly on a grub or maggot which it -finds under decayed leaves; at other times it subsists on roots, leaves, -and the young shoots of various shrubs and grasses, or when obtainable, on -acorns and other seeds and berries. In winter it often feeds in the wheat -and barley fields, but does not touch the grain; roots and maggots seem -to be its only inducement for digging amongst it. At all times and in all -seasons it is very assiduous in the operation of digging, and continues -at it for hours together. In the higher forests, where large open plots -occur quite free from trees or underwood, early in the morning or towards -evening these localities may often be seen dotted over with Monauls all -busily engaged at their favourite occupation. - -The Monaul roosts in the larger trees, but in summer, when near or above -the limits of the forest, will often sleep on the ground in some steep -rocky spot. The female makes her nest under a small overhanging bush or -tuft of grass, and lays five eggs of a dull white, speckled with reddish -brown; the chicks are hatched about the end of May. By some persons, -according to "Mountaineer," the flesh of the Monaul is thought equal to -that of the Turkey, while others think it scarcely eatable. In autumn -and early winter the females and young birds afford excellent food, but -from the commencement of spring they deteriorate in that respect. The same -writer tells us that in autumn, when the leaves have fallen from the trees -and an extensive view through the wood is allowed, he has frequently stood -till twenty or thirty have got up and perched on the branches, and then -he has walked up to the different trees and fired at them in succession -without disturbing any but those which were quite close to the spot. The -Monaul is easily kept in confinement, and in that condition has bred in -England; it appears quite capable of enduring the severity of our winter. - - -LHUYS' PHEASANT. - -LHUYS' PHEASANT (_Lophophorus Lhuysi_). This newly-discovered species, -which has received the name of _Lophophorus Lhuysi_ from Geoffrey St. -Hilaire, in honour of the French minister of that name, differs from the -Monaul chiefly in the ornamentation of its head and tail, the feathers -of its crest being acuminate instead of spatulated, and its tail of a -greenish bronze adorned with white spots. - -This bird inhabits the northern slope of the Great Himalaya range, while -the Impeyan Pheasant occupies the southern slope of the same mountains. -The female of this species resembles the Hen Monaul. - - * * * * * - -The TRAGOPANS, or HORNED PHEASANTS (_Ceriornis_), have a powerful body, -moderate-sized wing, and short, broad tail composed of eighteen feathers. -The bill is very short and rather weak, while the strong, flat foot -is furnished with a spur. Two small, fleshy, horn-like appendages are -situated behind the bare patch around the eye, and the naked skin on the -throat is prolonged so as to form a pair of pendent lappets. The rich -plumage of the male lengthens into a crest at the crown of the head, and -is most beautiful both in its hues and markings, whilst that of the female -is comparatively of sombre tint. - - -THE SIKKIM HORNED PHEASANT. - -The SIKKIM HORNED PHEASANT (_Ceriornis Satyra_) is of a bright carmine-red -on the brow, crown of the head, nape, and shoulders; a broad band, that -passes from the temples to the back of the head, and a narrow line around -the lappet at the throat, are also of the same glowing hue; the upper -back, breast, and belly are red, enlivened with white spots edged with -black; the mantle and upper tail-covers are brown, but each feather is -delicately striped with black, and has a black spot at its extremity; -some of the feathers on the upper wing-covers are also dotted with red, -the dark brown quills are bordered and streaked with dull yellow; the -tail-feathers are black, striped with dark brownish yellow. - -The eye is deep brown, and the foot yellowish brown; the fleshy appendages -and lappets are blue, spotted here and there with orange-yellow. The male -is twenty-seven inches long, the wing measures eleven inches and a half, -and the tail eleven inches. The plumage of the female is principally -brown, darkest on the back, and enlivened by numerous black and red spots -and streaks, as well as by the white shafts and dots of the feathers. Her -length is only twenty-four inches, and that of her tail ten inches. - -This species, which was the first known to naturalists, inhabits the -Nepaul and Sikkim Himalayas, being more abundant in the former. "I have," -says Jerdon, "seen it in spring at an elevation of about 9,000 feet above -the level of the sea; and in winter it descends to between 7,000 and 8,000 -feet in the vicinity of Darjeeling, and perhaps lower in the interior. It -is frequently snared by the Bhotees and other Hill-men, and brought alive -for sale at Darjeeling. Its call, which I have heard in spring, is a low, -deep, bellowing cry, sounding like "waa-ung-waa-ung." Its general habits -are no doubt similar to those of the _C. melanocephala_, which have been -more accurately described." - -[Illustration: THE SIKKIM HORNED PHEASANT (_Ceriornis Satyra_).] - - -THE JEWAR, OR WESTERN HORNED PHEASANT. - -The JEWAR, or WESTERN HORNED PHEASANT (_Ceriornis melanocephala_), differs -from the species last mentioned principally in the predominance of black -in the coloration of the under side. In the male the feathers on the -top of the head are black, with red tips; the nape, upper part of the -throat, and shoulder are scarlet; the feathers on the mantle dark brown, -ornamented with very delicate black lines and, towards their extremities, -with small black-edged white spots. The feathers on the breast and belly -are black, spotted with white, and slightly shaded with red; the quills -are pale black, spotted and edged with brown; the tail is black, striped -with brown and white at the ends of the feathers. The eye is nut-brown, -the bare patch that surrounds it bright red, while the fleshy horns are -pale blue; the lappets on the throat are purple, dotted with light blue -at the sides, and bordered with flesh-pink; the beak is horn-grey, and -the foot reddish. The male is from twenty-seven to twenty-eight inches -long, and from thirty-five to thirty-six broad; the wing measures ten -inches and a half; and the tail ten inches. The plumage of the female is -varied with different shades of brown and black on the upper parts of the -body, and with greyish brown, black, and white on the under side; the back -is enlivened by pale yellow markings, and the under side by irregular -white spots. The length of the female is twenty-three inches, the breadth -thirty-one inches and a half; the wing measures nine inches and a half, -and the tail eight inches and a half. (See Coloured Plate XXX.) - -These birds are found from the western borders of Nepaul to the extreme -North-west Himalayas; they are not very common near Simla and Mussooree, -but are more plentiful near Almora. - -"Their usual haunts," says "Mountaineer," "are high up, not far from -the snows, in dense and gloomy forests, where they live either alone or -in small scattered parties. In winter they descend the hills, and then -their favourite haunts are in the thickest parts of the forests of oak, -chestnut, and morenda pine, where the box-tree is abundant, and where -under the forest trees a luxuriant growth of 'ringalt' or the hill bamboo -forms an underwood in some places almost impenetrable. They keep in -companies of from two or three to ten or a dozen or more, not in compact -flocks, but scattered widely over a considerable space of forest, so that -many at times get quite separated and are found alone." Jerdon tells us, -"that if undisturbed, they generally remain pretty close together, and -appear to return year after year to the same spot, even though the ground -be covered with snow, for they find their living then upon the trees. If -driven away from the forest by an unusually severe storm or any other -cause, they may be found at this season in small clumps of trees, wooded -ravines, or patches of low brushwood. - -"At this season, with the exception of its cry of alarm when disturbed, -the Jewar is altogether mute, and is never heard of its own accord to -utter a call or note of any kind; unlike the rest of our Pheasants, all of -which occasionally crow or call at all seasons. When alarmed it utters a -succession of wailing cries, not unlike those of a lamb or kid, like the -syllables 'waa, waa, waa,' each syllable uttered slowly and distinctly -at first, and more rapidly as the bird is hard pressed and about to take -wing. Where not repeatedly disturbed, it is not particularly shy, and -seldom takes alarm till a person is in its immediate vicinity, when it -creeps slowly through the underwood, or flies up into a tree, in the -former case continuing its call till again stationary, and in the latter -till it has concealed itself among the branches. If several are together -all begin to call at once, and run off in different directions, some -mounting into the trees, others running along the ground. When first put -up they often alight in one of the nearest trees; but if again flushed the -second flight is generally to some distance, and almost always down-hill. -Their flight is rapid, and the whirr produced by the wings peculiar, so -that even when the bird is not seen it may be distinguished from any other -species. Where their haunts are often visited, either by the sportsmen -or the villagers, they are more wary, and if such visits are of regular -occurrence and continued for any length of time, they become alert in a -very high degree; so much so that it is impossible to conceive a forest -bird more shy or cunning. They then, as soon as aware of the presence of -any one in the forest, after calling once or twice, or without doing so -at all, fly up into the trees, which near their haunts are almost always -evergreens of the densest foliage, and conceal themselves so artfully -among the tangled leaves and branches that unless one has been seen to -fly into a particular tree, and it has been well marked down, it is -almost impossible to find them. In spring, as the snow begins to melt on -the higher parts of the hills, they entirely leave their winter resorts, -and gradually separate and spread themselves through the more remote and -distant woods, up to the region of birch and white rhododendron, and -almost to the extreme limits of forest. Early in April they begin to pair, -and the males are then more generally met with than at any other period; -they seem to wander about a great deal, are almost always found alone, -and often call, at intervals, all day long. When thus calling, the bird -is generally perched on the thick branch of a tree, or the trunk of one -which has fallen to the ground, or on a large stone; the call is similar -to the one they utter when disturbed, but it is much louder and only one -single note at a time--a loud energetic 'waa,' not unlike the bleating -of a lost goat--and can be heard for upwards of a mile. It is uttered at -various intervals, sometimes every five or ten minutes for hours together, -and sometimes not more than two or three times during the day; its purport -most probably is to invite the females to the place. When the business of -incubation is over, the broods, with the parent birds, keep collected -together about one spot and descend towards their winter resorts as the -season advances; but the forests are so densely crowded with long weeds -and grass that they are seldom seen till about November, when these have -partially decayed, so as to admit of a view through the wood." - -The Jewar feeds chiefly on the leaves of trees and shrubs: of the former -the box and oak are the principal ones; of the latter, _thugall_ and a -shrub something like privet. It also eats roots, flowers, grubs, insects, -acorns, seeds, and berries of various kinds, but in small proportion as -compared with leaves; in captivity it will eat almost any kind of grain. -Though the most solitary of our Pheasants, and in its native forests -perhaps the shyest, it is the most easily reconciled to confinement; even -when caught old it soon loses its timidity, eating readily out of the -hand, and little difficulty is experienced in rearing it. - -"The Jewar," says Jerdon, "roosts in the trees; and in winter, perhaps for -warmth, seems to prefer the low evergreens, with closely interwoven leaves -and branches, to the larger trees which overshadow them." - -We are without particulars respecting the incubation of this species. - - * * * * * - -The JUNGLE FOWLS (_Galli_) have a powerful body, short wings, and a -moderate-sized graduated tail, consisting of fourteen feathers, placed -vertically one above another. The beak is strong, of medium length, arched -at its culmen, and curved at the tip of the upper mandible; the high foot -is armed with a spur; a fleshy comb rises at the top of the head, and from -the lower part of the beak depend soft fleshy wattles; the region of the -cheek is bare. The thick, variegated plumage is so prolonged on the upper -tail-covers as to conceal the real tail, over which the flowing feathers -fall in graceful sickle-shaped curves. India and the Malay Islands seem -to be the native abodes of these birds, each species, however, having its -peculiar habitat. All the members of the group lead a retired life within -the recesses of woods and forests, and for this reason we are but little -acquainted with any minute details concerning the habits of many species. - - -THE KASINTU, OR RED JUNGLE FOWL. - -The KASINTU, or RED JUNGLE FOWL (_Gallus Bankiva_), is a most gorgeous -bird, having its head, throat, and the flowing feathers on the nape of -glossy golden yellow, those on the back are purplish brown, with bright -orange-red centre, and yellowish brown edges; the long feathers of the -upper tail-covers are golden yellow, those of the middle wing-covers -chestnut brown, shaded with blackish green; the breast-feathers are -black, with a golden green lustre; the dark, blackish grey primaries have -light borders, the secondaries are rust-red on the outer and black on the -inner web; the black tail is glossy at its centre and quite lustreless at -its sides. The eye is orange-red, the comb red, the back brownish, and -the foot slate-grey. This species is twenty-five inches long; the wing -measures eight inches and a half and the tail fourteen inches. The female -is smaller than her mate, and carries her tail lower, and in her the comb -and fleshy wattles are only indicated. The long neck-feathers are black, -edged with whitish yellow, and those of the mantle dotted with brownish -black; the under portions of the body are creamy yellow, and the quills -and tail brownish black. This beautiful and well-known species, which -is generally supposed to be the original stock of our domestic poultry, -closely resembles some of the British Dunghill Cocks in plumage, but is -considerably less in size. This bird appears to have been domesticated in -the East at a very early date, and must have been introduced into Europe -in very ancient times. It was well known to the Greeks and Romans, who, -like our own people at a very recent period, and many Eastern nations at -the present day, delighted in the cruel spectacle of a cock-fight. The Red -Jungle Fowl is found from the Himalayas southwards, on the western side -of India, at any rate as far as the Vindhean range. On the east it extends -through Central India and the Northern Circars, almost to the northern -branch of the Godavery. In Central India this fowl is rare, especially -towards the west, but it is abundant towards the east, particularly in -the Northern Circars. It is found in the Raimahal Hills, as far as the -southern bank of the Ganges; but is seldom seen in the range of hills -south of Cashmere, and from thence across the Himalayas to Assam, Silhet, -Chittagong, and Burmah. - -The Jungle Fowls are partial to bamboo jungle, but also inhabit lofty -forests and dense thickets. "In travelling through a forest country," says -Jerdon, "many are always found near the roads, to which they resort to -pick up the grain from the droppings of cattle, &c.; dogs often put them -up, when they at once fly on to the nearest trees. When cultivated land -is near their haunts they may be seen morning and evening in the fields, -often in straggling parties of from ten to twenty." - -The breeding season is from January to July, according to the locality. -Their eggs, eight in number, are creamy white, and are often laid in a -dense thicket, or under a bamboo clump, the hen occasionally scraping -together a few leaves or dried grass to form a nest. After the end of the -period of incubation, the hackles fall off the neck of the male, and are -replaced by short blackish grey feathers. - -Jerdon tells us that young birds, if kept for a few days, are very -excellent for the table, having a considerable game flavour. - - -THE JUNGLE FOWL OF CEYLON. - -The JUNGLE FOWL OF CEYLON (_Gallus Stanleyii_). The male of this -beautiful bird resembles that of the species last described in its -general appearance, but has the breast reddish brown, striped with deep -black, moreover, the wing-feathers have no brown patch in their centre. -The female closely resembles that of the _Gallus Bankiva_. "This fowl," -says Tennant, "abounds in all the lower parts of the island of Ceylon, -but chiefly in the lower range of mountains; and one of the most vivid -memorials associated with my journey through the hills, is its loud, clear -cry, which sounds like a person calling 'George Joyce.' At early morning -it rises amidst mist and dew, giving life to the scenery that has scarcely -yet been touched by the sunlight." This species has never as yet bred or -survived in captivity, and no living specimens have been successfully -transmitted to Europe. - - -THE JAVANESE JUNGLE FOWL. - -The JAVANESE JUNGLE FOWL (_Gallus furcatus_) is even more gorgeously -plumed than those of its family already described. The long blunt feathers -on the neck are of a deep metallic green, with a narrow border of velvety -black; the long narrow feathers on the upper wing-covers are blackish -green, with bright golden green edges; the long rump-feathers are blackish -green in the centre, bordered with light yellow; and all the feathers -of the tail-covers are of a deep and glossy black. The primary quills -are blackish brown; the secondaries brown, with a narrow, reddish yellow -edge to the outer web; while the real tail-feathers are of a rich glossy -metallic green. The eye is light yellow; the bare face red at its sides, -and marked with King's yellow beneath; the lower part of the comb is blue, -and its apex violet; the beak is greyish black, with greyish yellow at its -base; the foot is light-blueish grey. - -The female is considerably smaller than her mate, has her face covered -with feathers, and is entirely without either comb or lappets on the -throat. Her head and throat are greyish brown, the feathers on the mantle -golden green, with greyish brown edges, and delicate golden streaks on the -shafts. The secondary quills and large wing-covers are glossy dark grey, -marked with yellow; the primaries are greyish brown; the tail-feathers -brown, shaded with green, and edged with black. The under side is greyish -cream-colour, and the throat white. This beautiful species is a native of -Java. - - -THE SONNERAT JUNGLE FOWL, OR KATAKOLI. - -The SONNERAT JUNGLE FOWL, or KATAKOLI (_Gallus Sonnerati_), differs -from all its congeners in the construction of its neck-feathers, which -are long, slender, and rounded at their extremities, where the shaft -spreads out in such a manner as to form a round horny disc; it then -again contracts, and again expands into a second disc. The webs of these -feathers are dark grey; the shafts and lower discs pure white, and those -at the end bright reddish yellow; the long slender feathers on the mantle -are brownish black with light spots, and those of the smaller wing-covers -have a webless smooth shaft of a glossy reddish brown; the wing-feathers -are grey, with light shafts and edges, those at the exterior bordered -and shafted with red and yellow. Some of the quills are dull grey, with -light edges and shafts, the rest black, with a greenish lustre; the -sickle-shaped feathers of the upper tail-covers gleam with dark green, -those on the under side are blackish grey, such as cover the thighs -having a reddish or yellow tint at the centre and edges. The eye is light -brownish yellow, the comb red, and the beak yellowish grey. This species -is twenty-four inches long; the wing measures nine inches and a half, and -the tail about fifteen inches. The hen is almost of a uniform dark brown -on the mantle, the edges to the feathers being of so pale a tint as merely -to give the effect of light shading; the throat and gullet are white, the -rest of the under side light yellowish grey, bordered with black; the -primary quills are dark brown; the secondaries striped black and brown; -the tail-feathers blackish brown, spotted and marked with a still deeper -tint. - -The Sonnerat Jungle Fowl, or Grey Jungle Fowl, as it is also sometimes -called, is found only in Southern India, spreading on the eastern coast -to a little north of the Godavery, in Central India to the Pachmarii, and -on the west to the Jajpeeple hills. It is found in great abundance on -the Malabar coast, especially in the most elevated portions, and ascends -to the summit of the Neilgherry Hills. It is also found in the Eastern -Ghauts, and in various isolated ranges in different parts of Southern -India. - -"Like the Red Jungle Fowl," says Jerdon, "it affects bamboo jungles. -Early in the morning, throughout the Malabar coast, the bird may be found -feeding on the roads; and with dogs you are certain of getting several -shots, the birds perching at once on being put up by dogs. The hen lays -from February till May, generally producing from seven to ten eggs of a -pinky cream-colour. These are usually deposited under a bamboo clump. -The call of the Cock is very peculiar, being a broken and imperfect kind -of crow, quite unlike that of the Red Jungle Fowl, and quite impossible -to describe. When they are taken from the jungles they are also very -much wilder, and not so easily domesticated as that species; but cases -are known in which they have bred in confinement with hens of the common -breed." - - * * * * * - -The section _Phasianus_ of Brehm constitutes a numerous subdivision of the -_Phasianidæ_, generally recognisable by the elongate body, short neck, and -small head; the short, much-rounded wing has the fifth and sixth quills -longer than the rest; the tail (composed of from sixteen to eighteen -feathers, placed in lengths) is wedge-shaped, and either very long or of -moderate size; the slender bill is weak, much arched and hooked at its -extremity; the foot is of medium height, smooth and powerful--that of the -male is furnished with a spur. The plumage, which covers the entire body -except the cheeks and tarsi, is prolonged upon the head, and sometimes on -the nape into a crest and flowing collar; the brilliancy of its coloration -is, to a certain degree, inferior to that of the _Phasianidæ_, which we -have before described, but it is, nevertheless, striking and beautiful. -The female is smaller than her mate, owing to the unusual shortness of -her tail; she also differs in the fact that her plumage is sombre and but -little variegated. - -All the various members of this group were originally natives of Asia, -where some species frequent mountain ranges, and never descend from a -certain altitude even during the most severe winters, whilst others prefer -low-lying districts; they, however, avoid the actual forest, and seek for -the shelter of brushwood, shrubs, or hedges, and from thence fly out to -search for food in the surrounding country. These birds are stationary in -their habits, and at most indulge in short expeditions not exceeding the -distance of a few miles from their native haunts. - - * * * * * - -The MACARTNEY PHEASANTS (_Euplocamus_) constitute a group possessing a -slender body, short neck, small head, short wing, and moderate-sized tail, -composed of sixteen feathers. The bill is moderate, the tarsus high, and -in the male armed with a spur. The feathers on the neck and rump are not -much prolonged, and the former are more or less ragged at their tips; -those of the tail are placed in gradations, the centre ones curving both -downwards and outwards. The head is decorated with a delicate crest; the -cheeks are bare, and covered with a soft velvety skin, which swells to -such a size during the period of incubation as to form a comb and short -lappets. The plumage of these birds is more remarkable for its brilliant -lustre than for the variety of its hues. The female and young differ -considerably from the adult male in their appearance. - - -THE SIAMESE FIREBACK. - -The SIAMESE FIREBACK (_Euplocamus-Diardigallus-prælatus_) is a fine -species, with the throat and upper part of the breast and back of a -beautiful dark grey; the crown of the head and a narrow band around the -bare red cheek are black; the feathers on the centre of the back are -bright yellow; those on the rump black, with a broad scarlet edge. The -wing-feathers are grey, bordered and marked with a darker shade; those -of the tail are lustrous blackish green, and those on the breast deep -black, with a green gloss; the crest is composed of from twelve to twenty -feathers, having lancet-shaped tips and bare shafts towards their roots. - -This bird is a native of Siam, where it is known as the "Kai-pha." Sir -Robert Schomburghk saw a living specimen in a collection of animals at a -Siamese temple, and purchased it. When in captivity, instead of seeds, it -had been fed upon the fry of fishes, prawns, and shrimps; this specimen, -when dead, was forwarded to Mr. Gould. Sir Robert Schomburghk was -afterwards told by the Prime Minister, or Kalakorne, that this pheasant is -found at Rapri, or Raxaburi according to Sir J. Bowring's map, in latitude -31° 33´ north; longitude say 100° east. - -Mr. Gould, previously to the receipt of this specimen, had seen a drawing -of the bird in the East India Company's collection. - -Schomburghk describes some of these birds kept by himself as being readily -tamed; their flight resembled that of a Partridge, and their cry, when -alarmed, was loud and harsh. Their food consisted of insects, rice in the -husk, small bits of plants, bananas, and various other kinds of fruit; the -latter diet they evidently preferred. - - -THE SIKKIM KALEEGE, OR BLACK PHEASANT. - -The SIKKIM KALEEGE, BLACK PHEASANT, or KIRRIK -(_Euplocamus-Gallophasis-melanotus_), as it is called in India, has the -entire mantle of a glossy black, a part of the throat and the breast are -whitish, the belly and feathers on the tail-covers dull brownish black. -The eye is brown, the beak greyish yellow, the bare cheek bright red, and -the foot grey. The length of this bird is twenty-three and the breadth -twenty-eight inches; the wing measures eight inches and three-quarters, -and the tail ten inches. The female is somewhat smaller, and is -principally of an umber-brown, each feather having a light tip and lines -on the shaft; these markings are broader and lighter on the under side -and upper wing-covers than on the back; the throat-feathers are light -grey, unspotted; and the centre tail-feathers deep brown, marked with -light grey; those at the sides are greyish, with a green gloss. - -Jerdon tells us the Sikkim Black Pheasant is met with in Nepaul, in some -portions of the country being replaced by _Gallophasis Horsfieldii_. He -informs us that about Darjeeling it is the only Pheasant at all common, -and is not unfrequently put up on the roadside by dogs, when it at once -takes refuge in trees. It is found at an altitude of from 3,000 to nearly -8,000 feet. It walks and runs with its tail semi-erect, and frequents both -forests and bushy and grassy ground, coming to the fields and to more -open spaces to feed in the morning and evening. Its eggs are occasionally -found by the coolies, when weeding the tea-gardens in June and July, and -are usually from five to eight in number. Its call sounds something like -"koorchi-koorchi," at other times it resembles "kooruk-kooruk." - - -THE KELITSCH, OR WHITE-CRESTED KALEEGE PHEASANT. - -The KELITSCH, or WHITE-CRESTED KALEEGE PHEASANT (_Gallophasis -albocristatus_), has the head, throat, mantle, and tail of a lustrous -blueish black; the rump-feathers are dull white, marked with pale black; -the crest is white; the long breast-feathers greyish white; and the -rest of the under side dark grey. The eye is brown, the bare cheek red, -the beak dark grey, and the foot blueish grey. The hen bird is scarcely -distinguishable from the female Kirrik. - -Of the life and habits of these birds we know but little, except from the -writings of "Mountaineer," who has, however, observed and described them -with his usual exactness. "The well-known Kaleege," says he, "is most -abundant in the lower regions; it is common in the Dhoon at the foot of -the hills, in all the lower valleys, and everywhere to an elevation of -about 8,000 feet. From this it becomes scarcer, though a few are found -still higher. It appears to be more unsuspicious of man than the rest of -our Pheasants; it comes much closer to his habitations, and from being -so often found near the villages and roadsides, is regarded by all as -the most common, though in their respective districts the Monauls are -more numerous. In the lower regions it is found in every description of -forest from the foot to the summit of the hills, but is most partial to -low coppice and jungle, and wooded ravines or hollows. In the interior -it frequents the scattered jungle at the borders of the dense forest, -thickets near old deserted patches of cultivation, old cow-sheds and the -like, coppices near the villages and roads, and, in fact, forest and -jungle of every kind except the distant and remote woods, in which it is -seldom found. The presence of man, or some trace that he has once been a -dweller in the spot, seems as it were necessary to its existence. - -"The Kaleege is not very gregarious; three or four are often found -together, and ten or twelve may sometimes be put out of one small coppice, -but they seem in a great measure independent of each other, much like -our English Pheasants. When disturbed, if feeding or on the move, they -generally run, and do not often get up unless surprised suddenly and -closely, or forced by dogs, or else they lie rather close in thick cover. -They are never very shy, and where not unceasingly annoyed by sportsmen -or _shikarees_ are as tame as could be wished. In walking up a ravine or -hill-side, if put up by dogs a little distance above, they will often -fly into the trees close above one's head, and two or three will allow -themselves to be quietly knocked over in succession. When flushed from -any place where they have sheltered, whether on the ground or aloft, they -fly off to some distant cover, and alight on the ground in preference to -the tree. Their call is a loud whistling chuckle or chirrup; it may be -occasionally heard from the midst of some thicket or coppice at any hour -of the day, but is not of frequent occurrence. It is generally uttered -when the bird rises, and if it flies into a neighbouring tree is often -continued for some time. When flushed by a cat or some small animal, this -chuckling is always loud and earnest. - -"The Kaleege is very pugnacious, and the males have frequent battles. On -one occasion I had shot a male, which lay fluttering on the ground in its -death-struggles, when another rushed out of the jungle and attacked it -with the greatest fury, though I was standing reloading the gun close by. -The male often makes a singular drumming noise with its wings, not unlike -the sound produced by shaking a stiff piece of cloth. It is heard only in -the pairing season, but whether it is employed to attract the female, or -in defiance of his fellows, I cannot say, as I have never seen the birds -in the act, though often led to the spot where they were by the sound. -It feeds on roots, grubs, insects, seeds, and berries, and the leaves -and shoots of shrubs. It is rather difficult to rear in confinement when -caught old, and the few chicks I have tried have also soon died, though -possibly from want of attention. The Kaleege lays from nine to fourteen -eggs--very similar in size to those of the Domestic Hen. They are hatched -about the end of May." - -[Illustration: THE KALEEGE, OR BLACK PHEASANT -(_Euplocamus-Gallophasis-melanotus_).] - -Birds of this species resident in the Zoological Gardens in London have -repeatedly bred there. - - -THE SILVER PHEASANT. - -The SILVER PHEASANT (_Nycthemerus argentatus_, or _Euplocamus -nycthemerus_) differs from the preceding, which in other respects -it closely resembles, in the long ragged crest on its head, and the -wedge-like form of its tail. The feathers of the latter are placed in -heights, those in the centre curving rather towards the sides than -downwards. This magnificent bird is white on the nape and mantle, the -feathers of the latter being traced with delicate zigzag black lines. The -black under side has a steel-blue lustre, the quills are white, edged and -streaked with black; the tail-feathers are similarly coloured, their -markings becoming gradually broader towards the tips. The long thick crest -is glossy black, the bare cheek scarlet, the eye light brown, the beak -blueish white, and the foot coral-red. This species is thirty-two inches -long. - -From the date of its first introduction into Europe the Silver Pheasant -has been everywhere regarded as more fitted to be an ornament of our -aviaries than a denizen of our woods, and, when so treated, has rewarded -us for our pains. It may, indeed, be said to be completely naturalised in -a domesticated state, and it could doubtless be established in our woods, -were such a measure desirable; but to effect this with success no other -species of Pheasants must be kept within its precincts, the pugnacious -nature of this tribe of birds not admitting of the near proximity of two -species, as the certain result would be a constant succession of battles, -almost invariably ending, as is known to be the case when the Domestic -Cock and Pheasant meet, in the death of the weaker bird. - -[Illustration: THE SILVER PHEASANT (_Nycthemerus argentatus_, or -_Euplocamus nycthemerus_).] - -Our country is not, perhaps, after all, well adapted either for this -bird or its near allies, the _Euplocami_, which have been only recently -introduced. The Silver Pheasant has been found to bear confinement well, -and with but ordinary care its propagation is usually attended with -success. After the autumn moult, its pencilled markings are exceedingly -elegant and graceful; as spring advances its rich comb and wattle become -enlarged, and of a most vivid scarlet, offering a striking contrast to its -delicate pea-green bill. The colouring of the female is altogether sombre, -and devoid of that sparkling brilliancy which so eminently adorns her -mate, making him conspicuous even among the gayest of his congeners. - - * * * * * - -The PHEASANTS PROPER (_Phasiani_) are recognisable by their long tail, the -feathers of which are placed vertically, those in the centre being six -or eight times as long as those at the sides, while those of the upper -tail-covers have ragged or rounded tips. Their head is without a crest, -but has a small upright tuft of feathers close to each ear. The plumage of -the male is always beautiful, often most brilliant; but that of the female -is comparatively sombre, with dark markings. The native countries of these -birds are the mountainous parts of Asia, extending even to Japan; some -species, however, have become naturalised in the temperate part of Europe. -During the day they are found lying concealed in jungles, covers, and long -grass, living in divided societies, of different sex. Towards the spring -they separate into families, consisting of a male and several females; -the party generally taking possession of a certain locality, from which -the commander is very particular in driving away all male intruders. When -suddenly disturbed, they endeavour to escape by using their legs rather -than their wings. Their flight is rapid and noisy when first started, but -is sustained only for a short distance. Various kinds of grain and insects -form their principal food; these are usually sought for at sunset. They -also consume bulbous roots, which are obtained by means of their bill and -feet. Their eggs are deposited on long grass, without any kind of nest, -and are about ten in number. - - -THE COMMON PHEASANT. - -The COMMON PHEASANT (_Phasianus Colchicus_) is so variegated as to render -an accurate description of its plumage extremely difficult. The head, -as well as part of the neck, is green, with a resplendent blue gloss; -the lower part of the neck, breast, belly, and sides are reddish brown, -glistening with purple, each feather on these parts being edged with -glossy black. The feathers on the mantle have white crescent-shaped spots -below the border. The flowing, ragged feathers on the rump are dark -copper-red, shaded with purple; the quills striped brown and reddish -yellow; and the tail-feathers olive-grey, striped with black, and bordered -with reddish brown. The eye is reddish yellow, the bare regions round the -eye red, the beak light brownish yellow, and the foot reddish grey or -lead-colour. This species is from thirty to thirty-two inches long, and -from twenty-nine to thirty-one broad; the wing measures nine inches and -a half, and the tail sixteen inches. The female is of inferior size, and -has the entire plumage of a brownish grey tint, spotted and striped with -black and deep reddish brown; the feathers on her back are darker than the -rest of the body. The _Banded_ and _Isabel Pheasants_ closely resemble the -above bird in their general appearance: but the first is distinguishable -therefrom by a narrow white band on the throat, the deeper shade of its -colouring, and the comparative paleness of its black markings; whilst the -_Isabel Pheasant_ is principally of a light yellowish grey, each feather -edged with a deeper shade, the belly, on the contrary, is very dark, -sometimes quite black. The females of both these last-mentioned varieties -are similar to their mates in the principal hues of their plumage. - -The Common Pheasant, which is now naturalised all over the European -continent, was originally introduced from Colchis, and derived its name -from the river Phasis, in the neighbourhood of which it was especially -abundant. In its native country, now called Mingrelia, it is still to -be found wild, and of unequalled beauty. This bird, which is spread -extensively over England, as far north as Northumberland, prefers woods, -especially those of oak or beech, and such as have a growth of long -grass and brambles, also damp ground where osiers and reeds abound, and -hedgerows, but always lives in the vicinity of wood and water. During the -day these Pheasants remain on the ground, moving quietly from bush to -bush, as they go in search of food at dawn and sunset. In their progress -to their feeding-place they always run, and on this account are very -easily taken by wire snares set in the narrow paths that they make in the -long grass which they constantly frequent. Towards evening they go to -roost on low branches, taking their place near the stem or trunk of the -tree. This habit of roosting upon trees is very fatal to their safety, -since, being objects of considerable size, readily distinguishable by -their long tails, and not easily frightened from the perch, they offer a -sure mark during moonlight nights to the poacher's gun. The roosting-place -of the male is very easily discovered, for he invariably chuckles when -he first "trees," or goes to perch; and the female usually chirps on the -same occasion. During summer and the period of moulting the Pheasant -rarely perches, but retires for the night to the longest grass or other -thick cover, and does not begin to "mount" again until towards the end -of September or the beginning of October, having at that time renewed -its plumage. Where Pheasants are numerous, the males are generally found -associated during the winter separate from the females; and it is not -until the end of March that they allow the approach of the latter without -signs of displeasure, or at least indifference. At the above-mentioned -time, however, the male bird assumes an altered appearance; the scarlet -on his cheeks and around his eyes acquires additional depth of colour, -and he walks with a more measured step, with his wing let down, and his -tail carried in a more erect position. Being polygamous, he now takes -possession of a certain "beat," from whence he drives every male intruder, -and commences his crowing, which is accompanied by a peculiar clapping of -his wings as a note of invitation to the other sex, as well as of defiance -to his own. The female makes a very inartificial nest upon the ground, in -long grass or thick underwood, and not unfrequently in fields of clover; -she lays from ten to fourteen eggs, of a clear yellowish grey-green -colour. The young are hatched during the months of June and July, and -continue with the hen until they begin to moult and assume the adult -plumage; after this period the young males are only to be distinguished -from the older birds by the comparative bluntness and shortness of the -tarsal spur. Usually when alarmed the Pheasant escapes by running rapidly, -and seldom uses its wings, except in cases of very pressing danger. - -"An old cock Pheasant," says Mr. Yarrell, "immediately on hearing a dog -give tongue in a wood where he is, will foot away to the farthest corner, -particularly if the wood be open at bottom, and from thence run one dry -ditch or hedgerow after another for half a mile to the next covert; but a -hen Pheasant seems to trust to her brown colour to escape detection, and, -squatting in any bit of long grass that is near her, often surprises and -startles the young shooter not a little by bouncing up with a rattling -noise close at his feet. The poor frightened bird is frequently indebted -to the sensation thus created for a clear escape. The brown earth-like -colour of the plumage of the females of several species of Pheasants seems -to be an admirable provision, not only for their individual safety, but -for the preservation of the whole race." - -In a wild state, the Pheasant feeds on grain, seeds, green leaves, and -insects; also on some kinds of bulbs and berries. - - -THE CHINESE RING-NECKED PHEASANT. - -The CHINESE RING-NECKED PHEASANT (_Phasianus torquatus_) is even more -beautiful than its congeners. In this elegant bird the head and part -of the throat are green; a line over the eyes and a collar about the -throat white; the feathers on the nape almost black near the shaft, -with broad yellow borders; and those on the mantle black at the base, -with alternate yellow and black streaks, each feather edged with bright -red. The long feathers on the rump and upper wing-covers are greenish -grey, marked and dotted with red; those on the belly purplish brown, -with conical black spots on the shafts, and those on the sides brownish -yellow, marked with large round dark spots on the shafts. The quills -are greyish brown, striped with greyish yellow, and secondaries reddish -grey; the tail-feathers are greenish yellow, streaked with black. The -eye is yellowish, the wattle on the cheek red, the beak light grey, and -the foot brownish yellow. The size of this species is about that of the -Common Pheasant. The hen resembles the female of the latter in her general -appearance, but is somewhat redder. China is the native land of this -beautiful species, which is there very abundant in wood-covered tracts. - -"These birds," says Latham, "were first introduced into England under the -name of Barbary Pheasants, by the Duke of Northumberland, and many were -bred and turned out at large at Alnwick. Other noblemen and gentlemen -have done the same, and thus the breed has become numerous. Birds of this -species mix and breed with the Common Pheasant, and thus present much -variety in their plumage, some having a well-defined and others a narrow -and imperfect ring around the neck; the feathers of the flank, also, -do not present the pure colouring either of _P. torquatus_ or of _P. -Colchicus_." - -Living specimens of this species have bred so abundantly in the gardens -of the Zoological Society that birds and eggs have been transmitted to -different parts of the country. The flight of the Chinese Ring-necked -Pheasant when started is both rapid and direct, and is often continued to -a considerable distance before the bird again enters the cover. - -[Illustration: REEVES' PHEASANT (_Phasianus Reevesii_, or _P. veneratus_).] - - -THE JAPANESE PHEASANT. - -The JAPANESE PHEASANT (_Phasianus versicolor_) has the head green and -the upper part of the neck shaded with blue; the nape and entire under -side are dark green, deepening to pale black at the sides and centre -of the belly; the mantle-feathers are blackish green, surrounded by -a horseshoe-shaped line of reddish yellow, edged with rust-red; the -feathers of the upper wing and tail covers are blueish greyish green; the -quills brownish grey, with light stripes; and the tail-feathers reddish -grey, marked with black. The eye is light brown, the beak whitish grey, -and the foot light brownish grey. The male is twenty-seven inches long -and twenty-nine broad; the wing measures eight and the tail fifteen -inches. The plumage of the hen differs from that of all the species -above-mentioned, her feathers having a dark green centre, surrounded by a -broad light brownish grey or light yellow border. - -[Illustration: THE GOLDEN PHEASANT (_Thaumalea picta_).] - -These Pheasants are natives of Japan. In 1840 a pair of them were -purchased by the Earl of Derby, of which the male only arrived at -Knowsley; and from this bird and a female of the Common Pheasant have been -derived the Green Pheasants, now so numerous in England. In form, habits, -and disposition, this species resembles the Common Pheasant more nearly -than the _Phasianus torquatus_, and has less disposition to wander. - - -SOEMMERRING'S PHEASANT. - -SOEMMERRING'S PHEASANT (_Phasianus Soemmerringii_) is also known under the -name of _Graphephasianus_, on account of its superior length of tail. The -plumage of this species is principally copper-red, almost all the feathers -having light borders; the centres of the upper wing and breast feathers -are blackish brown; those on the rump have their rounded tips edged with -golden yellow; the quills are brown, bordered with a paler tint; the eye -is yellow, the beak horn-grey, the foot lead-grey. The hen is copper-red, -marked with black, each feather edged with grey of various shades; those -on the thighs are striped pale red and black; the quills are greyish -brown, lightly bordered; the tail-feathers reddish, streaked with black -and marked with deep brown; the throat and centre of the belly are light, -and the lower belly dark grey. - -This Pheasant, with which we became first acquainted through Dr. Siebold -and Temminck, received its name from the latter, in honour of Professor -Soemmerring, a distinguished naturalist. - -Since the year 1860 the living bird has been brought to Europe, and those -in the Zoological Gardens, London, produced a brood in June, 1865. - -"The female," says Mr. Bartlett, "laid about ten eggs, but only three or -four birds were hatched, and these died. The _Phasianus Soemmerringii_ -at the Antwerp Gardens also bred, but we are unable to say if the -young arrived at maturity. In both places the males exhibited a strong -inclination to destroy the females, and we come to the conclusion that the -species is ill-adapted to breed in captivity." - - -REEVES' PHEASANT. - -REEVES' PHEASANT (_Phasianus Reevesii_, or _P. veneratus_) represents a -group, called by Wagler _Syrmaticus_, remarkable for their great length -of tail and unusually variegated plumage. In this species the top of -the head, ear-tufts, and a broad line around the throat are pure white; -the sides of the head and a wide band across the breast are black, the -feathers on the mantle, rump, and upper breast are golden yellow, edged -with black; those of the lower breast and side whitish grey, decorated -with a slender heart-shaped line, broadly edged with brownish red, and -those of the belly brownish black. The feathers of the upper wing-covers -are blackish brown, bordered with two lighter shades of brown; the quills -are striped golden yellow and brownish black; and the tail-feathers -silver-grey, dotted with red spots, surrounded by a black line, and -broadly bordered with golden yellow. The eye is reddish, the beak and foot -greyish yellow. This species resembles the Silver Pheasant in its general -size, but has a streaming tail about six feet in length. - -Considerable confusion respecting the nomenclature of this remarkable -bird has been occasioned by the late M. Temminck having, in his "Histoire -Naturelle Generale des Pigeons et des Gallinacés," assigned its two -lengthened tail-feathers to the old _Phasianus superbus_ of Linnæus, an -error which he subsequently corrected, when describing and figuring this -bird in his "Planches Colorées" as _P. veneratus_. M. Temminck's error was -adopted by Dr. Latham; and hence, while the description of the Barred-tail -Pheasant, in his "General History of Birds" (Vol. VIII., p. 190), has -reference to the old _P. superbus_, some of his remarks apply to the -present species. It is probable that the bird did not escape the notice of -the celebrated Marco Polo, since he states "there be plenty of Feysants -and very great, for 1 of them is as big as 2 of ours, with Tayles of -eygth, nine, and ten spannes long, from the kingdom of Erguyl or Arguill, -the western side of Tartary;" but we question if he ever saw more than -the central tail-feathers, which, being held in great estimation, were -considered to be suitable presents to foreigners, and hence these feathers -found their way to Europe many years before the entire bird. Through Mr. -Reeves, after whom this species was named by Dr. Gray, we obtained the -sight of the skin of a male, and afterwards some parts of a female. He -also brought a female in 1838, and both were living in the Zoological -Gardens at the same time, but did not breed. Another, brought from China -in 1862, lived at Mr. Kelk's seat, near Edgware, among other Pheasants, at -perfect liberty and in excellent health, for two years. Since the Chinese -War, living examples have successfully bred in more than one menagerie, -both in England and on the Continent. - -"The successful introduction of the living birds now in this country," -says Mr. Tegetmeier, in the _Field_ for June 7, 1867, "is owing to the -combined efforts of Mr. John J. Stone, and Mr. Walter Medhurst, H.M. -Consul at Hankow." - -Latham saw at Sir Joseph Banks's some drawings taken from a curious -collection of ancient porcelain, representing a sham-fight on the water -for the Emperor's amusement, supposed to be between his Tartarian -and Chinese subjects, personated by the females of his seraglio, the -chieftains of the former having one of the barred feathers of this species -on each side of the bonnet, and the opponents, or Chinese, having two -feathers of a Pheasant of a smaller kind, probably a Golden one; hence he -concludes that the present bird is a native of Tartary, and not unlikely -to be as common there as the other is in China. - -Dr. Bennett, in his "Wanderings in New South Wales," writes as -follows:--"In Mr. Beale's splendid aviary and gardens at Macao, the -beautiful _Phasianus veneratus_ of Temminck, or _P. Reevesii_ of Gray, now -commonly known by the name of Reeves' Pheasant, was seen. It is the Che -Kai of the Chinese. The longest tail-feathers of this bird are six feet -in length, and are placed in the caps of the players when acting military -characters. This I observed in Canton, where some of the beautiful -tail-feathers (rather in a dirty condition, like the actors themselves, -who in their tawdry dresses reminded me of the sweeps in London on a -May-day) were placed erect on each side of their caps as a decoration. The -Chinese do not venerate this bird, as was at first supposed, and which -may have caused Temminck to bestow upon it the name of _Veneratus_, but -it is superstitiously believed that the blood is possessed of poisonous -properties, and that the mandarins, when in expectation of losing their -rank and being suddenly put to death by order of the Emperor, preserve -some of it upon a handkerchief in a dried state, on sucking which they -fall down and instantly expire." - -Mr. Beale's first male specimen, obtained in 1801, was kept in a healthy -state for thirteen years. After its death he endeavoured to procure -others, but did not succeed until 1831, when four specimens were brought -from the interior and purchased by him for 130 dollars. These were, I -believe, subsequently taken to England by Mr. Reeves. - - * * * * * - -The GOLDEN PHEASANTS (_Thaumalea_) are distinguishable from the birds -above described by the comparatively small size of their bodies, their -slender forms, bushy crest, and very long tail. The neck of the male is -adorned with a remarkable collar of feathers that covers the nape, and is -broadest under the chin. - - -THE GOLDEN PHEASANT. - -The GOLDEN PHEASANT (_Thaumalea picta_) is most gorgeously apparelled, -with a bright golden crest upon its head, and a rich orange-red collar, -in which each feather is edged with deep velvety black; the feathers of -the mantle are golden green, bordered with black, those on the lower back -and upper tail-covers bright yellow, and those on the face, chin, and -sides of throat whitish yellow. The lower neck and under side are a deep -saffron-yellow, the wing-covers chestnut-brown, the quills greyish brown, -edged with rust-red, the shoulder-feathers dark blue, with light borders, -and most of those of the tail decorated with a black network tracery; -the long, centre feathers of the upper covers are dark red, the eye is -golden yellow, the beak whitish yellow, and the foot brownish. The male is -thirty-two inches long and twenty-five broad, the wing measures eight and -the tail twenty-two inches. The plumage of the hen is deep rust-red above, -shading on the under side into a mixture of red, grey, and yellow; the -feathers on the top of the head, throat, and sides, upper secondaries, and -centre tail-feathers are striped brownish yellow and black, and the side -tail-feathers brown, marked with yellowish grey. A very similar species -lately discovered, and called _Thaumalea obscura_, is distinguishable from -the above species, which in other respects it closely resembles, by the -comparative darkness of its plumage during all its various changes, and by -the inferior length of the tail-feathers. - -The Golden Pheasant inhabits Southern Tauria and the eastern part of -the desert of Mongolia, advancing in summer up to the Amoor, and also -the provinces of Kansu and Setschun in the interior of China, whence, -Mr. Swinhoe tells us, living examples are brought into Canton for sale. -Latham says that this bird is called in China _Kinki_, or _Kinkee_, -which signifies Gold-flower Fowl, or Wrought Fowl. It is a hardy bird, -and many pairs have been turned loose in our own country with the hope -of naturalising it, but unfortunately they have all been shot. According -to Gould it bears confinement well, and breeds freely. The sexes change -considerably in appearance, and some hens kept for six years by Lady Essex -gradually assumed the male feathers. - -[Illustration: THE CHINESE EARED PHEASANT (_Crossoptilon auritum_).] - - -LADY AMHERST'S PHEASANT. - -The LADY AMHERST'S PHEASANT (_Thaumalea Amherstiæ_) is a very beautiful -bird, having a black and red plume upon its head. The feathers that form -the collar are of a silvery hue, with dark edges; the plumage of the neck, -upper back, and upper wing-covers is light golden green, bordered with a -deeper tint; and that of the lower back shaded golden yellow. The feathers -of the upper tail-covers are pale red, spotted and lined with black, those -on the under side pure white; the quills are brownish grey, edged with a -lighter tint on the outer web; the centre tail-feathers are whitish grey, -striped with black and edged with yellow, the rest are brownish grey; -the lancet-shaped feathers at the sides of the upper tail-covers are -coral-red, the bare patches on the cheeks blue, and the eye golden yellow; -the beak is pale, and the foot dark yellow. - -[Illustration: THE ARGUS PHEASANT, OR KUAU (_Argus giganteus_).] - -This species was first described by Mr. B. Leadbeater, in a paper read -before the Linnæan Society, December 2nd, 1828, and received from him its -name in honour of the Countess of Amherst, to whom two males of the -species had been presented by Sir Archibald Campbell, who received them -from the King of Ava. They came originally from the mountains of Cochin -China, and only survived the voyage to England a few weeks. - -"It is now believed," says Mr. Gould, "that the bird is an inhabitant of -the Chinese province of Yunnan and the adjoining region of Thibet." We -have no account of its mode of life or habits. - - * * * * * - -The EARED PHEASANTS (_Crossoptilon_), are so called on account of the -remarkable tufts of feathers, resembling those of some Owls, situated at -the sides of the head. They are also distinguishable from the members -of the family already described by their very powerful build and -comparatively short tail, the feathers at the extremity of which are -discomposed, and overhang the rest. - - -THE CHINESE EARED PHEASANT. - -The CHINESE EARED PHEASANT (_Crossoptilon auritum_) has the throat and a -line that passes from thence to the ear of pure white; the somewhat lax -plumage on the head, the nape, upper breast, and back are black, and the -mantle-feathers light brownish grey; the rump is yellowish white, and the -under side pale greyish yellow; the quills and tail-feathers are yellowish -grey, with a dark border to the outer web; the streaming feathers on the -upper covers are greyish black. The hen is somewhat smaller than her mate, -and has the long feathers less developed. - -We are without particulars as to the life and habits of this Pheasant. -Lamprey tells us he observed it in the markets of Pekin, and heard -that it is found on the mountains to the north of that town. M. Armand -David also met with it in July, 1863, in the northern valley of a high -mountain, fifteen leagues to the west of Pekin, and was told that it is -called Ho-ki, or Gho-ky, by the Chinese. When placed in an aviary these -birds soon become gentle and familiar. In their wild state they frequent -well-wooded spots on mountains; they perch readily, and carry their tails -after the fashion of the Domestic Fowl; their somewhat varied call also -much resembles the voice of that bird. The crops of three specimens killed -in July were filled with the leaves of _cytisus;_ and those examined in -winter contained nuts, kernels, leaves of mugwort, ferns, roots, orchids, -coleoptera, worms, and caterpillars. In a paper contributed to the -_Zoological Society's Proceedings_ for July, 1866, Mr. Saurin informs us -that the hen lays at the end of May; the eggs are larger than those of a -Common Fowl, and of a blueish tint. The Chinese rear these Pheasants on a -kind of millet-cake; they are also very fond of barley. In 1866 two males -of this species were presented to the London Zoological Gardens, and in -the same year two hens were purchased from the Jardin d'Acclimatisation of -Paris; since that time they have produced several broods, which have been -hatched by a Domestic Hen. - - -THE ARGUS PHEASANT, OR KUAU. - -The ARGUS PHEASANT, or KUAU (_Argus giganteus_). This magnificent species -has the feathers on the upper and primary quills unusually prolonged, -and broad at the tips; their shafts are soft, and the web of firm, stiff -texture; the secondaries, on the contrary, are very short. The moderately -long beak is compressed at its sides, slightly vaulted, bare at its base, -and hooked at its tip; the long weak foot is without a spur; the tail, -composed of twelve feathers, is very long and much graduated, the two -centre feathers far exceeding the rest in length; the sides of the head -and throat are bare, with the exception of a few black hairs; the brow, -top of the head, and back of the head, on the contrary, are covered with -a growth of small velvety feathers. The coloration of the plumage is more -remarkable for the delicacy of its markings than for the brilliancy of -its hues. The short feathers on the crown are deep black, those on the -back of the neck striped yellow, and those on the nape and upper back -brown, marked and dotted with light yellow. The yellowish brown feathers -on the centre of the back are yellowish grey, with round dark brown -patches; those on the under side striped and marked with reddish brown, -black, and light yellow. The outer web of the secondary quills is entirely -greyish red, thickly dotted with spots of shaded brown, whilst the inner -web is marked with delicate white dots at its base. The long feathers of -the upper wing-covers are of a beautiful dark reddish brown, marked with -pale greyish red, dark brown, and yellowish white streaks of tracery, and -enlivened by large lustrous round spots or eyes. These eyes are situated -on the outer web, and are more perceptible upon the feathers of the second -order than on the shoulder. The longest tail-feathers are black, the -shafts grey on the inner and reddish brown on the outer side; both sides -of the web are decorated with a white spot, surrounded by a black edge; -the exterior tail-feathers are similarly coloured, and have their numerous -spots placed in rows. Rosenberg tells us that the head and bare parts of -the throat are light greyish blue, and the feet red. This fine bird is -from five and a half to six feet long; of this measurement four feet are -included in the tail. The length of the real wing is seventeen inches: -that of its longest feather twenty-eight inches and a half. The hen is -much smaller and more quiet in appearance. The feathers on her head are -striped black and yellow; those on the upper breast and nape are of a fine -reddish brown, marked with black; those on the other parts of the back -striped brownish yellow and black; the under side is light brown, with -undulating black and yellow lines; the primary quills are brown marbled -with black; and the feathers on the upper and lower covers dark reddish -brown, marked in a similar manner with a lighter shade. - -[Illustration: _Plate 29. Cassell's Book of Birds_ - -ITHAGINIS CORIENTES ____ SANGUINE FRANCOLIN - -(_about one half Nat. size_)] - -The Argus Pheasant is said to be found in the woods of Sumatra, and is -called by the natives Coo-ow, or Kuaow. It does not bear long confinement, -and seems to have an antipathy to the light, remaining inanimate during -the day. When kept in a dark place, however, it appears to be perfectly at -ease, and sometimes utters the note or call from which it takes its name. -This cry is rather plaintive, and not harsh like that of the Peacock. The -flavour of its flesh resembles that of the Common Pheasant. - - * * * * * - -The PEACOCK PHEASANTS (_Polyplectron_) constitute a group forming the -connecting link between the Argus Pheasants and the Peacocks. They have -small, slender bodies; short, decidedly rounded wings, in which the fifth -and sixth quills are the longest, and the feathers of the upper covers -much prolonged; the tail is long, composed of twelve feathers, broad at -its extremity and slightly graduated; the feathers on the upper covers -closely resemble those beneath them in form, colour, and markings. The -long, thin tarsus is armed with from two to six spurs, the toes are short, -and the claws small; the moderate-sized beak is thin, straight, compressed -at its sides, slightly curved towards the tip, and covered with feathers -at its base. The plumage of the male is enlivened by numerous eyes upon -the tail, and occasionally on the mantle and wing-covers. - - -THE CHINQUIS, OR ASSAM PEACOCK PHEASANT. - -The CHINQUIS, or ASSAM PEACOCK PHEASANT (_Polyplectron chinquis_), the -most beautiful of the four species of the above group with which we -are acquainted, has the head of a greyish brown, delicately dotted and -lined with black; the lower neck, breast, and centre of the belly are -brown, striped with brownish black, and spotted with light yellow; the -mantle-feathers are greyish yellow, marked with small greyish black -lines; each feather being decorated with an ocellus having a green centre -and glossy purple border; the feathers of the back, rump, and large -tail-covers are pale brown, spotted and marked with brownish yellow, -and have a similar green and purple spot, surrounded by a black rim. -The eye is bright yellow and the foot black. This species is twenty-two -inches long, but of these ten inches are included in the tail. The hen is -distinguished by less showy plumage, the slight excrescences that replace -the spurs upon her foot, and the shortness of her tail. - -[Illustration: THE CHINQUIS, OR ASSAM PEACOCK PHEASANT (_Polyptectron -chinquis_).] - -The countries of Assam, Silhet, Arucan, and Tenasserim, as far as Mergui, -may be regarded as the habitat of this species, which received from -Linnæus, who erroneously believed Thibet to be its native country, the -name of the Thibet Peacock; and even now we are but little acquainted -with its habits, owing to its shy disposition, and the preference it has -for the innermost recesses of dense forests. In "Ornithognomon's" "Game -Birds of India" is one of the most interesting of the few notices we -possess. "I have never," says the writer, "shot this bird; and, indeed, -only once came upon it. This was in a narrow path leading along a ridge -about 3,000 feet above the sea, in the mountains on the British side of -the Thoungyen River, which separates Tenasserim from Yohan in Siam. It -started so suddenly, having apparently been dusting itself in the path, -and shot so rapidly across the jungle, through the _kud_, that had it not -left two or three of its feathers behind I should not have known what -bird I had flushed. I am not aware of any English sportsman having ever -bagged one of these Pheasants; and, indeed, it frequents such inaccessible -places as effectually to defy approach. The mountains in the tropics rise -to a height of six or eight thousand feet above the sea, and from 6,000 -feet downwards are clothed with such a dense mass of trees, thickets, -underwood, bamboos, and thorny rattans, all bound together by creepers and -tangle, that it would be an hour's labour to cut any one's way through -100 yards of such stuff. I have, however," says the same writer, "kept -these Peacock Pheasants in captivity, which they appear to bear tolerably -well, but never become thoroughly tame. They were incessantly uttering a -soft, low cluck, but emitted at times a cry or crow, being the same cluck -loudly and rapidly repeated." - -Two males of this species were sent by the Baba Rajendra Malhik to the -London Zoological Gardens in 1857, and another pair in 1863, of which -the female died; another female was obtained in 1864, which bred several -times, and thus many particulars concerning their economy were learned. -"Thus we know," says Mr. Sclater, "that two or three broods in a year are -produced by the same pair, and are often covered by her tail, that the -normal number of eggs is two, and that they are peculiarly delicate in -form and colour, assimilating very closely to those of the Golden Pheasant -(_Thaumalea picta_)--they are of a cream-colour, or buffy white, nearly -two inches long, by one inch and seven-sixteenths broad." - -Mr. Ellis, in his monograph on the _Phasianidæ_, states that Mr. Bartlett, -superintendent of the Zoological Gardens, London, told him that the first -time the young of this species were hatched in the Gardens, a Bantam Hen -was employed as a foster mother, and the chicks would follow close behind -her, never coming in front to take food, so that in scratching the ground -she frequently struck them with her feet. The reason for the young keeping -behind was not understood, until on a subsequent occasion two chicks were -reared by a hen Chinquis, when it was observed that they always kept in -the same manner behind the mother, who held her tail widely spread, thus -completely covering them, and there they continually remained out of -sight, only running forward when called by the hen to pick up some food -she had found, and then immediately retreating to their shelter. It was -thus rendered evident that the young, in following the Bantam Hen, were -simply obeying the instincts of their nature, although the upright tail of -their foster mother failed to afford them the protection which they would -have found had they been reared by a female of their own species. - - * * * * * - -The PEACOCKS (_Pavones_) are distinguished from all other members of their -family by the superiority of their size, and the extraordinary development -of the feathers of the upper tail-covers. Their bodies are powerful; the -neck moderately long, head small, wings short, and legs high; the beak is -strong, arched at its culmen and hooked at the tip; and the foot of the -male is armed with a spur. The crown of the head is adorned with a crest, -formed either of long and slender or short bearded feathers. The region of -the eye is bare. These fine birds only attain their full beauty when three -years old. - -The Peacock is a native of the East Indies and Ceylon, and is represented -in Assam, the Sunda Islands, and Japan by the _Pavo nigripennis_. All -the members of this glorious group frequent woods and jungle, preferring -mountainous districts. On the Neilgherries and mountains of Southern India -the _Pavo cristatus_ is frequently met with at an altitude of 6,000 feet -above the level of the sea; but it is not found in the Himalayas. - -Williamson tells us that these splendid creatures abound chiefly in -well-wooded localities, where there is an extent of long grass for them -to range in. They are very thirsty birds, and will only remain where -they can have free access to water. "About the passes in the Jungleterry -districts," continues the same authority, "I have seen such quantities -of Pea Fowls as have absolutely surprised me. Whole woods were covered -with their beautiful plumage, to which a rising sun imparted additional -brilliancy. The small patches of plain among the long grass, most of them -cultivated, and with mustard then in bloom, which induced the birds to -feed, added beauty to the scene; and I speak within bounds when I assert -that there could not be less than twelve or fifteen hundred Pea Fowls -of various sizes within sight of the spot where I stood for more than -an hour." When on the wing they fly heavily, generally within an easy -shot, but if only winged speedily recover, and if not closely pursued -will nine times out of ten disappear. The capture of the Peacock is by -no means a safe pursuit, for Williamson tells us that wherever that bird -and the spotted deer abound the tiger will generally be a visitor; thus -the borders of jungle containing such game are highly dangerous. At the -season when the peepul berries and figs are in season their flesh is -rather bitter; but when they have fed for a time among corn-fields, the -flesh of the young is remarkably sweet and juicy. The nest is formed among -thick shrubs or on high garden walls, or even on the roofs of houses. When -the young are bred in an elevated situation, they are said to be carried -to the ground by the parent on her back. The eggs, from four to six in -number, are hatched within thirty days, and within three months of their -birth the sex of the young is easily recognisable. When domesticated, the -Peahen requires to be kept perfectly undisturbed during the period of -incubation, or she will desert her little family. - - -THE COMMON PEACOCK. - -The COMMON PEACOCK (_Pavo cristatus_) is of a magnificent purplish blue -on the head, throat, and upper breast, overspread with glowing green and -golden lustre; the green feathers on the back are edged and marked with -copper-red; the centre of the back is deep blue, the wing white striped -with black, and the under side black; the quills and tail are light -brown; the long feathers of the latter, which form the graceful train -that renders this bird so conspicuous, being decorated with numerous -ocellated spots. The crest-feathers, from twenty to twenty-four in number, -are bearded at their tips. The eye is dark brown, and the bare ring that -surrounds it whitish; the beak and foot are greyish-brown. The length of -this species is from three and a half to four feet; the wing measures -eighteen and the tail twenty-four inches. The long train-feathers of the -upper tail-covers are from four to four feet and a half in length. The -female is nut-brown on the head and upper throat; the feathers on the -nape are greenish, edged with whitish brown; those of the mantle light -brown, marked with delicate lines; and those on the throat, breast, and -belly white; the quills are brown, and the tail-feathers brown tipped with -white. The hen is from thirty-six to thirty-eight inches long; her wing -measures fifteen and tail from twelve to thirteen inches; her crest is -much smaller and darker than that of her mate. - -The general form of this magnificent bird is exceedingly elegant; and when -he elevates and spreads his gorgeous train to the sun, displaying it in -every way, as if conscious of the admiration he is exciting, the beholder -is constrained to admit that there is no creature upon which Nature has -lavished her powers of adornment with a more unsparing hand. The voice of -the Peacock is extremely harsh and disagreeable, closely resembling in -sound the word _paon_, which is its French name. The introduction of this -bird into Europe is ascribed to Alexander the Great, but the exact date at -which it was first imported into England is unknown. - -This Pea-fowl inhabits the whole of India Proper, and is replaced in Assam -and the countries to the east by another species. Jerdon tell us, "It -frequents forests and jungly places, more especially delighting in hilly -and mountainous districts; and in the more open and level country, wooded -ravines and river banks are the never-failing resort of some of them. -It comes forth to the open glades and fields to feed in the morning and -evening, retiring to the jungles for shelter during the heat of the day, -and roosting at night on high trees. - -"During the courting season," says Jerdon, "the Peacock raises his tail -vertically, and with it of course the lengthened train, spreading it -out and strutting to captivate the hen birds; he has also the power of -clattering the feathers in a most curious manner. It is a beautiful sight -to come suddenly on twenty or thirty Pea fowl, the males displaying their -gorgeous trains, and strutting about in all the pomp of pride before -the gratified females. The train continues to increase in length for -many years, at each successive moult, but it appears to be shed very -irregularly." The breeding of the Pea-fowl in India varies, according to -the locality, from April to October; the eggs, from four to eight or nine, -are laid in a secluded spot. - -"In Ceylon," writes Sir Emerson Tennant, "as we emerge from the deep shade -and approach the park-like openings on the verge of the low country, -numbers of Pea-fowl are to be found, either feeding on the seeds and -fallen nuts among the long grass, or sunning themselves on the branches -of the surrounding trees. Nothing to be met with in English demesnes can -give an adequate idea of the size and magnificence of this matchless -bird when seen in its native solitudes. Here he generally selects some -projecting branch, from which his plumage may hang free of the foliage; -and if there be a dead and leafeless bough, he is certain to choose it for -his resting-place, whence he droops his wings and spreads his gorgeous -train, or spreads it in the morning sun to drive off the damps and dews -of night. In some of the unfrequented portions of the eastern province -to which Europeans rarely resort, and where the Pea-fowl are unmolested -by the natives, their number is so extraordinary that, regarded as game, -it ceases to be sport to destroy them; and their cries at early dawn are -so tumultuous and incessant as to banish sleep, and amount to an actual -inconvenience." - -The flesh is excellent when served up hot, though it is said to be -indigestible; when cold it contracts a reddish and disagreeable tinge. - -Among old English dishes for high festivals the Peacock at one time held a -notable place, and a "Pecock enhakyl" (that is, with the feathers of the -tail extended) is mentioned by Fabian as one of the second course dishes -at the wedding-feast of Henry VI. In an old manuscript in the Library of -the Royal Society is a receipt for the dressing of this noble dish:--"For -a feste royal, Pecokkes schol be dight on this manere: Take and flee off -the skin, with the fedures, tayle, and the neck and hed thereon. Then take -the skynne and all the fedures, and lay hit on a tabel abrode, and straw -thereon grounden comyn. Then take the Pecok and roste him, and endore him -with rawe yolkes of eggs; and when he is rosted take hym off and let hym -cole a whyle, and take and sowe him in his skynne, and gild his combe, and -so serve him forthe with the last cours." - -The flesh of the Peacock is said to be dry, but such a quality must have -been amply compensated by the wholesale provision of sauce; as, according -to an old play,[B] among other extravagances enumerated, "The carcasses -of three fat wethers were bruised for gravy to make sauce for a single -Peacock". - - -THE BLACK-WINGED PEACOCK. - -The BLACK-WINGED PEACOCK (_Pavo nigripennis_), a very similar species, -differs from the above principally in the blackish blue or blueish green -feathers on the upper wing-covers. The hen has a light grey plumage, -spotted with a darker shade. - - -THE JAPAN PEACOCK. - -The JAPAN PEACOCK (_Pavo muticus_, or _Pavo spicifer_) far exceeds its -congeners in beauty. In this bird the body is slender and the foot -high. The crest is composed of feathers having broader tips than those -in the crest of the Common Peacock. The upper throat and the head are -emerald-green; the feathers of the lower throat are adorned with blueish -green spots, having golden edges; and the emerald-green breast-feathers -gleam with gold. The belly is brownish grey, the wing-covers are dark -green, the quills brown, marbled with black and grey on the outer web, and -the secondary quills black, with a greenish gloss. The long feathers of -the upper tail-covers resemble those of the Common Peacock, but are more -gorgeous. The eye is greyish brown, the bare region around blueish green, -the cheek brownish yellow, the beak black, and the foot grey. The female -resembles her mate, but is without the train. - -The earliest description of this splendid bird is given by Aldrovandus, -in the sixteenth century; this was taken from a drawing sent some years -before by the Emperor of Japan to the Pope, who gave it to his nephew, the -Marchese Tachinetti, from whom Aldrovandus received it. On the authority -of this author it had been described in several scientific works, till -at length, no further knowledge being gained concerning the species, its -actual existence began to be doubted, and Cuvier, in his "Règne Animal," -says, "Le Paon de Japon, ou Spicifère (_P. muticus_, Linn.), n'est rien -moins qu'authentique. Le veritable Paon sauvage du Japon differe peu du -notre, par les couleurs, et point par l'aigrette." - -M. Temminck, however, admitted the species, and described it principally -from the account of Le Vaillant, who had seen an example of it in a -menagerie at the Cape of Good Hope. At the time of the publication of -Temminck's work, a specimen was received in the Paris collection, and two -males were procured by Professor Jameson for the Ornithological Museum of -Edinburgh. - - * * * * * - -The GUINEA FOWLS (_Numidæ_) are recognisable by their strongly-built -body, short wings, moderate-sized tail, very long feathers in the upper -tail-covers, moderate-sized, short-toed feet, without spurs; strong beak, -and head and neck more or less denuded of feathers, and decorated with -a crest, plume, wreath, or helmet of feathers, and lappets of skin. The -plumage of both sexes is usually dark, enlivened with white. The female is -adorned with a dress similar to that of her mate. - - * * * * * - -The ROYAL GUINEA FOWLS (_Acryllium_) differ in many particulars from all -their congeners. These birds have a slender body, long thin neck, small -bare head, decorated with a wreath, extending from the ears over the back -of the head, and formed of very short velvety feathers; the feathers on -the throat are lancet-shaped; the upper secondaries considerably exceed -the primaries in length, and the centre tail-feathers are longer than -those at the exterior. The short strong beak is much curved, and has the -upper mandible very decidedly hooked at its tip; the tarsi are high, and -furnished with a spur-like wart. The members of this group are natives of -Africa. - - -THE VULTURINE ROYAL GUINEA FOWL. - -The VULTURINE ROYAL GUINEA FOWL (_Acryllium vulturinum_) has the head and -upper part of the throat destitute of feathers, but besprinkled with hairs -of a black colour, which are longest on the neck; the nape is thickly -clothed with short, velvet-like, brown down, and the lower part of the -neck ornamented with long, lanceolate, and flowing feathers, having a -broad stripe of white down the centre, to which on each side succeeds -a line of dull black, finely dotted with white, and margined with fine -blue. The feathers of the inferior part of the back are of a similar form, -but broader, with a narrower line of white down the centre, and with the -minute white dots disposed in irregular and obliquely transverse lines. -The wing-covers, back, rump, tail, under tail-covers, and thighs, are -blackish brown, ornamented with numerous round and irregular spots of -white surrounded by circles of black, the intermediate spaces being filled -with very minute spots of dull white; the primaries are brown, with light -shafts and spots of brownish white on the outer web; and the tips of the -inner secondaries brownish black, with three imperfect lines of white -disposed lengthwise on the outer web, and three rows of irregular spots -of white on the inner web; the breast and sides of the abdomen are of a -beautiful metallic blue, the centre of the abdomen black, the flanks dull -pink, with numerous spots of white surrounded by circles of black; the -bill is brownish, and the feet brown. - -"Independently of the chaste and delicate markings which adorn the whole -of this tribe, the neck of the present species of Guinea Fowl," says Mr. -Gould, "is ornamented by a ruff of lanceolate flowing plumes, which new -feature, as well as the head being entirely devoid of fleshy appendages, -render it conspicuously different from all its congeners. We are not able -to furnish any account of its history further than that our figure is -taken from an example, in all probability unique, forming a part of the -collection of the United Service Museum, to which it was presented by -Captain Probyn. It is certainly one of the most noble birds that has been -discovered for some years; and we indulge in the hope that the period -may not be far distant when we shall become better acquainted with the -species, and that living individuals may even become denizens of our -menageries and farmyards, where they would doubtless thrive equally well -as their congener so familiar to us all." - -[Illustration: THE COMMON GUINEA FOWL (_Numida meleagris_).] - - * * * * * - -The TUFTED GUINEA FOWLS (_Guttera_) are recognisable by the bushy crest -upon the head, as also by their very powerful beak, moderately high -tarsus, and short strong tail. The neck is without any actual lappet, but -has the bare skin arranged in deep folds. - - -PUCHERAN'S TUFTED GUINEA FOWL. - -PUCHERAN'S TUFTED GUINEA FOWL (_Guttera Pucheranii_) is of a beautiful -but unusually dark blue on the back and under side, and covered with very -small round or oval spots, which merge into stripes on the feathers of the -upper wing-covers; the primary quills are of almost unspotted brownish -grey, and the exterior secondaries broadly edged with white on the outer -web. The crest is pale velvety black, the summit of the head and bare fore -parts of the neck are bright red, with the folds of the skin dark greyish -violet; the eye is deep brown, the beak greyish yellow with blueish base, -and the foot almost black. This species is a native of South-eastern -Africa. - - * * * * * - -The GUINEA FOWLS (_Numida_) form a group distinguishable by a horn-like -crest on the crown of the head, and two fleshy lappets that depend from -the lower mandible. Near Fuentes, in St. Jago, the chief of the Cape Verde -Islands, Darwin met with these beautiful birds in large flocks. They were -extremely wary, and could not be approached, running away like Partridges -on a rainy day, with their heads cocked up, and if pursued readily took -wing. "The discovery of a nest of wild Guinea Fowl," says that writer, -"was an incident that enlivened a peculiarly toilsome part of the journey, -the passage through a long but narrow watercourse, now dry, filled with -masses of loose slippery stone, almost impassable for a horse. In the -midst of a thick tuft of grass, within a wood, beside this rocky path, a -Guinea Hen had deposited her brood of twenty eggs." - -Ellis, in his "Three Visits to Madagascar," says, "Among the companions of -my journey was an officer, attended by a slave carrying in a neatly-made -wicker cage a pair of perfectly white Guinea Fowls, as a great rarity, -and a present from the chief of a distant province to the prince." In -reference to this statement, Hartlaub tells us that he considers the -Guinea Fowls of Madagascar to be specifically different from such as are -natives of Africa. - - -THE COMMON GUINEA FOWL. - -The COMMON GUINEA FOWL (_Numida meleagris_), the species from which our -domestic bird is derived, when in its wild state, has the breast and -nape unspotted lilac, and the back and rump grey, enlivened by small -white dots, surrounded with a dark line. On the upper wing-covers these -spots increase in size, and merge into narrow stripes on the outer webs -of the secondary quills; the under side is greyish black, adorned with -large round spots; the quills are brownish, streaked with white on the -outer, and irregularly dotted and marked on the inner web; the dark grey -tail-feathers are beautifully spotted, and those at the exterior partially -striped. The broad lappets and comb are red, the eye is dark brown, -the region of the cheek and the crest blueish white, the beak reddish -horn-grey, the foot dull grey, and the toes flesh-colour. When tamed and -reared, this species produces a race of much larger birds; these have the -plumage very variously marked, and occasionally are entirely of a whitish -or reddish hue. - - -THE MITRED PINTADO. - -The MITRED PINTADO (_Numida mitrata_) has the horn-like excrescence on -the head much developed, and the chin-lappets narrow and long. The pale -black plumage is spotted with white; the feathers on the nape and throat -are striped with greyish white, the secondary quills have the outer web -partially streaked with white. The eye is greyish brown; the upper part -of the head and base of the beak are bright red, a crescent-shaped patch -behind the eye, the hinder part of the neck, and the throat are greenish -blue, shaded with dark blue; the fleshy lappets are violet at the base and -bright red at the tip; the comb or horn is pale yellow, the beak greyish -yellow, and the foot blackish blue. This species is twenty-two inches -long, the wing measures ten and the tail seven inches. The Mitred Pintado -is found, though not abundantly, in Madagascar and Guinea, but is common -in Mozambique and in Abyssinia. We learn from Layard that its habitat -extends over the whole of the frontier district, into Ovampolando on the -west, and to the Mozambique on the east, and that it is still abundant in -some places within the colony, where the mimosa bush affords it sufficient -shelter. It feeds on grain and insects, and lays from seven to ten eggs, -rather sharply pointed at the small and rounded at the obtuse end. These -are of a dark cream-colour, minutely dotted over with pin-points of brown. - -The same authority tells us that these Guinea Fowls rear their young much -in the same manner as our Pheasants do. If the female is startled she -flies off and leaves her little family, who at once disperse in every -direction, and hide so cunningly amongst the grass and bushes that they -are seldom discovered: they usually remain in their concealment until -called together again by the shrill note of the parent bird. In the Fish -River Valley they roost upon the willow-branches that project over the -large holes of water, out of the reach of wild cats. The _Phasidus niger_ -and _Agelastus meleagrides_, two very similar species, are natives of -Western Africa. - -According to M. du Chaillu, the _Phasidus niger_ was met with by him from -fifty to one hundred miles in the interior, reckoning from Cape Lopez, -and was unknown to the inhabitants of the Cape. He obtained but a single -specimen. - - -THE TUFT-BEAKED PINTADO. - -The TUFT-BEAKED PINTADO (_Numida ptilorhyncha_), a very similar species, -has the stiff feathers that encircle the throat of a velvety black, -whilst those of the body are dark brownish grey, dotted with white. -These markings become more perceptible on the upper wing-covers, and -take an oval form on the outer web of the shoulder-feathers; the under -side has a blueish grey lustre; the breast, sides, and lower tail-covers -are decorated with large round spots. The brownish grey quills are more -or less distinctly margined with light grey or whitish edges; the lower -secondaries have a light blueish grey border, tinted with two shades of -brownish grey, and, like the tail-feathers, are very distinctly spotted. -The eye is brown and the cheek light blue, as are the large broad lappets; -the throat is flesh-red, the bare crown of the head greyish yellow, and -the tuft of bristle-like hairs at the base of the upper mandible, from -which these birds derive their name, light yellow; the bill is reddish at -its base and grey at its tip; the foot dark greyish brown. - -This species is a native of Abyssinia and Nubia, where it frequents -valleys bordered with thickets, and renders itself remarkable by its -extremely harsh voice. It seldom flies, and then only for a short distance -to escape from danger. The flesh is exceedingly savoury. - - * * * * * - -The TURKEYS (_Meleagrides_) are large but comparatively slender birds, -with long legs and short wings and tail; the moderate-sized head and neck -are unfeathered and covered with warts; the short, strong beak, from which -depends a fleshy wattle, has the upper mandible curved and vaulted. The -high foot is furnished with long toes, the rounded wing has its third -quill longer than the rest; and the tail, composed of eighteen broad, -upright feathers, is also slightly rounded at its extremity. The thick -heavy plumage is unusually glossy. One remarkable characteristic of these -birds is the bristle-like structure of some of the breast-feathers, some -of which are much longer than those of the rest of the body. The members -of this group inhabit the forests, prairies, and open tracts of North -America; the males wandering about the country in small parties of from -ten to one hundred, and seeking their food apart from the females, who are -occupied in feeding their young. Turkeys are found in a wild state from -Canada to Panama, and so far from being improved by the care of man, have -remarkably degenerated in a state of domesticity. When wild they often -weigh from twenty to sixty pounds, and when standing upright, measure at -least three feet in height. Formerly these birds were common in Canada and -the central parts of the United States, but they have gradually fallen -back before the advance of civilisation, although they only seem to yield -their country inch by inch to the husbandman. - - -THE PUTER, OR WILD TURKEY. - -The PUTER, or WILD TURKEY (_Meleagris gallopavo_), is of a brownish yellow -on the upper parts of the body, which gleam with a beautiful metallic -lustre, each feather having a broad resplendent black edge. The hinder -portions of the back-feathers and tail-covers are dark reddish brown, -striped green and black; the yellowish brown breast is darkest at its -sides; the belly and legs are brownish grey, and the feathers on the rump -pale black, faintly edged with a darker shade. The quills are blackish -brown, the primaries greyish white, and the secondaries brownish, striped -with white; the tail-feathers are brown, dotted and marked with black. The -bare parts of the head and throat are pale sky-blue, the warts that cover -the face bright red, and the lower region of the eye ultramarine-blue. The -eye is yellowish blue, the beak whitish grey, and the foot pale violet -or bright red. This species is from forty to forty-four inches long, and -from fifty-three to sixty broad; the wing measures eighteen and the tail -fifteen inches. The plumage of the hen, though somewhat resembling that of -the male, is much less beautifully coloured; her length does not exceed -thirty-five inches, and her breadth forty-eight inches and a half; the -wing measures fifteen and the tail eleven inches. - -[Illustration: THE OCELLATED TURKEY (_Meleagris ocellata_), ONE-FIFTH -NATURAL SIZE.] - -Of the many accounts respecting the life of the Wild Turkey of North -America, none is more excellent than the following from the pen of -Audubon:--"The unsettled parts of the States of Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, -and Indiana, an immense extent of country to the north-west of those -districts upon the Mississippi and Missouri, and the vast regions drained -by these rivers from their confluence to Louisiana, including the wooded -parts of Arkansas, Tennessee, and Alabama, are most abundantly supplied -with this magnificent bird. It is less plentiful in Georgia and the -Carolinas, becomes still scarcer in Virginia and Pennsylvania, and is now -very rarely seen to the east of the last-mentioned States." It is already -extirpated from the thickly-peopled portions of the continent. - -"The Turkey," continues Audubon, "is irregularly migratory, as well -as irregularly gregarious. When the supply of food in one portion of -the country happens greatly to exceed that of another, the Turkeys are -insensibly led towards that spot, by gradually meeting in their haunts -with more fruit the nearer they advance towards the place where it is most -plentiful. In this manner flock follows after flock, until one district is -entirely deserted, while another is, as it were, overflowed by them. - -"About the beginning of October, when scarcely any of the seeds and -fruits have yet fallen from the trees, these birds assemble in flocks, -and gradually move towards the rich bottom-lands of the Ohio and the -Mississippi. The males, or as they are more commonly called, the -'gobblers,' associate in parties of from ten to a hundred, and search -for food apart from the females; while the latter are seen advancing -singly, each with its brood of young, then about two-thirds grown, or in -connection with other families, forming parties amounting to seventy or -eighty individuals, all intent on shunning the old cocks, which, even -when the young birds have attained this size, will fight with and often -destroy them by repeated blows on the head. Old and young, however, all -move in the same course and on foot, unless their progress be interrupted -by a river, or the hunter's dog force them to take wing. When they come -to a river they betake themselves to the highest eminences, and there -often remain a whole day, or sometimes two, as if for the purpose of -consultation. During this time the males are heard gobbling, calling, -and making much ado, and are seen strutting about as if to raise their -courage to a pitch befitting the emergency. Even the females and young -assume something of the same pompous demeanour, spread out their tails and -run round each other, purring loudly and performing extravagant leaps. At -length, when the weather appears settled, and all around is quiet, the -whole party mount to the tops of the highest trees, whence, at a signal -consisting of a single cluck given by a leader, the flock takes flight for -the opposite shore. The old and fat birds easily get over, even should the -river be a mile in breadth; but the young and less robust frequently fall -into the water, not to be drowned, however, as might be imagined. They -bring their wings close to their body, spread out their tail as a support, -stretch forward their neck, and striking out their legs with great -vigour, proceed rapidly towards the shore, on approaching which, should -they find it too steep for landing, they cease their exertions for a few -moments, float down the stream until they come to an accessible part, and -by a violent effort generally extricate themselves from the water. It -is remarkable that immediately after thus crossing a large stream, they -ramble about for some time as if bewildered; in this state they fall an -easy prey to the hunter. - -"When the Turkeys arrive in parts where food is abundant, they separate -into smaller flocks, composed of birds of all ages and both sexes, -promiscuously mingled, and devour all before them. This happens about the -middle of November. So gentle do they sometimes become after these long -journeys, that they have been seen to approach the farmhouses, associate -with the Domestic Fowls, and enter the stables and corn-cribs in quest of -food. In this way, roaming about the forests, and feeding chiefly on mast, -they pass the autumn and part of the winter. - -"As early as the middle of February the females separate and fly from the -males, the latter strenuously pursue, and begin to gobble or to utter -their notes of exultation. The sexes roost apart, but at no great distance -from each other. When a female utters a call-note, all the gobblers within -hearing return the sound, rolling note after note with as much rapidity -as if they intended to emit the first and last together, not with spread -tail, as when fluttering round the females on the ground, or practising on -the branches of the trees on which they have roosted for the night, but -much in the manner of the Domestic Turkey, when an unusual or unexpected -noise elicits its singular hubbub. If the call of the female comes from -the ground, all the males immediately fly towards the spot, and the moment -they reach it, whether the hen be in sight or not, spread out and erect -their tail, draw the head back on the shoulders, depress their wings with -a quivering motion, and strut pompously about, emitting at the same time -a succession of puffs from the lungs, and stopping now and then to listen -and look, but whether they spy the female or not they continue to puff and -strut, moving with as much celerity as their ideas of ceremony seem to -admit. While thus occupied the males often encounter each other, in which -case desperate battles take place, ending in bloodshed and often in the -loss of many lives, the weaker falling under the blows inflicted upon the -head by the stronger. The moment a rival is dead the conqueror treads him -under foot, but what is strange, not with hatred, but with all the motions -which he employs in caressing the female. - -"About the middle of April, when the season is dry, the hens begin to look -out for a place to deposit their eggs. This place requires to be as much -as possible concealed from the eyes of the Crow, as that bird watches the -Turkey when going to her nest, and, waiting in the neighbourhood until -she has left it, removes and eats the eggs. The nest, which consists of -a few withered leaves, is placed on the ground, in a hollow scooped out -by the side of a log, or in the fallen top of a dry leafy tree, under a -thicket of sumach or briars, or a few feet within the edge of a cornbrake, -but always in a dry place. When laying her eggs the female approaches her -nest very cautiously, scarcely ever following the same track twice, and -when she leaves them covers them so carefully with leaves that it is very -difficult for any person to find the nest, unless the mother has been -suddenly started from it. When on her nest, if she perceives an enemy, she -sits still and crouches low until the intruder has passed by, unless she -is aware that she has been discovered." - -"I have frequently," says Audubon, "approached within five or six paces of -a nest, of which I was previously aware, assuming an air of carelessness, -and whistling or talking to myself, the female remaining undisturbed; -whereas if I went cautiously towards it, she would never suffer me to -approach within twenty paces, but would run off, with her tail spread -on one side, to a distance of twenty or thirty yards, when, assuming a -stately gait, she would walk about deliberately, uttering now and then a -cluck." - -The mother seldom abandons her nest on account of its having been -disturbed by man, but if robbed by a snake or other wild animal she never -approaches it again. If her brood has been destroyed, she lays a second -set of eggs, but usually rears only one brood in the season. Sometimes -several mothers lay their eggs in the same nest. Audubon once found three -sitting upon forty-two eggs. In such a case one or other of the females -always keeps guard over the nest, to prevent the approach of the weaker -kind of enemies. When nearly hatching, the hen will not leave her eggs -for any consideration, and will rather allow herself to be fenced in than -desert her nest. Audubon tells us he once witnessed the hatching of a -brood of Turkeys. - -"I concealed myself," he says, "on the ground, within a very few feet, -and saw the female raise herself half the length of her legs, look -anxiously upon the eggs, cluck with a sound peculiar to the mother on -such occasions, carefully remove each half-empty shell, and with her bill -caress and dry the young birds that already stood tottering and attempting -to make their way from the nest. I saw them all emerge from the shell, and -in a few moments after tumble, roll, and push each other forward, with -astonishing and inscrutable instinct." - -Before the old bird leaves the nest she shakes herself violently, preens -her feathers, and assumes quite a different appearance; she raises -herself, stretches out her neck, and glances about and around to detect -any enemy that may be nigh, spreads her wings, and clucking softly, -endeavours to keep her young family together. As the brood are usually -hatched in the afternoon, they often return and spend the first night in -the nest, but afterwards remove to higher undulating ground, the mother -dreading the effects of rain on her young, which seldom survive if -thoroughly wetted at this tender age, when their only covering is a soft, -delicate, hairy down. In about fourteen days the young birds, which till -this time had rested on the ground, are able to fly to some low branch, -and pass the night under the sheltering wings of their mother. A little -later they leave the woods during the day, and search the prairies and -glades for berries of various kinds, and grasshoppers. The young now -rapidly increase in size and strength, and about the month of August are -able to escape the attacks of their four-footed enemies by rising from the -ground to the highest branches of the trees. About this time young and old -assemble together and begin their pilgrimage. - -Wild Turkeys will sometimes feed and associate with tame ones, whose -owners are glad to welcome them, the half-breed being much the most hardy, -and easily reared. - -"While at Henderson," says Audubon, "I had among other birds a fine male -Turkey, which had been reared from its earliest youth under my care, it -having been caught by me when probably not more than two or three days -old. It became so tame that it would follow any person who called it, and -was the favourite of the little village; yet it would never roost with -the tame Turkeys, but regularly betook itself at night to the roof of the -house, where it remained till dawn. When two years old it began to fly to -the woods, where it remained for a considerable part of the day, returning -to the enclosure as soon as night approached. It continued this practice -until the following spring, when I saw it several times fly from its -roosting-place to the top of a high cotton tree on the Ohio, from which, -after resting a little, it would sail to the opposite shore, the river -being nearly half a mile wide, and return towards night. One morning I saw -it fly off at a very early hour to the woods, in another direction, and -took no particular notice of the circumstance. Several days elapsed, but -the bird did not return. I was going towards some lakes near Green River, -to shoot, when having walked five miles I saw a fine large gobbler cross -the path before me, moving leisurely along. Turkeys being then in prime -condition for the table, I ordered my dog to chase it and put it up. The -animal went off with great rapidity, and as it approached the Turkey, I -saw with much surprise that the latter paid little attention. Juno was on -the point of seizing it, when she suddenly stopped and turned her head -towards me. I hastened to them, but you may easily conceive my surprise -when I saw my own favourite bird, and discovered that it had recognised -the dog and would not fly from it, although the sight of a strange dog -would have caused it to run off at once." - -The Wild Turkeys do not restrict themselves to any particular kind of -food, but prefer the winter grape and the pecan-nut, being found in the -greatest numbers where these are plentiful. They eat grass and various -herbs, corn, berries, fruit, insects, tadpoles, and small lizards. When -walking, these birds often open their wings a little, folding them again -over each other, as if their weight were too great, then run a short -distance, spreading their pinions and fanning their sides after the manner -of the Domestic Fowl, then leaping two or three times into the air, and -shaking themselves. While searching for food they keep the head raised, -and are always on the watch, meanwhile scratching with their feet, and -snatching up at once with the beak any prey which they may have found. In -summer they roll themselves in the dust of roads or ploughed fields to -clear themselves from ticks. After snow, when the ground becomes hard, -the Turkeys will remain on their sleeping-places without food for three -or four days, but sometimes venture into farmyards to the stacks of corn -and stables, in search of grain. During falls of melting snow they run to -surprising distances, and with such rapidity that no horse can keep up -with them; late in the spring, however, their strength is not so great, -and a good dog is able to overtake them. - -With the exception of man, the most formidable enemies of the Wild Turkey -are the lynx, the Snowy Owl, and the Virginian Owl. The lynx pursues both -old and young, sucks their eggs, and does them great injury. The Owls -attack them when roosting on the branches of trees, hovering around -them with silent wing. "This, however," says Audubon, "is rarely done -without being discovered; a single cluck from one of the party announces -the approach of the murderer. They instantly start upon their legs and -watch the motions of the Owl, which, selecting one as its victim, comes -down upon it like an arrow, and would inevitably secure the prize, did -not the latter at that moment lower its head, stoop, and spread its tail -in an inverted manner over its back, so that the aggressor is met by a -smooth inclined plane, along which it glances without hurting the Turkey; -immediately after which the latter drops to the ground, and thus escapes -merely with the loss of a few feathers." - -Turkeys are hunted in all parts of America with ardour, but always in -moderation. They are shot at pairing-time, and also when at roost; but -they are most commonly caught in pens, in a manner thus described by -Audubon:-- - -"Young trees, of four or five inches in diameter, are cut down and divided -into pieces of the length of twelve or fourteen feet. Two of these are -laid on the ground parallel to each other, at a distance of ten or twelve -feet. Two others are laid across the ends of these at right angles to -them, and in this manner successive layers are added until the fabric is -raised to the height of about four feet. It is then covered with similar -pieces of wood, placed three or four inches apart, and loaded with one -or two heavy logs to render the whole firm. This done, a trench about -eighteen inches in depth and width is cut under one side of the cage, -into which it opens slantingly and rather abruptly. It is continued on -its outside to some distance, so as gradually to attain the level of the -surrounding ground. Over the part of this trench within the pen, and close -to the wall, some sticks are placed so as to form a kind of bridge about a -foot in breadth. The trap being now finished, the owner places a quantity -of Indian corn in its centre, as well as in the trench; and as he walks -off, drops here and there a few grains in the woods, sometimes to the -distance of a mile. This is repeated at every visit to the trap after the -Turkeys have found it. No sooner has a Turkey discovered the train of corn -than it communicates the circumstance to the flock by a cluck, when all -of them come up, and searching for the grains scattered about, at length -come upon the trench, which they follow, squeezing themselves one after -another through the passage under the bridge. In this manner the whole -flock sometimes enters, but more commonly six or seven only, as they are -alarmed by the least noise, even the cracking of a tree in frosty weather. -Those within having gorged themselves, raise their heads, and try to force -their way through the top or sides of the pen, passing and repassing on -the bridge, but never for a moment looking down or attempting to escape by -the passage by which they entered. Thus they remain until the owner of the -trap arriving closes the trench and secures his captives. I have heard of -eighteen Turkeys having been caught in this manner at a single visit to -the trap." - -When Turkeys are abundant, the owners sometimes neglect to visit their -traps, and the poor prisoners are starved for want of food, for they never -retrace their steps along the trench, as they might readily do, and thus -regain their liberty. - - * * * * * - -The AUSTRALIAN JUNGLE FOWLS (_Megapodinæ_) form a group of Australian -birds, distinguished from all their feathered brethren by the strange -manner in which their broods are incubated. For this process mounds of -grass and earth are erected by the parents to receive their unusually -large eggs, which are hatched by means of the heat engendered by the -decaying vegetable matter. The young do not quit the shell until they are -fully fledged and capable of supporting themselves. Gould is of opinion -that this singular way of incubating the eggs, and the very small size of -their brain, indicate that the _Megapodinæ_ hold but a low place in the -scale of intelligence. Naturalists are much at variance concerning the -systematic position of these birds, but in our own opinion Reichenbach is -correct in considering them as nearly allied to the _Gallinaceæ_, and we -shall therefore adopt his arrangement. - - * * * * * - -The TALLEGALLI (_Tallegalli_) are recognisable by their strong curved -beak, short toes, small much-rounded wings, and the bare patches on the -head, neck, and breast. These birds inhabit the dense brushes, scrubby -gullies, and primeval forests of Australia and New Guinea, where they -are met with in small flocks on the ground. In disposition they are very -shy, and when disturbed endeavour to escape by running into the thick -brush or by flying up to the branches of trees, and then ascending to the -top, which they gain by leaping from bough to bough; having attained the -summit they sometimes fly off to a new locality in the underwood. During -the mid-day heat they generally seek shelter under the shady branches of -trees, often uttering a low chuckling noise; they also dust themselves -on the ground, after the manner of other Gallinaceous Birds. Their food -consists of seeds, berries, and insects. - -[Illustration: THE BRUSH TURKEY (_Catheturus Lathami_).] - - * * * * * - -The BRUSH TURKEYS (_Catheturus_) are recognisable by their powerful -frame, moderate-sized neck, large head, short rounded wings, and tail of -medium length, composed of eighteen feathers; their soft woolly down, and -a slight hairy growth on the head and neck. The fore part of the throat -exhibits a long fleshy excrescence. These remarkable birds are natives of -Australia. - - -THE BRUSH TURKEY, OR WATTLED TALLEGALLUS. - -The BRUSH TURKEY, or WATTLED TALLEGALLUS (_Catheturus_, or _Tallegallus -Lathami_), is of a beautiful chocolate-brown on the upper portions of the -body, and light brown on the under side, which is marked with silver-grey. -The eye is light brown, the wattle bright yellow, the beak lead-grey, -and the foot light reddish brown. The bare skin on the head and neck is -scarlet. This species is two feet and a half long; the wing measures -twelve inches, and the tail nine inches and a half. The female closely -resembles her mate. - -"How far the range of the Wattled Tallegallus may extend," says Mr. -Gould, "is not yet satisfactorily ascertained; it is known to inhabit -various parts of New South Wales, from Cape Howe to Moreton Bay, and Mr. -Macgillivray informed me that he had killed it as far up the east coast as -Port Molle. The assaults of the cedar-cutters and others, who frequently -hunt through the brushes of Illawarra and Maitland, had, however, nearly -extirpated it from those localities when I visited the colony in 1838, and -it probably does not now exist there; but I believe it is still plentiful -in the dense and little-trodden brushes of the Manning and Clarence. I was -at first led to believe the country between the mountain ranges and the -coast constituted its sole habitat, but I was agreeably surprised when I -found it in the Liverpool brushes and in the scrubby gullies and sides of -the lower hills that branch off towards the interior. - -"It has often been asserted that Australia abounds in anomalies, and in -no instance is the truth of this assertion more fully exemplified than in -the history of this very singular bird, respecting the situation of which -in the natural system much diversity of opinion, as above noticed, has -hitherto prevailed. It was consequently one of the birds which demanded my -utmost attention during my visit to Australia. - -"The most remarkable circumstance connected with the economy of this -species is the fact of its eggs not being incubated in the manner of other -birds. At the commencement of the spring the Wattled Tallegallus scratches -together an immense heap of decaying matter as a depository for the eggs, -and trusts to the heat developed by the process of fermentation for the -development of the young. The heap employed for this purpose is collected -by the birds during several weeks previous to the period of laying; it -varies in size from two to many cartloads, and in most instances is of a -pyramidal form. The construction of the mound is either the work of one -pair of birds, or, as some suppose, of the united labours of several; the -same site appears to be resorted to for several years in succession, the -birds adding a fresh supply of materials each succeeding season. - -"The materials composing these mounds are accumulated by the bird grasping -a quantity in its foot, and throwing it backwards to a common centre, the -surface of the ground for a considerable distance being so completely -scratched over that scarcely a leaf or blade of grass is left. The mound -being completed, and time being left for sufficient heat to be engendered, -the eggs are deposited in a circle at the distance of nine or twelve -inches from each other, and buried more than an arm's depth, with the -large end upwards; they are covered up as they are laid, and allowed to -remain until they are hatched. I have been credibly informed, both by -natives and settlers living near their haunts, that it is not unusual -to obtain half a bushel of eggs at a time from a single mound, and I -have myself seen a native woman bring to the encampment in her net half -that quantity, as the spoils of a foraging excursion to the neighbouring -scrub. Some of the natives state that the females are constantly in the -neighbourhood of the mound about the time the young are likely to be -hatched, and frequently uncover and cover them up again, apparently for -the purpose of assisting those that may have appeared, while others have -informed me that the eggs are merely deposited and the young allowed -to force their way unassisted. One point has been clearly ascertained, -namely, that the young, from the hour that they are hatched, are clothed -with feathers, and have their wings sufficiently developed to enable them -to fly on to the branches of trees, should they need to do so to escape -from danger. They are equally nimble on their legs; in fact, as a moth -emerges from a chrysalis, dries its wings, and flies away, so the youthful -Tallegallus, when it leaves the egg, is sufficiently perfect to be able to -act independently and procure its own food. - -"Although, unfortunately," continues Mr. Gould, "I was almost too late -for the breeding season, I nevertheless saw several of these hatching -mounds, both in the interior of New South Wales and at Illawarra. In every -instance they were placed in the most retired and shady glens and on the -slope of a hill, the part above the mound being scratched clean, while all -below remained untouched, as if the birds had found it more easy to convey -the materials down than to throw them up. The eggs are perfectly white, of -a long oval form, three inches and three-quarters long, by two inches and -a half in diameter." - -In the Gardens of the Zoological Society in the Regent's Park, several old -birds have constructed mounds, in which they deposited eggs, and their -young have become developed. - -"In the year 1854," says Mr. Sclater, "the singular phenomenon of the -mound-raising faculty of the Tallegallus, which had been well ascertained -in Australia by Mr. Gould, was effectually displayed by a pair of birds. - -"On being removed into a sufficiently large enclosure, with an abundance -of vegetable material within reach, the male began at once to throw it up -into a heap behind him, by a scratching motion of his powerful feet, which -projected each footful as he grasped it for a considerable distance in the -rear. As he always began to work at the outer margin of the enclosure, the -material was thrown inwards in concentric circles until it sufficiently -neared the spot selected for the mound to be jerked upon it. As soon as -the mound had risen to a height of about four feet, both birds worked in -reducing it to an even surface, and then began to excavate a depression -in the centre. In this in due time the eggs were placed, as they were -laid, and arranged in a circle about fifteen inches below the summit of -the mound, at regular intervals, with the smaller end of the egg pointing -downwards. The male bird watched the temperature of the mound very -carefully; the eggs were generally covered, a cylindrical opening being -always maintained in the centre of the circle for the purpose of giving -air to them, and probably to prevent the danger of a sudden increase of -heat from the action of the sun, or accelerated fermentation in the mound -itself. In hot days the eggs were nearly uncovered two or three times -between morning and evening. In about a month after the first egg was -supposed to have been laid a young bird was hatched, and is still living -with its parents. Subsequent observation enables us to state that on the -young bird chipping out of the egg, it remains in the mound for at least -twelve hours, without making any effort to emerge from it, being at that -time almost as deeply covered up as the rest of the eggs. On the second -day it comes out with each of its wing-feathers well developed in a sheath -which soon bursts, but apparently it has no inclination to use them, its -powerful feet at once giving it ample means of locomotion. Early in the -afternoon the young bird retires to the mound again, and is partially -covered up for the night by the assiduous father, but at a diminished -depth as compared with the circle of eggs from which it emerged in the -morning. On the third day the nestling is capable of flight, and one of -them accidentally forced its way through the strong netting which covered -the enclosure." - -In its native woods this species lives in small companies like other -_Gallinæ_, and while on the ground appears shy and distrustful, but quite -fearless when in the trees. "While stalking about the trees," says Mr. -Gould, "the Tallegallus utters a rather loud clucking noise, but whether -this sound is only produced by the female I could not ascertain; still, I -think that such is the case, and that the spiteful male, who appears to -delight in expanding his richly-coloured fleshy wattles and unmercifully -thrashing his helpmate, is generally mute. In various parts of the brush I -observed depressions in the earth, which the natives informed me were made -by the birds in dusting themselves." - -When disturbed, the Wattled Tallegallus readily eludes pursuit by the -facility with which it runs through the tangled brush. If hard pressed, or -when rushed upon by its great enemy the native dog, it springs upon the -lowermost bough of some neighbouring tree, and by a succession of leaps -from branch to branch ascends to the top, and either perches there or -flies off to another part of the brush. It has also the habit of resorting -to the branches of trees as a shelter from the mid-day sun, a peculiarity -that greatly tends to its destruction; for, like the Ruffed Grouse of -America, when assembled in small companies, these birds will allow a -succession of shots to be fired until they are all brought down. Unless -some measures be adopted for their preservation, this circumstance must -lead to an early extinction of this singular species--an event much to be -regretted, since, independently of its being an interesting object for the -aviary, it is an excellent bird for the table. - - -THE MALEO. - -The MALEO (_Megacephalon Maleo_) is characterised by a hard, round -excrescence that commences at the nostrils and passes over the brow to -the back of the head. The powerful beak is ridged at its culmen, and has -the margin of the lower mandible almost straight; the third quill in the -shell-shaped wing is longer than the rest; the rounded tail is composed -of eighteen feathers, and the strong foot furnished with short toes. The -plumage on the back, a band on the breast, and the region of the vent -and thighs are blackish brown, and the breast and belly pale rose-red. -The eye is yellow, the bare part of the head whitish blue, the occipital -protuberance blue; the beak and the fore part of the foot are horn-grey. -This species is twenty-four inches long; the wing measures eleven and the -tail eight inches. - -"In the months of August and September," says Wallace, "when there is -little or no rain, the Maleos come down in pairs from the interior to one -or two favourite spots, and scratch holes three or four feet deep, just -above high-water mark, where the female deposits a single large egg, which -she covers with about a foot of sand, and then returns to the forest. At -the end of ten or twelve days she comes again to the same spot to lay -another egg, and each female bird is supposed to lay six or eight eggs -during the season. The male assists the female in making the hole, coming -down and returning with her. The appearance of these birds when walking -on the beach is very handsome. The glossy black and rosy white of the -plumage, the helmeted head, and elevated tail, like that of the Common -Fowl, give a striking character, which their stately and somewhat sedate -walk renders still more remarkable. There is hardly any difference between -the sexes, except that the casque or bonnet at the back of the head and -the tubercles at the nostrils are a little larger, while the beautiful -rosy salmon-colour is perhaps deeper in the male bird; but the difference -is so slight that it is not always possible to tell a male from a female -without dissection. They run quickly, but when shot at or suddenly -disturbed take wing with a heavy noisy flight to some neighbouring tree, -where they settle on a low branch; they probably roost at night in a -similar situation. Many females lay in the same hole, for a dozen eggs are -often found together, and these are so large that it is not possible for -the body of the bird to contain more than one fully-developed egg at the -same time. In all the female birds which I shot," continues this author, -"none of the eggs besides the one large one exceeded the size of peas, -and there were only eight or nine of these, which is possibly the extreme -number a bird can lay in the season. - -"Arrived at our destination, we built a hut, and prepared for a stay of -some days, I to shoot and skin Maleos. The place is situated in the large -bay between the islands of Limbé and Banca, and consists of a steep beach -more than a mile in length, of deep, loose, and coarse black volcanic -sand, or rather gravel, very fatiguing to walk over. It is in this loose -black sand that those singular birds, the Maleos, deposit their eggs. - -"Every year the natives come for fifty miles round to obtain these eggs, -which are esteemed a great delicacy, and when quite fresh are indeed -delicious. They are richer than Hens' eggs, and of a finer flavour, each -one completely fills an ordinary tea-cup, and forms, with bread or rice, -a very good meal. The colour of the shell is a pale brick-red, or very -rarely pure white. They are elongate, and very slightly smaller at one -end, from four to four and a half inches long, by two and a quarter and -two and a half wide." - -[Illustration: THE MALEO (_Megacephalon Maleo_), ONE-FOURTH NATURAL SIZE.] - -After the eggs are deposited in the sand they are no further cared for -by the mother. The young birds on breaking the shell, work their way up -through the sand, and run off at once to the forest. "I was assured by -Mr. Duivenfoden, of Ternate," says Wallace, "that they can fly the very -day they are hatched. He had taken some eggs on board his schooner which -were hatched during the night, and in the morning the little birds flew -readily across the cabin. Considering the great distances the hens come -to deposit the eggs in a proper situation (often ten or fifteen miles), -it seems extraordinary that they should take no further care of them. It -is, however, quite certain that they neither do nor can watch them. The -eggs being deposited by a number of hens in succession in the same hole -would render it impossible for each to distinguish its own, and the food -necessary for such large birds, consisting entirely of fallen fruits, -can only be obtained by roaming over an extensive district; so that if -the numbers which come down to this single beach in the breeding season, -amounting to many hundreds, were obliged to remain in the vicinity, many -would perish of hunger." In the structure of the feet of this bird we may -detect a cause for its departing from the habits of its nearest allies, -the _Megapodii_ and _Tallegalli_, which heap up earth, leaves, stones, and -sticks into a large mound, wherein they bury their eggs. The feet of the -Maleo are not nearly so large or strong in proportion as in these birds, -while its claws are short and straight instead of being long and curved. -The toes are, however, strongly webbed at the base, forming a broad -powerful foot, this, with the rather long leg, is well adapted to scratch -away the loose sand (which flies up in a perfect shower when the birds are -at work), but they could not, without much labour, accumulate the heaps of -miscellaneous rubbish brought together by the large grasping feet of the -Megapodius. - - -THE OCELLATED LEIPOA. - -The OCELLATED LEIPOA (_Leipoa ocellata_) has a slender body and a broad -rounded wing, in which the second quill exceeds the rest in length; the -tail, formed of fourteen feathers, is long, broad, and much rounded; the -powerful foot is high, the beak comparatively small and straight. The -colour of the head and crest is blackish brown, of the neck and shoulders -dark ash-grey; the fore part of the former, from the chin to the breast, -is marked by a series of lanceolate feathers, which are black, with a -white stripe down the centre; the back and wings are conspicuously marked -with three distinct bands of greyish white, brown, and black; near the tip -of each feather the marks assume an ocellate form, particularly on the -tips of the secondaries. The primaries are brown, their outer webs marked -with zigzag lines of darker brown; the rump and upper tail-covers are -brownish grey, the feathers of the latter transversely marked with two or -three zigzag lines near their tip; all the under surface is light buff; -the tips of the flank-feathers are barred with black; the tail is blackish -brown, broadly tipped with buff; the bill black, and the foot blackish -brown. - -"The Ocellated Leipoa," says Gould, "appears to be more peculiarly suited -for a plain and open country than for the tangled brush; and it is most -curious to observe how beautifully the means employed by Nature for the -reproduction of the species is adapted to the situations it is destined to -inhabit." The following sketches of its economy, so far as it has yet been -ascertained, were given me by Gilbert and Sir George Grey, and are here -reproduced in their own words:-- - - "Wongan Hills, Western Australia, _September_ 28, 1842. - -"This morning I had the good fortune to penetrate into the dense thicket -I had so long been anxious to visit in search of the Leipoa's eggs, and -had not proceeded far before the native who was with me told me to keep -a good look out, as we were among the Ngou-oo's hillocks; and in half an -hour after, we found one, around which the brush was so thick that we -were almost running over it before seeing it. So anxious was I to see -the hidden treasures within that, in my haste, I threw aside the black -fellow and began scraping off the upper part of the mound; this did not -please him at all, and he became very indignant, at the same time making -me understand that as I had never seen this nest before, I had better -trust him to get out the eggs, or I should, in my haste and impatience, -certainly break them. I therefore let him have his own way, and he began -scraping off the earth very carefully from the centre, throwing it over -the side, so that the mound very soon presented the appearance of a huge -basin. About two feet in depth of earth was in this way thrown off, when -the large ends of two eggs met my anxious gaze; both these eggs were -resting on their smaller apex, and the earth round them had to be very -carefully removed to avoid breaking the shell, which is extremely fragile -when first exposed to the atmosphere. About a hundred yards from this -first mound, we came upon a second, rather larger, of the same external -form and appearance; it contained three eggs. Although we saw seven or -eight more mounds, only these two contained eggs: we were too early; a -week later and we should doubtless have found many more. To give you an -idea of the place these birds choose for their remarkable mode of rearing -their young, I will describe it as nearly as I can. - -"The Wongan Hills are about 1,300 feet above the level of the sea, in a -north-north-east direction from Drummond's House in the Toodyay. Their -sides are thickly clothed with a dense forest of _Eucalypti_, and at -their base is a thicket, extending for several miles, of upright-growing -and thick bushy plants, so high in most parts that we could not see over -their tops, and so dense that if we only separated for a few yards we -were obliged to 'cooey' to prevent our straying from each other. This -thicket is again shadowed by a very curious species of dwarf _Eucalyptus_, -bearing yellow blossoms, and growing from fifteen to thirty feet in -height, known to the natives as the spear-wood, and of which they make -their spears, digging-sticks, _dowaks_, &c. The whole formation is a fine -reddish iron-stone gravel, and this the Leipoa scratches up for several -yards around, and thus forms its mound, to be afterwards converted into a -hotbed for the reproduction of its offspring. The interior of the mound -is composed of the finer particles of the gravel, mixed with vegetable -matter, the fermentation of which produces a warmth sufficient for the -purpose of hatching. Mr. Drummond, who had been for years accustomed -to hotbeds in England, gave it as his opinion that the heat around the -eggs was about 89°. In both the nests with eggs the White Ant was very -numerous, making its little covered galleries of earth around and attached -to the shell, thus showing a beautiful provision of Nature in preparing -the necessary tender food for the young bird on its emergence. One of the -eggs I have preserved shows the White Ant's tracks most beautifully. The -largest mound I saw, and which appeared as if in a state of preparation -for eggs, measured forty-five feet in circumference, and, if round in -proportion on the top, would have been fully five feet in height. I -remarked that in all the mounds not ready for the reception of eggs -the inside or vegetable portion was always wet and cold; and I imagine -from the state of the others that the bird turns out the whole of the -materials to dry before depositing its eggs and covering them up with the -soil. In both cases where I found eggs, the upper part of the mound was -perfectly and smoothly rounded over, so that any one passing it without -knowing the singular habit of the bird might very readily suppose it to -be an ant-hill. Mounds in this state always contain eggs within, while -those without eggs are not only not rounded over, but have the centres so -scooped out that they form a hollow. The eggs are laid directly in the -centre, all at the same depth, separated only by about three inches of -earth, and so placed as to form a circle. I regret we were so early. Had -we been a week later, the probability is I should have found the circle of -eggs complete. Is it not singular that all the eggs were equally fresh, as -if their development was arrested until the full number were deposited, -so that the young might all appear at the same time? No one considering -the immense size of the egg can suppose for a moment the bird capable -of laying more than one without at least the intermission of a day, and -perhaps even more. Like those of the Megapodius, they are covered with an -epidermis-like coating, and are certainly as large, being three inches and -three-quarters in length by two and a half in breadth. They vary in colour -from a very light brown to a light salmon. During the whole day we did not -succeed in obtaining sight of the bird, although we saw numerous tracks of -its feet, and many places where it had been scratching. We also saw its -tracks on the sand when crossing the dried beds of the swamps at least two -miles from the breeding thicket, which proves that the bird in procuring -its food does not confine itself to the bushes around its nest, but merely -resorts to them for the purpose of incubating. The native informed us -that the only chance of procuring the bird was by stationing ourselves in -sight of the mound at a little distance, and remaining quiet and immovable -till it made its appearance at sundown. This I attempted, and, with the -native, encamped within twenty yards of the mound about an hour before -sunset, taking precautions to conceal ourselves well with bushes from the -quick eye of the bird, but leaving just an opening to get a fair sight -with my gun. In a half-sitting, half-crouching position, I thus remained -in breathless anxiety for the approach of the bird I had so long wished -to see, not daring to move a muscle for fear of stirring a branch or -making a noise by crushing a dead leaf, till I was so cramped that I could -scarcely bear the pain in my limbs. The bird did not, however, make its -appearance, and the native, with the fear of wading through the thicket in -the darkness (for there was no moon), became so impatient that he started -up and began to talk so loud and make so much noise that I was compelled -to give up all hopes of seeing the bird that night. However, just as we -were passing the mound we started the bird from the opposite side, but, -from the denseness of the thicket and the darkness closing round us, I had -no chance of getting a shot at it." - -Sir George Grey completes the account given by Gilbert. He says, "I have -lately returned from the Murray, where I have been studying the habits and -manners of the _Leipoa ocellata_, which is very plentiful in the sandy -districts of the scrub. Its food consists chiefly of insects, such as -_Phasmidæ_ and a species of _Cimex_. It also feeds on the seeds of various -shrubs. It possesses the power of running with extraordinary rapidity; it -roosts at night on trees, and never flies if it can avoid so doing. - -"The mounds it constructs are from twelve to thirteen yards in -circumference at the base, and from two to three feet in height, the -general form being that of a dome. The sand and grass are sometimes -scraped up for a distance of from fifteen to sixteen feet from its outer -edge. The mound appears to be constructed as follows:--A nearly circular -hole of about eighteen inches in diameter is scratched in the ground to -the depth of seven or eight inches, and filled with dead leaves, dead -grass, and similar materials; and a large mass of the same substance is -placed all around it upon the ground. Over this first layer a large mound -of sand, mixed with dried grass, &c., is thrown, and finally the whole -assumes the form of a dome, as I have before stated. - -"When an egg is to be deposited, the top is laid open, and a hole scraped -in its centre, within two or three inches of the bottom of the layer of -dead leaves. The egg is placed in the sand just at the edge of the hole, -in a vertical position, with the smaller end downwards; the sand is then -thrown in again, and the mound left in its original form. The egg which -has thus been deposited is therefore completely surrounded and enveloped -in soft sand, having from four to six inches of sand between the lower end -of the egg and the layer of dead leaves. When a second egg is laid, it is -deposited in precisely the same plane as the first, but at the opposite -side of the hole before alluded to. When a third egg is laid, it is still -placed in the same plane as the others, but, as it were, at the third -corner of a square. When the fourth egg is laid, it is still placed in -the same plane, but in the fourth corner of the square, or rather of the -lozenge, the figure being of this form, [Illustration]; the next four eggs -in succession are placed in the interstices, but always on the same plane, -so that at last there is a circle of eight eggs all standing upright -in the sand, with several inches of sand intervening between each. The -male bird assists the female in opening and covering up the mound, and, -provided the birds are not themselves disturbed, the female continues to -lay several eggs in the same mound, even after it has been several times -robbed. The natives say that the females lay an egg every day. Eight is -the greatest number I have heard of, from good authority, as having been -found in one nest. - -"The farthest point north at which I have seen the breeding-places of -these birds is in Gantheaume Bay. The natives of King George's Sound say -that the bird exists in their neighbourhood. I have never fallen in with -its nests but in one description of country, viz., where the soil was dry -and sandy, and so thickly wooded with a species of dwarf _Leptospermum_ -that if you stray from the paths it is almost impossible to force your way -through." - -Besides the above particulars, we have from Gould the following account, -which he elicited by cross-examination of several natives:--"There is -only one male and one female to each mound; they repair an old mound, and -do not build a new one; both assist in scratching the sand to the nest. -The female commences laying about the beginning of September, or when the -spear-grass begins to shoot. Both sexes approach the nest together when -the female is about to lay, and they take an equal share in the labour of -covering and uncovering the mound. After every sunrise the female lays an -egg, and lays altogether from eight to ten. If the natives rob the mound, -the female will lay again in the same nest, but she will only lay the full -number of eggs twice in one summer. From the commencement of building -until the last eggs are hatched, four moons elapse--this would give a very -long period of time before the eggs were hatched. The young one scratches -its way out alone, the mother does not assist it. They usually come out -one at a time, occasionally a pair appear together. The mother, who is -feeding in the scrub in its vicinity, hears its call and runs to it; she -then takes care of the young one as a European Hen does of its chick. When -all are hatched, the mother is accompanied by eight or ten young ones, who -remain with her until they are more than half grown. The male bird does -not accompany them. The two sexes have different calls, that of the female -is constantly uttered as she walks about the scrub with her young ones. - -"The natives frequently find the nest and eggs, but they seldom see the -old birds, as they are very timid and quick-sighted. They run very fast -like the Emu, roost on trees, live for a long time without water, but -drink when it rains. The Ocellated Leipoa is a remarkably stout compact -bird, and appears when alive to have as large a body as the female Turkey, -but it is shorter in the legs. Mr. Schomburghk states that an egg he -took home and placed under a Domestic Hen was hatched the next day, and -the young bird appeared covered with feathers, and capable of at once -obtaining its own food." - - * * * * * - -The MEGAPODES (_Megapodii_) have a large slender body, moderate-sized -neck, and large head; the broadly-rounded wing has the third, fourth, -and fifth quills of equal length; the tail, formed of ten feathers, is -short and rounded; the tarsus very strong, and longer than the long, -powerful middle toe, which is armed like the rest with a formidable and -slightly-hooked claw. The straight beak is usually shorter than the head, -and vaulted towards its tip. The thick plumage is prolonged upon the back -of the head and the region of the eye; a large portion of the head and -the throat and neck are always bare. We are indebted to Gould, Gilbert, -and Macgillivray for full particulars respecting the mode of life of the -Megapodes. "The habits and economy of the birds comprised in this family -are," says Gould, "both curious and extraordinary, nor are they less -singular in their structure; indeed, in my own opinion, no group of birds -is more isolated. By one of our best ornithologists one species has been -classed with the _Vultures_, another placed it with _Meleagres_, and a -third authority considered it to be allied to the genus _Ralles_. From -the colonists of Australia the three species inhabiting that country -have received the trivial names of Brush Turkey, Native Pheasant, and -Jungle Fowl, but to none of these birds are they in any way allied. In -general appearance the _Megapodidæ_ offer a certain degree of alliance -to the _Gallinaceæ_, but in the peculiar shape, colouring, and odour of -their eggs, and in the mode in which they are incubated, they are totally -different, and in some of these respects resemble the tortoises and -turtles. Three species belonging to different genera inhabit Australia; -others exist in New Guinea and the neighbouring islands, and extend as far -north as the Philippines." - - -THE AUSTRALIAN MEGAPODE. - -The AUSTRALIAN MEGAPODE (_Megapodius tumulus_) is about the size of a -female Pheasant. The head of this species is dark reddish brown, the -back and wing reddish brown, the upper and lower tail-covers deep -chestnut-brown, the quills and tail-feathers blackish brown, and back of -the head and under side grey. The eye is light reddish brown, the beak of -rather a darker shade, and the foot bright orange. - -"On my arrival at Port Essington," says Gilbert, "my attention was -attracted to numerous immense mounds of earth, which were pointed out to -me by some of the residents as the tumuli of the aborigines; on the other -hand, I was assured by the natives that they were formed by the Megapode -for the purpose of incubating its eggs. This latter statement appeared so -extraordinary, and so much at variance with the general habits of birds, -that no one in the settlement believed them or took sufficient interest -in the matter to examine the mounds, and thus to verify or refute their -accounts. Another circumstance which induced a doubt of their veracity -was the great size of the eggs brought in by the natives as those of -this bird. Aware that the eggs of the Leipoa were hatched in a similar -manner, my attention was immediately arrested by these accounts, and I at -once determined to ascertain all I possibly could respecting so singular -a feature in the bird's economy; and having procured the assistance of -a very intelligent native, who undertook to guide me to the different -places resorted to by these birds, I proceeded on the 16th of November to -Knocker's Bay, a part of Port Essington Harbour, comparatively but little -known, and where I had been informed a number of these birds were always -to be seen." A detailed account follows of his finding several different -mounds, which he examined, and was quite convinced that the natives had -spoken the truth concerning them. Somewhat later, Mr. John Macgillivray -observed the Megapode on Nago Island, in Endeavour Straits, and during his -stay there was so fortunate as to procure both the male and the female, -and to find several mounds containing eggs. - -"Few birds," says this gentleman, "are more wary and less easily procured -than the Megapodius; it inhabits the belts of brush along the coast, and -I never found the tumulus at a greater distance from the sea than a few -hundred yards. When disturbed this species seldom rises at once, unless -on the margin of a thicket, but runs off to some distance and then takes -to wing, flying heavily, but without any of the whirring noise of the -true _Gallinaceæ_. It seldom takes a long flight, and usually perches on -a tree, remaining there in a crouching attitude with outstretched neck, -but flying off again upon observing any motion made by its pursuer; and -it is only by cautiously sneaking up under cover of the largest trees -that it can be approached within gunshot. As an example of its shyness, -I may mention that a party of three persons scattered about in a jungle -on Nago Island for the purpose of shooting the Megapodius did not see a -single bird, although they put up several, one of which came towards me -and perched, unconscious of my presence, within twenty yards. At Port -Essington I have shot this bird among mangroves, the roots of which were -washed by the sea at high water; and Captain F. P. Blackwood killed one -while running on the mud in a similar locality, in both instances close to -a mound." - -Gilbert also confirms the statement that it is found near the shore. The -Megapode, he says, is almost exclusively confined to the dense thickets -immediately adjacent to the sea-beach; it appears never to go far inland, -except along the banks of creeks. It is always met with in pairs, or quite -solitary, and feeds on the ground, its food consisting of roots, which -its powerful claws enable it to scratch up with the utmost facility, and -also of seeds, berries, and insects, particularly the larger species of -_Coleoptera_. He did not himself detect any note or cry, but, from the -natives' description of it, it much resembles the clucking of a Domestic -Fowl, ending with a scream like that of the Peacock. The mounds are -very different, both as regards situation, size, and composition. They -usually stand near the edge of water; some are composed of sand and -shell, while others contain vegetable mould and decaying wood. Gilbert -found one fifteen feet in height and sixty in circumference at the base, -and another which covered a space of at least a hundred and fifty feet -in circumference, and Macgillivray speaks of one of similar height and -extent. It is most probable that these mounds are the work of several -generations; whether each mound is resorted to by more than one pair, -Mr. Macgillivray had not the means of ascertaining. "Some of them," he -observes, "are evidently very ancient, trees being often seen growing -from their sides. In one instance I found a tree which was a foot in -diameter growing from the middle of a mound." The holes containing the -eggs sometimes commence at the outer edge of the summit, and slope down -obliquely, towards the centre, and sometimes run in an oblique direction -from the centre towards the outer slope of the hillock. The eggs lie six -feet deep from the summit, but only two or three feet from the side. "The -natives," says Gilbert, "dig them up with their hands alone, and only make -sufficient room to admit their bodies and to throw out the earth between -their legs; their patience is, however, often put to severe trials, for -they often dig down to a depth of six or seven feet without finding an -egg, and are quite exhausted by their vain attempts. The eggs are placed -in a perpendicular position, the larger end uppermost; they differ in -size, but in form they assimilate; they are three inches and five lines -long, by two inches and three lines broad. The composition of the mound -appears to influence the colouring of a thin epidermis with which the -eggs are covered, and which readily chips off, showing the true shell to -be white; those deposited in the black soil are always of a dark reddish -brown, while those from the sandy hillocks near the beach are of a dirty -yellowish white. The natives affirm that the eggs are deposited at night, -at intervals of several days." The exit of the young bird from the egg was -not seen either by Macgillivray or Gilbert, but the latter found a young -bird in a hole about two feet deep, lying on a few withered leaves, which -appeared to be only a few days old. Gilbert took great care of the bird, -intending to rear it, and placed it in a moderate-sized box containing a -large quantity of sand. It fed freely on bruised corn, but was so wild -and intractable that it would not reconcile itself to confinement, and -escaped on the third day. While in captivity, it was incessantly occupied -in scratching up the sand into heaps, and throwing it from one end of the -box to the other with a rapidity quite surprising for so young and small -a bird, its size not exceeding that of a small Quail. At night it was so -noisy in its efforts to escape that its captor was kept constantly awake. -In scratching up the sand it used only one foot, and having grasped a -footful, threw it behind with but little apparent exertion, and without -shifting its standing position on the other leg. This habit seemed to be -the result of an innate restless disposition, and a desire to use its -powerful feet, and to have but little connection with its feeding, for -though Mr. Gilbert mixed Indian corn with the sand, he never detected the -bird picking any up while so employed. - - * * * * * - -The CURASSOWS, or HOCCOS (_Cracidæ_), are large or middle-sized birds, -with slender bodies, much-rounded wings in which the four or five exterior -primaries are graduated, and the secondaries prolonged, and a long -powerful tail either slightly graduated or straight at its extremity. The -beak, which is of various lengths and comparatively shorter than that of -a Pigeon, is curved at the culmen, much hooked at the tip, and covered -with a cere which extends over the whole region of the nostrils, and -occasionally over the cheek-stripes and the excrescences exhibited by -some species at the base of the bill. The rather high and sinewy foot is -furnished with long thin toes placed on the same plane, and armed with -narrow, long, pointed, and slightly hooked claws. The heavy plumage is -composed of large feathers, some of which are broadly rounded, and in -one family have the shafts of unusual size at the root, but gradually -tapering towards the extremity. One species in particular possesses this -peculiarity in a high degree, these broad shafts being ten or twenty times -as thick at the centre as at the tip, and from six to ten times as thick -as at the base, the lower portions of these broad shafts are covered -with a downy web, whilst that of the extremity is close in texture. This -peculiar structure of the feathers is much developed in the hinder parts -of the body, and slightly on the wings and tail. Dusky hues predominate -in the coloration of the plumage. These fine birds inhabit the forests -of South America, and build their nests in trees. Like the rest of the -order, they subsist upon worms, insects, fruits, and the seeds of plants. -The above definition includes two distinct families--the CRACES or TRUE -CURASSOWS, and the PENELOPÆ or GUANS. - - * * * * * - -The TRUE CURASSOWS, or HOCCOS (_Craces_), are powerfully-framed birds, -possessing a high, much-curved beak, with compressed sides, and furnished -with a cere and excrescences at its base. During the period of incubation -the latter swell to a considerable size, and in one species present the -appearance of a horn placed in the centre of the brow, and in another -assume the appearance of a large pear-shaped excrescence. The strong foot -is moderately high, and the toes rather long, the wing short, with its -seventh and eighth quills longer than the rest, and the rounded tail of -medium size. The plumage upon the brow and nape usually forms a comb-like -crest composed of slender, stiff feathers, which incline backwards at -their roots, but project forwards at their curved tips. The feathers on -the cheeks, upper throat, and hinder parts are soft and downy, and those -on the lower neck and rump coarse and harsh; the region of the eye is -bare, and the cheeks covered with small hair-like feathers. - -The members of this family occupy the forests of tropical America, where -they frequent the trees, and but rarely descend upon the ground, over -the surface of which, however, they can run with great rapidity; their -flight is slow, horizontal, and never long sustained, and their mode of -disporting themselves when upon the branches of trees, easy though slow. -During the breeding season they are met with in pairs, and at other times -in small parties of some three or four birds. In all the various species -the voice is peculiar, but very different in tone, and is heard most -frequently during the period of incubation, or in the early morning, when -they first awake from sleep. The Indians maintain, and Schomburghk has -corroborated the statement, that one species, the _Urax tomentosa_, always -utters its cry at the moment that the beautiful constellation called the -Southern Cross attains its greatest altitude. In their wild state the -Hoccos subsist principally on fruit and berries of various kinds, and -occasionally consume insects, worms, and portions of certain plants; to -the strong odour of some of the latter is probably attributable a most -unpleasant flavour occasionally observable in their flesh. We are but -little acquainted with the incubation of these birds, except that they -build a flat nest made of twigs interlaced and lined with leaves, and -placed upon the branches at no great distance from the ground. Bates -and Schomburghk are of opinion that the large white eggs are but two in -number; Gray, on the contrary, states that the female lays as many as five -or six. In their native forests the Hoccos exhibit no fear of man, and -if attacked, seem perfectly unconscious of danger, even should they see -their companions fall dead around them. When living in the vicinity of -human habitations, on the contrary, they become extremely timid, and if -approached, at once take wing. The Indians not only eat the flesh of these -birds, but employ their strong quills and tail-feathers as fans; the small -feathers are also used in various kinds of ornamental work. In different -parts of America Curassows have long been domesticated, and at one time -were, it is said, thoroughly acclimatised in Holland by M. Armschoff, -proving in his menagerie as prolific as any of our barn-door poultry. - - -THE COMMON OR CRESTED CURASSOW. - -The COMMON or CRESTED CURASSOW (_Crax alector_) is nearly as large as a -Turkey, being about thirty-six inches long. Its plumage is of a glossy -black, and gleams with green and purple when exposed to the rays of the -sun; the belly is white. The stout black beak is furnished with a large -yellow cere at the base of both mandibles, and the eye is surrounded by -a bare skin. The female is black only upon the head, neck, and breast; -the feathers upon her belly are rust-red, and those of her wings and legs -marked with reddish yellow. - -This fine bird is common in Brazil, from Guiana to Paraguay, and is called -"Powese" by the natives on account of its cry, which is said to resemble -that word. Its flesh is much valued and forms an important article of food -to the planters. In their native woods these birds exhibit little fear of -man, but become more cautious when in the vicinity of human habitations; -they are readily tamed, however, and are constantly kept by the natives as -domestic pets. Sonnini mentions having seen them, when in Guiana, running -freely about in the streets and entering the houses to obtain food; at -night they slept on the house-tops or similar situations, and Bates gives -an interesting account of a fine specimen that he saw running about a -house quite like one of the family. It attended at all the meals, and -passed from one person to another round the table to be fed, attracting -the attention of the guests in a coaxing manner by rubbing its head -against their cheeks and shoulders. At night it slept on a chest close to -the hammock of a little girl to whom it was particularly attached, and -followed her about the grounds in all her walks like a dog. - -[Illustration: THE CRESTED CURASSOW (_Crax alector_). ONE-QUARTER NATURAL -SIZE.] - - -THE WATTLED CURASSOW. - -The WATTLED CURASSOW (_Crax carunculata_) is distinguishable from the -species last described by the inferiority of its size, and the red hue -of its cere. The plumage of the male is black, with the exception of the -white belly and wings. The eye is brown, the tip of the beak black, the -cere red, and the foot yellowish red. The female has part of her throat -and breast spotted with white, and the wings and upper part of the belly -and legs with reddish yellow, the rump and lower portions of the belly -are brownish red. The length of this species is thirty-four inches and -the breadth forty-seven inches, the wing measures fourteen and the tail -thirteen inches and a half. The Wattled Curassow inhabits the forests on -the eastern coasts of Brazil, and is met with from Rio de Janeiro to Bahia. - - -THE RED CURASSOW. - -The RED CURASSOW (_Crax rubra_) is at once recognisable by its beautiful -chestnut-brown plumage; the feathers on the nape and part of the throat -are striped black and white, and those that form the tail adorned with -yellowish white lines edged with black. The eye is reddish brown, the beak -horn-grey, the cere blueish black, and the foot lead-grey. - -This species is about two feet and six or eight inches long. It has a -large strong bill, and a crest composed of twisted and curled feathers, -tipped with black at their broad extremities. The Red Curassows inhabit -Mexico, Peru, and the West Indian Islands. They are easily tamed, and -associate freely with other poultry; this accounts for mongrel birds being -often seen that differ much from the parent stock. In their native wilds -they are by no means shy, and will suffer themselves to be shot at many -times before they attempt to escape. - - -THE GALEATED CURASSOW. - -The GALEATED CURASSOW (_Urax pauxi_) is characterised by the large, -pear-shaped excrescence situated above the nostril, its thick, curved -beak, which is vaulted from its base to the tip, and the absence of a -crest upon its head. The plumage is principally of a glossy blackish -green, with white upon the belly and tip of the tail; the eye is reddish -brown, the beak red, the excrescence on the beak blueish black, and the -foot light red. The windpipe of this bird is much elongated, and after -continuing down the whole length of the pectoral muscle, forms a loop and -ascends again before entering the chest. - -The Galeated Curassow is met with in flocks in the Mexican forests, where -it perches in the trees, but makes its nest upon the ground. The mother -leads forth her young in the same manner as a Hen, and feeds them at first -with worms, insects, and larvæ, but at a later period they subsist upon -grain and berries. This species is easily domesticated, and was one of -those which bred in Holland in M. Armschoff's menagerie. - - -THE MOUNTAIN CURASSOW, OR LORD DERBY'S GUAN. - -The MOUNTAIN CURASSOW, or LORD DERBY'S GUAN (_Oreophasis Derbyanus_), must -be regarded as the connecting link between the _Craces_ and _Penelopæ_. -This bird, with which we are but little acquainted, has an elongate but -powerful body, short neck, and comparatively small head. In the small -abruptly-rounded wings, the sixth quill exceeds the rest in length; -the tail is long, graduated, and but slightly rounded at the tip. The -feathers composing the tail and pinions are of unusual breadth, and -those forming the latter have a decided curve inwards. All the smaller -feathers are downy as far as their centre, with large shafts; those of -the rump-feathers being remarkably thick. The plumage of the throat is -of a velvety texture, but assumes a hairy appearance lower down, whilst -that upon other parts of the body is broad-webbed, compact, and harsh. The -slender beak is almost covered with velvety feathers forming a tuft above -the upper mandible, which curves slightly over the lower portion of the -bill and has a broad tip. The short foot is furnished with long toes and -large curved claws. The tarsi and skin between the outer and middle toes -are feathered. The centre of the brow is in this species decorated with a -slender horn, which inclines forward at the extremity. The plumage of both -sexes is glossy black, shaded with green upon the back, wings, and belly; -the gullet and breast are whitish grey, each feather being striped with -blackish brown upon the shafts; the ornamentation of the tail is enlivened -by a greyish white stripe about an inch in length. The eye is white, -the beak pale straw-colour, the horn scarlet, and the foot bright red. -The length of this species is thirty inches; the wing measures fourteen -inches, and the tail fourteen inches and a half. - -The first specimen of the Mountain Curassow seen in Europe was killed by a -Spaniard in 1848, and came into the possession of Earl Derby, after whom -it was named. This rare species appears to be met with only on the Volcan -del Fuego, a mountain in Guatemala which is covered at an altitude of -7,000 feet above the sea with high trees, among the branches of which it -seeks its food during the morning hours, but later in the day it descends -into the underwood or reposes upon the ground. Its habits probably -resemble those of its congeners, but we are without any other details as -to its mode of life. - - * * * * * - -The GUANS (_Penelopæ_) are distinguishable from the Curassows by their -slender body, comparatively long, much-rounded tail, and low tarsus. -They have a broad cere upon their beak, and a bare patch around the eye; -their almost naked throat is only covered with a long hairy growth, and -there is a slight crest upon the head. The upper plumage of these birds -is usually of a uniformly dusky metallic green or brown, while many of -the feathers on the under side and breast have light borders. The various -members of this family are only found in the warm parts of South America, -and closely resemble each other in their mode of life and habits. They -usually frequent trees, near the tops of which they perch during the heat -of the day, only descending to seek for fruit and insects at early morning -or in the evening. Owing to the shortness of their wings their flight is -heavy and performed with difficulty; on the branches they are more adroit, -and if alarmed move with extraordinary rapidity; in disposition they are -shy and usually remain concealed among the thickest foliage, from whence -they peep forth to reconnoitre and keep a strict watch against approaching -danger. The larger species are solitary in their habits, whilst the -smaller members of the family associate in large parties, often numbering -sixty or seventy individuals, and fly about under the guidance of one -bird placed at the head of the flock. The harsh, loud, peculiar voices of -the _Penelopæ_ are usually heard most frequently at break of day, and are -represented by travellers as producing an almost deafening effect, when, -as is generally the case, a whole flock, following the example of their -leader, join together in chorus. Fruit, seeds, and berries of various -kinds afford these birds the means of subsistence: it would also appear, -according to the Prince von Wied, that they do not reject insect diet. The -nests are usually built in trees, and only occasionally on the ground. The -large white eggs are from two to six in number. It is at present uncertain -whether both parents assist in tending their offspring. Bajon informs us -that as soon as the young quit the shell they commence climbing about in -the underwood, and are fed in the nest; when strong enough, they venture -on to the ground, follow their mother like young chickens, and are led -about by her in the short grass during the early morning; when fully -fledged they go forth into the world on their own account, and the parents -probably proceed to rear another brood. Some species only leave the nest -when about ten or twelve days old. Amongst the Indians these birds are -highly prized as domestic favourites, and soon become so tame as to enjoy -being caressed and taken in the hand. Their flesh is also much esteemed. - - -THE SUPERCILIOUS GUAN. - -The SUPERCILIOUS GUAN (_Penelope superciliaris_) represents a group -recognisable by their comparatively large size, moderately long tail, -and soft plumage, as also by the small crest upon their head, and the -absence of feathers on the brow, sides of the neck, and throat. Upon the -crown, nape, throat, and breast, the plumage of this species is of a slaty -black, shaded with grey; each of the feathers edged with a whitish line, -while those of the back, wings, and tail are metallic green, bordered -with whitish grey and reddish yellow; the feathers on the belly and -rump are brown and yellowish red, and the quills delicately edged with -greyish yellow. A whitish brown stripe passes above the brown eye, which -is surrounded by a bare patch of black skin; the bare throat is deep -flesh-red; the beak greyish brown; and the foot dusky reddish brown. The -female is recognisable from her mate by the comparative indistinctness -both of the stripes above the eye and the light borders to the feathers. -The young are principally of a pale greyish brown, with a reddish yellow -line over the eye, and are delicately marked with undulating lines upon -the breast, rump, and leg feathers. This bird is twenty-four inches long; -the wing measures ten, and the tail ten and a half inches. - -The Supercilious Guan is an inhabitant of Brazil, and is particularly -numerous in the district of Para: it is called by the Indians "Jack-peva." - - -THE PIGMY, OR PIPING GUAN. - -The PIGMY, or PIPING GUAN (_Pipile leucolophos_), represents a group -distinguishable from the above birds by their low tarsi, the slender, -sickle-shaped form of the three first wing-quills, the slender, erect, -and pointed crest, about three inches long, that adorns their head, and -the black, bristle-like growth that covers the cheeks and overspreads -the throat in small tufts. The upper portion of the body is principally -slate-black, with white outer wing tipped with spots of the same dark -shade; the lower part of the back, under breast, belly, and vent are -reddish brown; some parts of the throat and breast have a chequered -appearance, owing to the white edges of the feathers. The crest is -composed of pure white feathers with black shafts; the quills and tail are -black, enlivened by a steel-blue sheen; the eye is a deep cherry-colour; -the bare face light blue; the throat light red; the beak horn-black, -with bright blue base; and the foot red. The female is not so large as -her mate, and has a shorter crest, less decided tints, and broader white -edges to her feathers. The plumage of the young is dusky brownish black, -except on the reddish brown belly and rump; their crest is but slightly -developed. This bird is twenty-nine inches long and thirty-nine broad; -the wing measures nearly eleven, and tail ten inches and three-quarters. -Schomburghk mentions that he met with the Piping Guan in all parts of -British Guiana, and saw it in great numbers in the forests near the coast. -It is less bold than its congeners, and unlike them, according to the -Prince von Wied, builds its nest amongst the branches of the forest trees -in which it lives in pairs. Its flesh is excellent, and it is readily -tamed. The voice of this species is low and piping. - - -THE ARACUAN. - -The ARACUAN (_Ortalida Aracuan_) and its congeners are smaller than the -above birds, with longer tails, and tarsi as long as the centre toe. -In the wing the outer primaries are rounded at the tip, and the fifth, -sixth, and seventh quills longer than the rest. The cheeks and sides of -the throat are bare, the latter divided by a narrow feathered stripe. The -plumage, which is composed of soft and rounded feathers, is principally -of an olive-brown on the upper portion of the body, with a somewhat -redder shade on the crown of the head, and white edges to the feathers -on the breast and fore part of the throat; the three outer tail-feathers -are tipped with brownish red. The eye is deep brown, and the bare patch -that surrounds it blueish black; the unfeathered portions of the throat -are flesh-red; the beak light red; and foot pale flesh-red. The female -differs but slightly from her mate; the young exhibit much paler tints -than the parent birds. This species is twenty inches and a half long, and -twenty-three inches and a quarter broad; the wing measures seven and the -tail nine inches. - -[Illustration: THE HOACTZIN, OR STINK BIRD (_Opisthocomus cristatus_).] - -The Aracuan is an inhabitant of Central Brazil, where it is principally -met with in the forests of Bahia. - - -THE HOACTZIN, OR STINK BIRD. - -The HOACTZIN, or STINK BIRD (_Opisthocomus cristatus_), the only -representative of the tribe to which it belongs, has a slender body, -moderately long neck, and wings that extend to about the centre of the -tail, which is composed of ten long, broad feathers, graduated at its -sides and rounded at the extremity. The bill, which resembles both that -of the _Craces_ and of the _Penelopæ_, curves over its lower portion -at the tip, is covered with a cere at its base, and is slightly incised -at its margins. The tarsi are short, and the long toes, which are not -united by a skin, are armed with large, curved, and very sharp claws. The -plumage is prolonged upon the head and nape into a long flowing crest, the -feathers of which, like those on the neck, are narrow and pointed, while -such as cover the rump are large and rounded. The plumage on the belly is -almost downy in texture, and that of the back is coarse and harsh. The -nape, back, wings, and portion of the quills and the tail are brown, the -hinder quills enlivened by a metallic green gloss, and the feathers on the -wing-covers whitish, the belly, part of the legs, rump, primary quills, -and outer portions of the secondaries are light rust-red. The crest is -whitish yellow, partially tipped with black, the eye light brown. The bare -part of the face is flesh-pink, the beak greyish brown, with a light tip, -and the foot reddish brown. This species is twenty-four inches long; its -wing measures thirteen, and tail eleven inches. - -The Hoactzin is peculiar to the northern parts of South America, and is -common in the thickets and forests near Cameta, not far from the junction -of the Talantias with the Para. "In this remarkable bird," says Bates, -"the hind toe is not placed high above the level of the rest, as it -generally is in the Rasorial order, but lies in the same plane with them, -and the shape of the foot thus becomes adapted to the arboreal habits of -the bird. This, indeed, may be said to be a distinguishing character of -all the birds in equinoctial America that represent the Fowl and Pheasant -tribes of the Old World. - -"This species lives in considerable flocks on the low trees and bushes -bordering streams and lagoons, and feeds on various wild fruits, -especially the sour guava (_Psidium_). The natives say it devours the -fruit of arborescent arums (_Caladium arborescens_), which grow in -crowded masses around the swampy banks of lagoons. Its voice is a harsh -grating hiss; this noise is uttered when the birds are alarmed, all the -individuals sibilating as they fly heavily away from tree to tree. The -_Opisthocomus_ is polygamous, like other members of the order to which -it has been assigned. It is never, however, by any chance, seen on the -ground, and is nowhere domesticated. The flesh has an unpleasant odour of -musk combined with that of wet hides, a smell called by the Brazilians -_catinga_, and it is therefore uneatable. If it be as unpalatable to -carnivorous animals as it is to man, the immunity from persecution which -this bird would thereby enjoy would account for its existing in such great -numbers throughout the country." - -The Hoactzin is by no means shy, and will allow the hunter to approach -very near. If alarmed at the report of a gun, the whole flock take flight -crying "cra, cra," and all alight close to each other on the branches of -some tree a few paces further off. The strong and most unpleasant odour -emitted by the bodies of these birds is supposed to be imparted by the -leaves of the trees on which they principally subsist. So powerful is the -musky smell thus acquired that the natives employ the flesh as bait for -certain fishes. Schomburghk is inclined to doubt whether this strong odour -is to be thus accounted for, and tells us that stuffed specimens retain -their disagreeable scent for several years. The very loosely-constructed -nest of the _Opisthocomus_ is placed in low bushes near the water; the -eggs, three or four in number, are greyish white, spotted with red; in -shape they resemble those of the _Penelopæ_, whilst the markings are -similar to those of the Rails. - - * * * * * - -The TINAMOUS (_Crypturidæ_), as the birds belonging to the last division -of this order are called, constitute a group of very remarkable South -American species, recognisable by their powerful bodies, long thin neck, -small flat head, and long, slender, curved bill. The tarsus is long, the -sole of the foot rough, and the small hinder toe, which is placed high -up, is in some instances so short as to be nothing more than a claw. The -feathers on the head and throat are small, whilst those on the rump are -large, broad, and strong. The short rounded wings have the fourth or fifth -of their slender and pointed primaries longer than the rest; the tail is -composed of ten or twelve narrow feathers, so short as to be concealed by -the long tail-covers, or in some instances they are entirely wanting. The -sexes are alike both in their coloration and general appearance. These -birds inhabit a large portion of South America, and frequent the most -various situations, open plains, dense thickets, or mountain regions; -each have their appointed occupants: whilst some are met with exclusively -at an altitude of more than 2,000 feet about the level of the sea. Their -flight is heavy, and is but seldom resorted to as a means of escape; upon -the ground they run with great rapidity, somewhat after the manner of a -Quail, and if disturbed, at once crouch down or conceal themselves amongst -the long grass. Such species as frequent forests pass the night upon the -lower branches of trees. Their voice consists of a series of deep and -high piping notes, uttered by some during the day, and by others only -when seeking their roosting-place for the night or early in the morning. -The intelligence of the _Crypturidæ_ is very limited, and if alarmed they -appear to become almost stupefied. Of one species Mr. Darwin tells us that -a man on horseback, by riding round and round so as to approach nearer -each time, may knock as many on the head as he pleases. The more common -method is to catch them with a running noose or little lasso, made of an -ostrich-feather fastened to the end of a stick; a boy on a horse will -frequently thus catch thirty or forty in a day. Guns, dogs, and snares are -also employed in their capture, owing to the length of the grass in which -they take refuge. European dogs, even if well trained, are not of much -value in their pursuit; the Indian dog, on the contrary, Tschudi informs -us, seldom fails to seize the game. Fruits, portions of leaves, insects, -and seeds, constitute the food of these birds, and to the bitter taste of -some of the latter is probably to be attributed a peculiar, disagreeable -flavour occasionally observable in their flesh. We are at present without -reliable information respecting their incubation, beyond the facts that -they make a slight nest upon the ground, and are usually seen in pairs. -The eggs are of uniform hue, with a beautifully bright gloss on the shell. -The young only remain for a short time under their mother's care, and, -as with the Quails, soon wander forth to obtain their own subsistence. -Schomburghk mentions having seen these birds kept and tamed in the huts of -the Indians, but pronounces them to be very uninteresting favourites. - - -THE TATAUPA. - -The TATAUPA (_Crypturus Tataupa_) represents a division of the above birds -recognisable by their powerful body, short pigeon-like neck, moderately -large head, and slender, slightly-curved beak, which exceeds the head in -length, and is much flattened towards the lower part of the culmen. The -first quill in the short wing is very small, and the fourth longer than -the rest; the tail-feathers are entirely wanting, and the foot, which -is of moderate height, has the hinder toe but slightly developed. The -rich, dark plumage is grey upon the head, throat, and breast, whilst the -back, wings, and tail-covers are reddish brown, and the rump-feathers -black or deep brown edged with white and yellow. The eye is reddish light -brown, the beak coral-red, and the foot flesh-brown. The length of this -species is nine inches and a half, and its breadth fifteen inches; the -wing measures four inches and three-quarters. The female bird is scarcely -distinguishable from her mate in the coloration of her plumage, whilst -the young are at once recognisable by the dull brownish grey feathers on -their head, throat, and under side, and the deep greyish yellow hue of the -belly, which is distinctly spotted with a darker shade. The Tataupa is met -with in portions of Eastern Brazil, and is especially numerous in some -parts of Bahia. According to the Prince von Wied it prefers open quarters -to forest land, and runs with great rapidity over the ground. Towards -evening it utters a very peculiar cry, consisting of two long-sustained -notes, followed by six or eight of the same tone, but short and quickly -repeated. In their other habits they resemble the Tinamous. The nest is -made on the ground, the eggs are about the size of those of a Pigeon, and, -according to Brehm, of a glossy, pale-chocolate hue. The flesh of the -Tataupa is much esteemed as an article of food; when cooked it is white -and almost without fat. - - -THE INAMBU. - -[Illustration: THE INAMBU (_Rhynchotus rufescens_). ONE-QUARTER NATURAL -SIZE.] - -The INAMBU (_Rhynchotus rufescens_) represents a group recognisable by -their great size, powerful body, long neck, small head, and slender, -slightly-curved beak, which exceeds the head in length, and is bluntly -rounded at its extremity. The wings are short and vaulted, with pointed -primaries, of which the first is very small and the fourth the longest. -The foot is high and furnished with long front toes and a well-developed -hinder toe. The plumage, which upon the cheeks and bridles is composed -of remarkably small feathers, is principally of a reddish yellow, the -region of the throat being of a whitish hue, and the crown of the head -streaked with black. The feathers on the back, wings, and tail-covers -are also striped with black, and have two broad black lines above their -yellow border. The primaries are of uniform bright yellowish red, and the -secondaries grey, marked with undulating black and grey lines. The eye is -yellowish brown; the beak brown with a pale yellowish brown base to the -lower mandible, and the foot flesh-brown. The length of this species is -sixteen inches; the wing measures eight inches. - -The Inambu is an inhabitant of Central Brazil, being specially numerous -in St. Paul's, Southern Minas, and Goyaz: Darwin met with it in the -sterile country near Bahia Blanca, where it frequented swampy thickets -on the borders of lakes. According to that naturalist it lies low and -is unwilling to rise, but often utters a very shrill whistle whilst -on the ground. The flesh when cooked is quite white. The Inambu is a -constant object of pursuit to the sportsman, and to this fact is no doubt -attributable the shyness it exhibits at the approach of danger; if alarmed -it at once seeks shelter in the grass, and only has recourse to its wings -if sorely pressed. Occasionally, but rarely, these birds are met with -associated in considerable numbers. According to Burmeister they fly about -during the twilight hours, and make their nest in a thick bush. The eggs, -from six to eight in number, are of a very glossy dark grey colour shaded -with violet. - - * * * * * - -The AMERICAN QUAILS (_Nothura_) are a race of small birds that nearly -resemble the European Quail in their general appearance, and like it -make their homes in the long grass of open pastures. The plumage of this -group is thick, composed of long narrow feathers, and the beak is short -and much hooked at its extremity. The first wing-quill is very short, -the second comparatively large, and the fourth longer than the rest. The -tail-feathers, which in some species are of remarkable size, are soft in -texture; the foot is strong, and the hind toe moderately developed. These -timid birds inhabit South America, frequenting both the open grassy plains -that border the large rivers, and the barren tracts of the warmer portions -of the continent. If alarmed they conceal themselves in bushes, or crouch -close to the ground and do not readily have recourse to their wings. -Insects and small fruits constitute their means of subsistence. - - -THE LESSER MEXICAN QUAIL. - -The LESSER MEXICAN QUAIL (_Nothura nana_) has the plumage on the back of -a greyish yellow; the breast whitish yellow, and the throat pure white. -The feathers on the back are striped with black and edged with pale grey -at the sides; the head and nape are spotted in stripes, and the side and -belly transversely striped. The tail-covers of the male bird are covered -with long, downy feathers, which form a flowing train. This species is six -inches long and nine inches and half broad. The female is about an inch -shorter than her mate. - -This Quail inhabits the grassy plains of Paraguay, and is by no means -so rare as has been supposed. Owing to the shyness of its habits, it is -frequently overlooked by sportsmen, as, if alarmed, it lies concealed in -the long grass, only rises on the wing when danger is close at hand, and -flying to a short distance, again seeks shelter; if once more disturbed -we are told it does not again quit its hiding-place; and, according to -Azara, will even allow itself to be taken with the hand rather than leave -its cover. As the breeding season approaches it becomes more lively, and -utters a penetrating cry. - - -THE MACUCA. - -The MACUCA (_Trachypelmus Brasiliensis_) represents a division of the -_Crypturidæ_ possessing well-developed tail-feathers. The characteristics -of this group are powerful bodies; short thin necks; small heads; strong, -arched, and much-rounded wings, in which the fifth quill exceeds the rest -in length; a moderately short, slightly-rounded tail, which is entirely -concealed beneath the feathers of the upper covers; and strong feet, -furnished with short, slightly-rounded toes. The hinder toe is very small, -and placed high. Upon the back the plumage is reddish brown, marked with -undulatory black lines; the breast and belly are yellowish grey; the -leg-feathers have dark markings, and each side of the throat is decorated -with a reddish yellow line. The plumage of the Macuca is reddish brown, -broadly marked with black upon the back; the belly and breast are of paler -hue, and more delicately striped; the throat is whitish, and the sides -of the neck mottled with black and white. The eye is greyish brown; the -beak dark brown above, light grey at its sides; and the foot lead-colour. -This species is eighteen inches and two-thirds long, and thirty-one inches -broad; the wing measures seven, and the tail four inches. - -The Macuca, we learn from the Prince von Wied, inhabits the large forests -of the warmer portion of South America. It runs with facility, and passes -the day in searching for fruits and berries upon the ground. As night -approaches it rises, with a very peculiar rustling of its wings, on to -the branches of the trees. The cry of this species is deep, dull, and -resonant, and is heard most frequently in the early morning and evening. -The stomachs of some specimens examined by the above naturalist contained -red berries, large hard fruit, and the remains of beetles and insects, -together with gravel and small stones. - -The same authority states that the Macuca lays nine or ten large eggs, of -a blueish green colour, which are deposited in a slight depression in the -ground, about September, and that the females brood with so much zeal that -upon several occasions they allowed themselves to be seized by his dogs -rather than desert their little family. The flesh of the Macuca is highly -esteemed, and consequently this bird is an object of ardent pursuit to the -sportsman, who sometimes allures it by imitating its cry. A great variety -of snares are also employed for its capture by night. - - * * * * * - -The SPUR-FOWLS (_Galloperdices_) seem to constitute a distinct group, -remarkable on account of the formidable character of their spurs, and the -richness and variety of their colours, as exemplified in - - -THE PAINTED SPUR-FOWL. - -The PAINTED SPUR-FOWL (_Galloperdix Lunulosa_)--See Coloured Plate XXXI. -In this beautiful species the male has the head, face, and neck variegated -with black and white, the feathers being black, with white streaks and -triangular spots, the head mostly black; the upper plumage and wings rich -chestnut, with white spots on the back, sides of the neck, shoulders, and -wing-covers; primaries earthy brown, tail dark sepia-brown, glossed with -green in old birds; beneath, the throat and neck are variegated black and -white, changing on the neck to ochreous buff, with small triangular black -marks, which disappear on the abdomen; the flanks, thigh-covers, and under -tail-covers dull chestnut. Bill blackish, orbits and irides red-brown, -legs horny brown. Length, thirteen inches, wing six, tail five, tarsus one -inch and a half. - -These birds are found in Southern India, in the jungles of the Eastern -Ghauts, and upon the Hill country in the vicinity of those mountains. They -have been taken in the neighbourhood of Pondicherry and the Ghauts, near -Bellary, Cuddapah, and Hyderabad; in Bengal and the Himalayas they are -unknown. They are generally associated in small flocks, keeping to the low -shrubs and brushwood, and seeking their food among fallen leaves and low -herbage. Jerdon kept several individuals for a long time, but found them -too pugnacious and quarrelsome for domestication. Their tail is carried -erect, like that of the Jungle Fowl. A fine specimen of this species was -brought to the Zoological Gardens, London, where its beauty and vivacity -attracted general admiration. - -[Illustration] - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[Footnote A: _Œnas_, from οἰνος, _wine;_ a name given to this -bird by Ray.] - -[Footnote B: "The City Madam," by Massinger.] - - - - -SHORT-WINGED CURSORIAL BIRDS (_Brevipennes_). - - -This order comprises a number of remarkable birds, conspicuous among which -are the OSTRICHES, with wings so strangely disproportionate to the size -of their bodies as to have given rise to many strange fables amongst the -Eastern nations concerning their origin. In North-eastern Asia the legend -runs that these huge birds, inflated with pride at their superior size -and strength, looked down upon their feathered companions with contempt, -and, desirous of exhibiting their powers of flight, upon one occasion -made a vain attempt to reach the sun. Phœbus, angry at such presumption, -punished their temerity by singeing off their wings, and thus causing them -to fall heavily to earth. In so doing they struck their breasts violently -upon the ground, and received a mark that, together with the shortness of -their pinions, has been reproduced through all successive generations, as -a terrible warning against vainglorious aspirations. - -Another and more ancient fable represents the Ostrich as the offspring of -the camel and some strange feathered occupant of the desert. - -The members of this order are birds of great size, with rather short, -blunt beaks, in which the orifices of the nostrils are placed at a short -distance behind the tip. In one family, however, the bill is comparatively -long and slender. The head is moderately large, the neck very long, and -the body exceedingly powerful; the wings are extraordinarily short, while -the legs, on the contrary, are long and muscular; the large strong foot is -furnished with two, three, or four toes. The feathers and quills of the -tail are undeveloped, and the rest of the plumage is so lax as to have -somewhat the appearance of hair. The sight and hearing of the BREVIPENNES -is excellent, but their senses of taste and feeling very deficient. All -are shy and cautious in their habits, but on the approach of danger they -exhibit but little sagacity in their wild attempts at flight. Amongst -themselves they live at peace, except during the period of incubation, and -when in captivity show themselves to be almost incapable of attachment. - -Africa produces one, America three, and Oceania no fewer than nine -species of these birds, whilst in Europe and Asia they are unrepresented. -Everywhere they occupy dry, sandy plains or tracts covered with scanty -vegetation, and wander over these dreary wastes, either alone or in -flocks, in search of the plants and small creatures upon which they -subsist. Although not actually voracious in their appetites, no substance, -however indigestible, seems to come amiss to them, and a variety of -objects are frequently swallowed that their stomachs utterly reject. The -incubation of these birds is very remarkable. Some are monogamous, others -polygamous; but in all cases, or at least with few exceptions, the male -usually undertakes all the parental duties, and behaves in every respect -as a "mother" to the young, whilst the female, after depositing her eggs, -exhibits but slight interest in her progeny. - - -THE OSTRICH. - -[Illustration: THE OSTRICH (_Struthio camelus_).] - -The OSTRICH (_Struthio camelus_) is at once recognisable by its very -powerful body, long and partially bare throat, and small flat head. The -moderately long, depressed, and straight bill is rounded at its extremity, -and has the open longitudinal nostrils prolonged nearly half-way down -the beak. The large brilliant eyes are protected by lashes, and the -open uncovered ears lined with a hairy growth. The long legs are bare -or only overspread with a few bristles on the thighs, while the tarsi -are covered with large scales, and the feet furnished with but two toes: -the innermost of which is armed with a large, broad, blunt claw. The -wings are furnished with waving plumes, and two bare shafts, not unlike -porcupine's quills. In this bird the sternum has no keel, but is simply -convex, shield-like, and covered with a callous pad or elastic cushion, -having a hard rough surface unclothed with feathers, on which the birds -support their bodies when reposing on the ground. The thick curly plumage -differs in its coloration according to the sex of the bird. In the male -the small rump-feathers are coal-black, the flowing wing and tail feathers -of a dazzling whiteness. The colour of the female is a brownish grey, -mingled with dirty white. The young resemble the mother after the first -moulting. The height of the fully-grown male is eight feet, and his -length from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail at least six -feet; the weight of the body is about one hundredweight and a half. These -large and remarkable birds inhabit the vast deserts and barren steppes of -Southern Africa, and were formerly far more numerous than they are now. -Lichtenstein, who wrote at the commencement of this century, mentions -having seen flocks containing as many as 300 individuals in the country -near the Cape, but at the present day they are usually met with in small -families, consisting of but one male and from two to four females. In such -countries as are not subjected to any violent changes of temperature, -they remain from one year to another within a certain limited district, -provided it affords them ample means of subsistence, and a large supply of -water, which is indispensable. As regards the development of their senses, -these birds are very unequally gifted; their power of sight is extensive, -whilst their taste and hearing are comparatively deficient. The cry of -the Ostrich, which is often uttered at night, is a loud, dolorous, and -stridulous sound, and in the stillness of the desert plains may be heard -to a great distance. Some have compared it to the roar of the lion, but -Dr. Tristram, from whom we borrow the following account of the habits of -this bird, describes it as more like the hoarse lowing of an ox in pain. -The note of the Ostrich during the day or when feeding he describes as -being very different--a sort of hissing chuckle. The beauty of its wings -and tail-feathers, which are as highly prized by the Bedouins for the -decoration of tombs and of the tents and spear-heads of their sheikhs as -they are for head-dresses among Western nations, have caused its chase -to be a favourite employment of all desert tribes, and good skins fetch -very high prices in the native markets. This bird never approaches settled -habitations, and very rarely cultivated lands; it usually selects an -open space where it is safe from surprise, and where by its fleetness it -"scorneth the horse and his rider." - -[Illustration: _Plate 30. Cassell's Book of Birds_ - -HASTINGS TRAGOPAN ____ CERIORNIS MELANOCEPHALUS - -(_one third Nat. size_)] - -"The capture of the Ostrich is the greatest feat of hunting to which the -Arab sportsman aspires, and in richness of booty it ranks next to the -plunder of a caravan. So wary is the bird, and so open are the vast plains -over which it roams, that no ambuscades or artifices can be employed, and -the vulgar resource of dogged perseverance is the only mode of pursuit. -The horses to be employed undergo a long and painful training: abstinence -from water and a diet of dry dates being considered the best means for -strengthening their wind. The hunters set forth with small skins of water -strapped under their horses' bellies, and a scanty allowance of food for -four or five days distributed judiciously about their saddles. The Ostrich -generally lives in companies of from four to six individuals, which do not -appear to be in the habit, under ordinary circumstances, of wandering more -than twenty or thirty miles from their head-quarters. When descried, two -or three of the hunters follow the herd, at a gentle gallop, endeavouring -merely to keep the birds in sight without alarming them or driving them at -full speed, when they would soon be lost to view. The rest of the pursuers -leisurely proceed in a direction at right angles to the course which the -Ostriches have taken, knowing by experience their habit of running in a -circle. Posted on the best look-out they can find, they await for hours -the anticipated route of the game, calculating upon intersecting their -path. If fortunate enough to detect them, the relay sets upon the now -fatigued flock, and frequently succeeds in running one or two down; though -a horse or two generally falls exhausted in the pursuit." - -The Ostrich when once taken offers no resistance beyond kicking out -sideways. Its speed has been calculated, by Dr. Livingstone, at twenty-six -miles an hour, and yet the South African Ostrich is smaller than the -northern species; Dr. Tristram, who, in the Sahara, measured the stride -of the latter when bounding at full speed, found it to be from twenty-two -to twenty-eight feet. If Dr. Livingstone's calculation be at all correct, -the speed of the Ostrich is unequalled by any other cursorial animal. -Portions of plants, grass, seeds, and insects form the principal food of -these birds, but nothing that they can by any possibility swallow seems -to come amiss to them; even should the object be of such a nature as -to be utterly indigestible by their stomachs. Brehm mentions that upon -more than one occasion his bunch of keys was thus appropriated by an -Ostrich, and cites an instance in which a great variety of small articles -made of metal, such as coins, keys, nails, and bullets, together with a -considerable quantity of gravel and pebbles, were found upon dissection -in the stomach of a single individual. Small quadrupeds and birds they -also enjoy amazingly, and an authority, quoted by Brehm, affirms that one -of these voracious creatures that was kept about a farm-house, entered -the yard, and seeing a fine broad of ducklings running about after their -mother, coolly swallowed them one after the other with no more ceremony -than if they had been so many oysters. Nor is the thirst of these birds -less remarkable, for Anderson assures us that when engaged in drinking -they seem so engrossed as to have neither eyes nor ears for anything -around them; day by day the same spot is visited in order to obtain water, -until regular beaten tracks are formed, that have often misled travellers -in the African desert, and caused them to imagine they had discovered -the footprints of man. The female Ostrich deposits her numerous eggs in -a shallow hollow in the sand, only a few inches deep, but about one yard -in diameter; round this a slight wall is scraped together, and against it -the numerous eggs are placed upon end, in such a manner as to occupy the -least possible space. Several females lay in the same spot, so that it -is not uncommon to find as many as thirty, or, according to Livingstone, -as forty-five eggs in one nest. During the night the male bird broods, -whilst in the daytime the eggs are covered with sand and left exposed to -the sun's rays for hours at a time. Several eggs usually lie scattered -around the nest; these are supposed to be intended as food for such of the -young as first emerge from the shell. Solitary eggs are also left lying at -random all over the country, and are named by the Bechuans 'losetla.' It -is from this habit, most probably, that want of parental instinct is laid -to the charge of the Ostrich; moreover, it is certain that when surprised -by man with their young, before the latter are able to run, the parent -bird usually scuds off alone and leaves its offspring to their fate. To -do otherwise would be self-sacrifice, as it is aware of its inability to -defend itself or its poults, and on the open desert it cannot, like other -cursorial birds, mislead the pursuer or conceal its brood in herbage. -The young are hatched in six or seven weeks, and make their appearance -covered, not with feathers, but with a bristle-like growth, somewhat -resembling the prickles on the back of a hedgehog. From the day they -quit the shell, they not only run easily, but are fully competent to -pick up their food from the ground, and within a fortnight are "entirely -self-dependent." The following anecdote illustrative of the affection -occasionally displayed by the Ostrich for its little family is given by -Anderson, who was an eye-witness on the occasion, he and his friend, Mr. -Galton, having come upon a male and female escorting a brood of young ones -of about the size of Barn-door Fowls:--"The moment the parent birds became -aware of our intention, they set off at full speed, the female leading the -way, the young following in her wake, and the cock, though at some little -distance, bringing up the rear of the family party. It was very touching -to observe the anxiety the old birds evinced for the safety of their -progeny. Finding that we were quickly gaining upon them, the male at once -slackened his pace and diverged somewhat from his course; but seeing that -we were not to be diverted from our purpose, he again increased his speed, -and with wings drooping so as almost to touch the ground, he hovered round -us now in wide circles, and then decreasing the circumference till he came -almost within pistol-shot, when he abruptly threw himself on the ground, -and struggled desperately to regain his legs, as it appeared, like a bird -that has been badly wounded. Having previously fired at him I really -thought he was disabled, and made quickly towards him, but this was only a -_ruse_ on his part, for on my nearer approach he slowly rose, and began to -run in an opposite direction to that of the female, who by this time was -considerably ahead with her charge." - -The eggs of the Ostrich are of an oval shape, and have a thick, glossy, -yellowish white shell, marked with pale yellow. According to Hardy the -weight of one fully equals that of twenty-four of the eggs laid by the -Domestic Fowl. To travellers in the African deserts these huge eggs form -a convenient and portable provision; their flavour is excellent, and the -shell so thick that they keep perfectly fresh for a fortnight or three -weeks. Tristram mentions having found Ostrich egg omelette a most valuable -addition to his desert bill of fare. When two months old the young -acquire a plumage similar to that of the adult female; this is retained -by both sexes for two years, when the male exhibits black feathers and -has attained his full size and strength. The young Ostrich is easily -domesticated, and is often kept by the Arabs, living freely with the -goats and camels, and showing no disposition to escape. In some villages -they are a sort of public property and live in the bazaars, levying -contributions for themselves from the fruit-stalls. - -The Romans highly esteemed the flesh of the Ostrich, and the -pseudo-Emperor Firmius is said to have devoured an entire bird at one -meal; the brain was regarded as a choice delicacy, and to provide the -Emperor Heliogabalus with a sufficient supper of this luxurious diet, -six hundred Ostriches, we are told, lost their lives. They were also -introduced into the Circus, and upon one occasion no less than one -thousand of them, together with a number of other animals, fell victims -to the cruel thirst for excitement that debased the populace of Rome. In -all parts of Southern and Central Africa, the flesh, feathers, and eggs -of the Ostrich are highly esteemed, and form most valuable articles of -traffic. A skin is in some parts worth from forty to one hundred dollars, -but the Arabs are in the habit of thinning the feathers so that the trader -rarely obtains a specimen on which this tax has not been levied. Anderson -describes a foot chase of these birds, witnessed by himself, on the banks -of Lake Ngami. On this occasion the flock was entirely surrounded, and the -terrified birds driven with loud cries and a variety of strange noises -into the water. Moffat also gives an amusing account of another mode -adopted by the Bushmen for their destruction. A skin is stuffed with straw -so as to form a kind of saddle, and covered with feathers; this is placed -upon a man's head, his legs are painted white, and with the head and neck -of an Ostrich mounted upon a stick in one hand and his gun in the other, -he steals amidst an unsuspecting party, and by imitating their gestures -so completely deceives them as to his identity, that they make no attempt -to avoid the treacherous intruder. Amongst the many ways employed to cook -Ostrich eggs, Burchell mentions that the Hottentots prepare them by boring -a small hole at one end; into this they insert a thin twig and stir the -contents briskly over a fire of hot ashes; when thus prepared they are -excellent. - - * * * * * - -The NANDUS (_Rhea_), as the American representatives of the Ostrich are -called, closely resemble their African brothers in general formation, but -have a somewhat shorter wing, and the foot furnished with three toes. -The bill is flat, of the same length as the head, broad at its base, -and rounded at its tip, and very similar to that of the Ostrich. The -toes are moderately long, connected by a skin at their base, and armed -with straight sharp claws, which are compressed at their sides, bluntly -rounded at their upper surface, and sharply ridged beneath. The wings are -furnished with long plumes and terminated by a spur; the tail-feathers are -entirely wanting. The region of the eye, cheek-stripes, and a ring covered -with bristles that encircles the ear, are unfeathered and covered with -a wrinkled skin; the feathers on the head and throat are small, narrow, -and pointed; those on the rump are large, broad, and rounded with a soft -flowing web; the eyelids are furnished with large stiff bristles. The male -and female are almost alike in colour, but differ in size. We are now -acquainted with three members of the above group. - - -THE TRUE NANDU, OR AMERICAN OSTRICH. - -The TRUE NANDU, or AMERICAN OSTRICH (_Rhea Americana_), has the plumage -on the crown of the head, upper throat, nape, and upper breast, and the -bristles on the cheek-stripes of a blackish hue; the centre of the throat -is yellow, the rest of the neck and cheeks are light lead-grey, and the -back, sides of the breast, and wings brownish grey; the other portions of -the under side are dirty white. The eyes are pearl-grey, the bare parts -of the face flesh-colour; the beak is greyish brown, and the foot grey. -The female is distinguishable by the paler tints of her neck and breast. -An old female measured by the Prince von Wied was fifty-two inches and -two-thirds in length, and seven feet across the span of the wings. - -[Illustration: AN OSTRICH HUNT.] - -[Illustration: NANDUS (_Rhea Americana_), WITH NEST AND EGGS.] - -The American Ostrich ranges south as far as forty-two or forty-three -degrees; it is abundant on the plains of La Plata, and, according to -Azara, is found in Paraguay. Mr. Darwin saw it within the first range of -mountains on the Uspalluta Plain, at an elevation of six or seven thousand -feet above the sea; but it does not cross the Cordilleras. At Bahia Blanca -the latter observer repeatedly saw three or four come down at low water to -the extensive mud-banks, which are then dry, for the sake, as the Gauchos -say, of catching small fish. Although this Ostrich is in its habits so -shy, wary, and solitary, and although so fleet in its pace, it falls a -prey without much difficulty to the Indian or Gaucho, armed with the -_bolas_. When several horsemen appear in a circle it becomes confounded, -and does not know which way to escape; it prefers running against the -wind, yet at the first start it expands its wings like a vessel that -makes all sail. On one fine hot day Mr. Darwin saw several of these birds -enter a bed of tall rushes, where they squatted concealed until closely -approached. - -In Patagonia, at the Bay of San Blas, and at Port Valdes, Mr. King several -times saw Nandus swimming from island to island, a distance of about two -hundred yards; they ran into the water, both when driven and of their own -accord, and swam very slowly, with their necks extended a little forward, -only a small part of their bodies appearing above the water. Mr. Darwin -likewise on two occasions observed some of these Ostriches swimming across -the Santa Cruz River, where it was about four hundred yards wide and -its course rapid. The note of the male is described as being deep-toned -and hissing, and so peculiar as rather to resemble the noise of some -wild beast than the voice of any bird. At Bahia Blanca, in the months of -September and October, the eggs of the Nandu were found in extraordinary -numbers all over the country. They either lie scattered singly--in which -case they are never hatched and are called by the Spaniards _huachos_--or -they are collected together into a shallow excavation which forms the -nest. Out of four nests which Mr. Darwin saw, three contained twenty-two -eggs each, and the fourth twenty-seven. In one day's hunting on horseback -sixty-four eggs were found; forty-four of these were in two nests, and -the remaining twenty were scattered huachos. The Gauchos unanimously -affirm--and there is no reason to doubt their statement--that the male -bird alone hatches the eggs, and for some time afterwards accompanies -the young. The male when on the nest lies very close, and may almost be -ridden over. It is asserted that at such times they are occasionally very -fierce and even dangerous, and that they have been known to attack a man -on horseback by trying to kick and leap on him. There can be little doubt -that several females deposit their eggs in common; indeed, the Gauchos, -says Darwin, "unanimously assert that four or five have been watched and -actually seen to go, in the middle of the day, one after another to the -same nest." - -A family party of Nandus generally consists of a male and from five to -seven females, who seem to have possession of a space of ground, from -which all intruders in the shape of rivals are resolutely excluded; but -when the breeding season is over, several of these families associate -together, and it is not an uncommon occurrence to see sixty of them -forming one large flock, but they seldom wander very far from their native -place. In the autumn they seem to prefer the neighbourhood of streams and -marshy ground, where they find fruit and berries, or they wander among -the thistles first introduced by the Spaniards, but now extending over -thousands of miles of fertile soil; while in the winter time they may be -seen associating with cattle, sharing with them the long fine grass. - -In swiftness the Nandu is but little behind its African representative. -It can easily outrun and tire the best horse, not only by the swiftness -of its pace, but by the wonderful skill with which it makes all sorts -of windings and short cuts. The length of its usual step is stated by -Böcking to be from twenty to four-and-twenty inches. When it raises its -outstretched wings but still goes leisurely along, its stride is about -three feet and a half; but if pursued and going at full speed each step -covers at least five feet, and the movements of its legs are so rapid that -it is impossible to count its footsteps. Often during the chase it will -suddenly dart off from its direct course, with one wing elevated and the -other depressed, at an angle of twenty-five or thirty degrees, and then -with fierce speed resume its former direction, springing over ditches or -fissures twenty feet across with the utmost ease; but it carefully avoids -steep ascents, as over such it makes its way with difficulty. - -During the rainy season these birds live principally upon clover, combined -with such insects as happen to fall in their way. At a later period they -frequent the plains where cattle graze, and feed almost exclusively -upon grass; they show, nevertheless, a decided preference for the more -nutritious vegetables imported from Europe, and often do considerable -damage in the kitchen gardens of the settlers. Their presence, however, -is by no means devoid of utility. One of their favourite articles of -food consists of the unripe seeds of a plant somewhat resembling the -burdock, which, owing to its abundance in some localities, is a serious -detriment to the cattle-breeder, seeing that the burrs which it produces -get entangled in the manes and tails of horses, or the fleeces of sheep, -in which latter case they render the wool absolutely useless, by causing -it to become as it were felted into inextricable knots and tangles, and -indeed not unfrequently leading to the death of the animal, by producing -sores that soon swarm with maggots, and occasion intolerable irritation. -Whoever has examined the contents of the stomach of a Nandu, in the -month of December, will have some idea of the quantity of these seeds -that are thus devoured, and acknowledge that, were it only on account -of the services thus rendered to the farmer, the Nandus deserve all -the protection which they already enjoy at the hands of intelligent -cattle-breeders. At all times of the year, and at all ages, they feed -indiscriminately on a great variety of insects, and as the Guachos assert, -also upon snakes and other reptiles. Like our Barn-door Fowls, they -swallow quantities of small stones to facilitate the process of digestion. -They drink but seldom, the moisture derived from dew and rain appearing -to satisfy their ordinary wants; nevertheless, when they come to a pond, -they may be seen to indulge in a draught, very much after the manner of -chickens, scooping up the water with their beaks, and then holding their -necks outstretched, and thus allowing it to trickle down their throats. - -In the beginning of spring, which in the southern hemisphere is about the -month of October, those males which have attained the age of two years, -collect around them a seraglio of hen-birds, varying in number from three -to seven or more, and immediately begin to drive all rivals from their -vicinity, by formidable blows inflicted with their beak and wings. They -then at once begin their courtship, by performing, apparently for the -gratification of their mates, a remarkable sort of dance; with wings -outspread and trailing upon the ground, they stalk hither and thither, -or suddenly breaking into a run, dart forward with great speed, beating -the air with their wings, and then checking their career, strut about, -bowing to the female with ludicrous assumption of dignity, and recommence -the same performance. During this exhibition the male invariably gives -utterance to a loud bellowing noise, and manifests every indication of -being in a state of great excitement. When in their native wilds, the -courage and pugnacity which they display at this season is of course -expended on their rivals, but when in captivity their anger seems to -extend to intruders of every description. Visitors and even their keepers -must beware of the formidable blows inflicted with their hard beaks, or -sometimes with their feet, as they kick much in the same manner as the -African Ostrich. For a very interesting account of the proceedings of -these birds during incubation we are indebted to Bodinus. In the case of -a pair which bred in the Zoological Gardens of Cologne, he observed that -the male, upon whom alone devolves the duty of preparing a nest, did so -by continually moving about while sitting in a particular spot, until at -length, without any scratching or removal of the soil, a cavity was formed -in which the nest, consisting of a little dried grass, roughly arranged, -was placed. The female takes no share whatever in the preparation of the -nest. In the Pampas, before brooding time, which begins there about the -middle of December, solitary eggs, called by the natives "foundlings," -are everywhere to be met with; they seem to be produced by females -obliged to lay before the male has been able to make preparations for -their reception. The nest is generally a shallow excavation in some dry -spot of ground beyond the reach of inundation, and usually so placed as -to be concealed by thistles and long grass. A very favourable locality -is in holes made by the wild cattle, who use them as a kind of dust-bed, -wherein they shelter themselves against the attacks of insects, until they -have worn them so deep as to be larger than convenient for themselves, but -exactly suited to the requirements of the male Nandu. Should, however, -no such ready-made excavation present itself, the bird must perforce -undertake the necessary labour of clearing a space of ground of the -overgrowing vegetation, lining it scantily with dried grass, a ring of -which material always surrounds the margin, and thus preparing it for the -reception of the eggs. The number of eggs laid by each female has been a -subject of much dispute. Azara relates that at times seventy or eighty -eggs have been found in a single nest, while Darwin gives forty or fifty -as the greatest number. Böcking tells us, on the authority of the Guachos, -that fifty eggs have been met with, although he himself never saw more -than twenty-three, and gives from thirteen to seventeen as an average -number from all the nests he examined. The eggs themselves appear to be -very variable in size, some being not much larger than those of a Goose, -while others measure five inches in length. Around the nest, in a space -extending from its margin to a distance of fifty paces, "foundlings" are -always to be met with, and these appear to be fresher than the eggs within -the nest. The colour of the eggs is a dull yellowish white, marked with -small, greenish yellow dots, placed around the large pores. If exposed to -the sun, these colours rapidly fade, insomuch that after a week's exposure -the egg-shells are all snow-white. - -As soon as the nest has received its full complement, the male alone -undertakes the duties of incubation, the hens all retiring to a distance; -nevertheless, they generally keep together, and always remain within the -territory previously claimed by the master of the family. During the -night, and until the morning dew has been dried up, the male never leaves -his place upon the nest, but in the daytime he allows himself greater -liberty, and may be seen feeding at irregular intervals, that depend upon -the brightness of the sky or the temperature of the weather. Towards -the commencement of incubation the male Nandu appears rather careless -of his charge, and upon the slightest alarm will leave his nest until -the danger is past; but at a later period he broods very assiduously, -and will sometimes sit still till he is nearly ridden over, springing up -suddenly, immediately before the unwary traveller, often frightening a -spirited horse, and putting his rider in great danger. Neither does the -brood always escape the consequences of such precipitancy, some of the -eggs being frequently trodden upon and crushed, or kicked out of the nest -by the frantic bird. The affection of the male Nandu for his offspring -is, however, more conspicuously visible when a traveller approaches his -brooding-place in a more leisurely manner. On such occasions the anxious -parent hastens to meet the intruder, with wings outspread and ruffled -feathers, limping slowly along and staggering in a zigzag course, using -every endeavour to divert the attention of the stranger from the real -cause of anxiety. - -Although the sitting Nandu is by no means fond of visitors, he will not -desert the eggs so long as his nest is not actually disturbed, and has -even been known to continue sitting upon the residue after some of the -eggs have been taken away. In South America the young Nandus make their -appearance from the egg-shell about the beginning of February. Their -growth is surprisingly rapid, insomuch, indeed, that chicks of a fortnight -old are already a foot and a half high. Even on the third or fourth day -after they are hatched it would be difficult for a man to overtake them in -running, were it not that when hotly pursued, young birds have a habit of -falling flat upon the ground, where they easily escape observation. For -about five weeks they follow their father only, but the female parents -gradually join the party until the family is complete. By the arrival of -autumn, _i.e._, in April or May, the young birds have exchanged their -first clothing of down for a suit of dirty, yellowish grey feathers. - -[Illustration: THE TRUE NANDU, OR AMERICAN OSTRICH (_Rhea Americana_).] - -In addition to the all-reaching destructiveness of mankind, the great -enemy to the Nandus is fire. About the time when these birds are beginning -to breed, the herdsmen are in the habit of taking advantage of a high -wind, for the purpose of burning the long dry grass upon the vast steppes -or prairies, in order to clear them from the last year's straw. Before -such a fire as is thus kindled all living beings can only take refuge in -the low-lying and wettest portions of the country, and innumerable animals -suffer a cruel death. On these occasions the inhabitants of the district -collect as a great prize all the Nandus' eggs upon which they can lay -their hands. One of these eggs indeed is worth about fifteen Hens' eggs, -and is with the natives a very favourite dish. To prepare them, the narrow -end is broken open, the white, which is said to have a disagreeable taste, -is thrown away, and then having added a little butter, salt, and pepper, -the yolk is cooked by being stirred over the fire, using the egg-shell -as a saucepan. To boil one of these eggs hard in European fashion, -requires forty minutes. They are excellent for all culinary purposes, -but unfortunately will not keep. The flesh of the Nandu much resembles -horse-flesh in its colour, nevertheless the old birds are a favourite dish -among the Indians, while the young are not distasteful even to European -palates; they likewise afford a rich supply of oily, semi-fluid fat, -which while fresh is much esteemed, and used like butter. Unfortunately, -however, it soon becomes rancid, and is then only useful for softening -leather; and even for this purpose, in a country so abounding in hides, -it is not of much value. Out of the skin covering the neck the Gauchos -are in the habit of manufacturing small bags, suitable for many domestic -articles, while from the flexible shafts of the feathers, boys construct -springes with which they catch water-fowl. The full-grown feathers of the -mature bird are likewise used as ornaments to the harness of horses, or -are woven into very beautiful rugs, the patterns of which are extremely -elegant and varied. Feathers of inferior value are made into bunches for -dusting furniture, while the best and largest afford plumes scarcely -inferior to those of the Ostrich. - -Böcking estimates the duration of the life of the Nandu at fourteen or -fifteen years, and believes that many of them die from sheer old age, -inasmuch as he has observed individuals (especially in the winter season) -at the point of death, but exhibiting no external injury or internal -lesion to account for their condition. - -With the exception of mankind, these gigantic and swift-footed birds -indeed might seem to enjoy an immunity from the attacks of any ordinary -assailants. Sometimes the adult may be surprised by a prowling jaguar, -or an Eagle may swoop upon the young, and by chance carry off a victim, -but such accidents would seem to be of rare occurrence. Perhaps among -the most inveterate of their foes are the Spurred Lapwings (_Hoplopterus -spinosus_), whose animosity against these giants of the prairie is -positively ludicrous. No sooner does a Nandu approach a pair of these -little birds than they set up an intolerable screeching, like Crows on -the appearance of a Hawk; they strike at him with their wings, and by the -pertinacity of their attacks generally make him glad to get away from such -contemptible assailants, who valorously follow him for a little distance, -and return with every demonstration of triumph. - -The chase of the Rhea is a very favourite exercise. The Indians and the -Gauchos hunt them on horseback, kill them with the _bolas_, or course -them with dogs bred for the purpose; indulging in this sport not so much -for the sake of the booty as for the purpose of testing the swiftness -and endurance of their noble horses, and their own skill in throwing -the bolas or the lasso. When a hunting party is announced, numerous -well-mounted horsemen assemble, and taking advantage of the wind, approach -the birds as closely as they can, at a slow pace, until the moment when -the Nandus begin to run, which is the signal for man and horse to exert -themselves to the uttermost, and at length an individual is singled out -and separated from the flock as the special object of attack. In spite of -the swiftness of the poor bird, the Gauchos are soon close at his heels, -and the horseman who happens to gain the left side throws his bolas at -the devoted victim, which an instant afterwards falls to the ground a mere -shapeless mass of feathers, and rolls over killed by the momentum of its -own career. - -Should the first horseman miss his aim another immediately takes his -place, and launches from his hand the terrible weapon. This is repeated by -successive riders, until the game is either brought down, or succeeds in -reaching some swamp, where the horses are unable to follow. - -The name of Nandu is an imitation of the cry of the male during the -breeding season. After pairing-time is over the tones are very different, -and not easily described. In the neighbourhood of the peaceful settlers -who leave them undisturbed, the Nandus become so tame and trustful, that -they may be seen associating with tethered horses and milch-cows; indeed, -they may be looked upon as half domesticated, as they carelessly graze -among the cattle, and scarcely stir out of the way either of dogs or man. -Nevertheless, no sooner do they see the Gaucho, who hunts them, than -away they go, using every effort to escape, and displaying considerable -cunning in avoiding the observation of their enemy. The appearance of a -party of Indians puts them into an indescribable state of alarm; they will -fly before them for hours together, and even horses and herds of cattle -seem to share their dismay and accompany their flight; but if the hunter, -creeping upon his hands against the wind, manages to get near a flock of -Nandus and, lying flat down, waves a pocket-handkerchief, the curiosity -of the birds is at once excited and gradually gets the better of their -fear, until the whole flock with their male leader at their head, with -outstretched neck approaches within gunshot of their wily enemy. To kill -the Nandu with a gun, however, requires a good marksman, as these birds -are hard to kill, and will often run a long way after receiving a ball. -Should a flock of them be beguiled in the way we have just described and -one of them fall and begin to struggle, the rest immediately come to -its assistance with most ridiculous gestures, as if they had St. Vitus' -dance in their legs and wings, and thus the sportsman is enabled to have -a second shot. The report of the gun, moreover, does not frighten them, -for if it misses they will come still nearer, as if to satisfy themselves -as to what may be the meaning of so much noise. A wounded Nandu follows -his companions as far as he can, and when exhausted, steps on one side -and is left to his fate. In South America these birds are everywhere to -be seen in a state of semi-domestication, having been caught when young, -and are allowed to run about without restraint; they seem so much attached -to the locality where they have been reared, that towards evening they -always come home of their own accord. The Nandu is very generally met -with in European zoological gardens, where it requires less attention -than any others of the Ostrich race, and provided it has enough to eat, -is content with the simplest diet. Moreover, it seems quite able to bear -the vicissitudes of climate, and might at least become an ornament to our -parks, even were it useless for any other purpose. - - -THE LONG-BILLED NANDU. - -The LONG-BILLED NANDU (_Rhea macrorhyncha_) is distinguished from the -species above described by its dark brown plumage, which on the lower neck -is nearly black, and on the upper neck of a whitish grey colour. - - -THE DWARF NANDU. - -The DWARF NANDU (_Rhea Darwinii_) is smaller than the preceding; its -plumage is principally of a light brownish grey, each feather being -enlivened by a whitish edge. This species, which is named after Mr. -Darwin, was first heard of by him in North Patagonia, where it is called -the _avestruy petise_. The eggs were well known to the Indians, who -described them as being a little smaller than those of the Common Rhea, -but of a slightly different form, and of a blue tinge. Several of these -birds were met with at Santa Cruz in parties of four or five, or in pairs. -Unlike the more northern species, they did not spread their wings when -starting at full speed. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: THE EMU (_Dromæus Novæ Hollandiæ_).] - -The EMUS (_Dromæus_), a group of strange and interesting birds inhabiting -Australia, form as it were the connecting link between the Ostrich and the -Cassowary, nearly resembling the former in their general appearance, but -differing from it in the comparative shortness of their legs and neck, -and the less prominent development of the hinder parts of the body. The -beak is straight, compressed at its sides, round at its extremity, and -furnished with a ridge at its culmen; the large nostrils are covered with -a skin and situated in the centre of the bill. The wings and tail are -but slightly developed, the strong legs are covered with scales, and the -foot furnished with three toes armed with powerful claws. At a distance -the plumage somewhat resembles hair, the webs of the feathers being all -loose and separate; as is the case with the Ostrich, they take their -origin by pairs from the same shaft. The wings are clothed with feathers -exactly resembling those of the back, which divide from a middle line -and fall gracefully over on either side. The entire plumage is of a dull -brown, mottled with dirty grey; the feathers on the head and neck becoming -gradually shorter, and so thinly placed, that the purplish hue of the -skin of the throat and a patch round the ears is perfectly visible. The -sexes differ but little in size, and are alike in colour. We have to thank -Dr. Bennett for the first full account of these remarkable birds, drawn -from observation of several kept about his own house. With their life in -a wild state we are unfortunately but little acquainted, except that they -frequent the open plains in large flocks, and are especially numerous -about Botany Bay and Port Jackson. - - -THE EMU. - -The EMU (_Dromæus Novæ-Hollandiæ_) is larger than the Nandu, but inferior -in size to the Ostrich, its height usually not exceeding six feet. -Australian hunters have occasionally killed specimens measuring seven feet -to the crown of the head. The coloration of the plumage is principally of -a uniform pale brown, of a darker shade on the head, throat, and centre of -the back, and paler on the under side. The eye is light brown, the beak -horn-grey, and the foot pale brown; the bare parts of the face are of a -greyish tinge. - -This bird is much valued on account of the clear, bright yellow oil -extracted from it. This is obtained by boiling, and employed both for -burning and as an excellent liniment in gouty cases. - -Dr. Bennett informs us that the natives regard the flesh as a highly -luscious treat when cooked with the skin on, and that the fibula or small -bone of the leg is employed by them as an ornament. - -The flesh of the Emu, according to Mr. Cunningham, resembles beef "both in -appearance and taste, and is good and sweet eating; nothing indeed can be -more delicate than the flesh of the young. There is, however, but little -of it fit for culinary use upon any part except the hind-quarters, which -are of such dimensions that the shouldering of two hind legs homewards -for a mile's distance proved," he says, "as tiresome a task as he ever -encountered in the colony." - -Dr. Leichardt "found the flesh of these birds of the greatest service -during his overland route from Moreton Bay to Port Essington," in the -course of which, but more particularly between the head of the Gulf of -Carpentaria and Port Essington, the sight and capture of Emus was almost -a daily occurrence; so abundant, in fact, were they, that he saw in the -short space of eight miles at least one hundred, in flocks of three, five, -ten, and even more at a time. Some curious practices exist with respect -to this bird among the natives, and young men and boys are not allowed -to feed upon it. The note of the Emu is a low, booming or pumping noise, -which is produced in the female by means of the expansion and contraction -of a large membranous bag, surrounding an oblong opening through the rings -of the trachea; whether this peculiarity of structure is to be found in -the male, we are not aware. The Emus pair with tolerable constancy, and -the male bird appears to take a large share in the task of incubation. The -eggs, which are merely placed in a cavity scooped in a sandy soil, are six -or seven in number, and of a beautiful dark green, resembling shagreen in -appearance; they are five inches and three-quarters long, by three inches -and three-quarters in breadth. The eggs are held in much esteem by the -natives, who feed upon them whenever they can be procured. - -The nest of the Emu is situated, as we are informed by Dr. Bennett, in a -scrub upon the hills, where a space is scraped, similar to those formed -by brooding hens. The sticks and leaves, which alone compose the nest, -are laid round the cleared spot, and here the eggs are deposited without -regard to regularity, the number varying from nine to thirteen. It is -a curious circumstance that there is always an odd number. It is now -ascertained beyond a doubt that the eggs are hatched by incubation, and -not, as was once supposed, by solar heat. They are of large size, and of a -beautiful blueish green colour. - - -THE SPOTTED EMU. - -The SPOTTED EMU (_Dromæus irroratus_) is readily distinguished from the -above birds by its comparatively slender build, weaker feet, longer toes, -and the spots upon its plumage. This species differs from the _Dromæus -Novæ-Hollandiæ_ in having the whole of the body-feathers distinctly marked -with narrow transverse bars of light grey and brownish black; the feathers -on the back and sides are broader, longer, and less silky in texture than -those of the common kind, the latter difference being quite evident to the -touch. The upper part of the body and the neck are nearly black, and the -feathers appear thicker than those on the same parts in the other species. -"Having seen," says Mr. Gould, "adult and youthful examples of this Emu, -all bearing the characters which suggested its specific name, I have no -doubt of its being distinct from the _D. Novæ-Hollandiæ_. I am almost -equally certain that it is confined to the western division of Australia, -and that it represents there the Emu of the eastern coast. Whether the two -species incubate in South Australia, and if the present bird extends its -range to north and north-west, future research must determine." - - * * * * * - -The CASSOWARIES (_Casuarii_) are distinguishable from the group above -described by their compact body, short thick neck, low but powerful -legs, as also by the helmet that adorns their head, the peculiarity of -their plumage, and the formation of their beak and toes. In these birds -the bill is straight, compressed at its sides, arched at its culmen, -slightly hooked at its tip, and incised at both margins; the small, -oval-shaped nostrils are situated at the extremity, and the elevated, -compressed helmet at the base of the beak; the neck, which is bare and -brightly coloured on its upper portion, is furnished with either one or -two lappets; the wings consist of five strong, unwebbed, and rounded -shafts; the tail is not developed; the long robust tarsi are covered with -hexagonal scales except near the toes, where the scales are transverse. -The lateral toes are longer than the middle one, and the outer toe longest -of all; the claws are moderate and blunt, that on the centre toe very -long and powerful. The plumage resembles hair rather than feathers, the -webs being disunited and streaming. Five, or according to Gould six, -species of these remarkable birds have been discovered, but with three -of them we are almost entirely unacquainted; even the habitat of the _C. -uniappendiculatus_ and _C. bicarunculatus_ is uncertain. We also know -nothing of the _C. Kaupii_, the type of the race, except that it was found -by Rosenberg in New Guinea, and called by him after Kaup the naturalist. - - -THE HELMETED CASSOWARY. - -The HELMETED CASSOWARY (_Casuarius galeatus_) is principally black, the -face greenish blue, and the back of the head grey; the front of the neck -is violet, its sides blue, and its hinder portion bright red. The eye is -reddish brown, the beak black, and the foot greyish yellow. The plumage of -the young has a brownish tinge; the habitat of this species appears to be -confined to the forests on the island of Ceram, where it was discovered -by the Dutch traveller, Forster. We are almost entirely ignorant of the -habits of these strange birds in their native wilds. - - -THE MOORUK. - -The MOORUK (_Casuarius Bennettii_). The Mooruk is considerably smaller -and shorter than the Cassowary, and has much thicker legs. The helmet -rises high at the base and then branches out into two overhanging lobes, -the horny part which unites them being lowest in the centre. The back -part of this elevated crest is flat, and rises rather obliquely from the -head near the occiput. A specimen sent to England by Dr. Bennett, when it -first arrived, was rufous mixed with black on the back and under part of -the body, and raven-black about the neck and breast; the loose wavy skin -of the neck was beautifully coloured with iridescent tints of blueish -purple, pink, and an occasional shade of green; and the feet and legs were -of a pale ash-colour. It afterwards became generally darker, the bare -skin of the fore part of the neck of a more uniform smalt-blue, and the -legs somewhat darker in colour. The large strong feet and legs exhibit -a remarkable peculiarity in the extremity of the claw of the inner toe, -it being nearly three times as large as the other claws. The horny plate -on the top of the head resembles mother-of-pearl darkened with blacklead. -The form of the bill differs considerably from that of the Emu (_Dromæus -Novæ-Hollandiæ_), being longer and more curved, with a black and leathery -cere. Behind the horny head-plate rises a small tuft of black, hair-like -feathers which are continued in greater or less number over most parts of -the neck. - -The Mooruk, according to Gould, lives exclusively in the gullies and humid -parts of dense forests, and feeds upon the roots of ferns and plants -peculiar to such situations. The first specimen ever seen in Europe was -purchased by Dr. George Bennett, so well known from his contributions to -science, and sent by him to the Zoological Society of London. The bird -was obtained at a native village lying at the foot of two hills, called -by navigators the "Mother and Daughter," and situated on that part of the -coast of New Britain lying between Cape Palliser and Cape Stephen. In 1858 -Dr. Bennett purchased two other specimens brought to Sydney by Captain -Devlin, who bought them in New Britain and had had them in his possession -for eight months. According to the statement of that gentleman, the -natives of that part capture them when very young and rear them by hand. -The adults it is impossible to make prisoners, as they are remarkably -swift and possess great strength in the legs; on the least alarm they at -once dart into thick brushwood, where no human being could follow them, -and disappear like magic. We can do no better than give our readers the -benefit of Bennett's own graphic and circumstantial account of this -Cassowary, which he alone has been at the trouble of training and closely -observing:--"My birds," says that naturalist, "when placed in the yard -walked about as tame as Turkeys. They approached any one who came into -the yard, pecking the hand as if desirous of being fed, and were very -docile. They began by pecking at a bone, probably not having tasted any -meat for some time, and would not while engaged upon it touch some boiled -potatoes which were thrown to them; indeed, we found afterwards that they -fed better out of a dish than from the ground--no doubt having been early -accustomed to be fed in that manner. They were as familiar as if born and -bred among us for years, and did not require time to reconcile them to -their new situation, but became sociable and quite at home at once. We -found them next day rather too tame, or like spoilt pets, too often in the -way. One or both of them would walk into the kitchen, and while one was -dodging under the tables and chairs, the other would leap upon the table, -keeping the cook in a state of excitement; or they would be heard chirping -in the hall, or walk into the library in search of food or information, -or walk upstairs, and then be quickly seen descending again, making their -peculiar chirping, whistling noise; not a door could be left open but in -they walked, familiar with all. They kept the servants constantly on the -alert; if one of them went to open a door, on turning round she found a -Mooruk behind her, for they seldom went together, but generally wandered -apart from each other; if any attempt were made to turn them out by force, -they would dart rapidly round the room, dodging about under the tables, -chairs, and sofas, and then end by squatting down under a sofa or in a -corner, so that it was impossible to remove the bird except by carrying -it away; on attempting this, the long, powerful muscular legs would begin -kicking and struggling and soon get released, when it would politely walk -out of its own accord. I found the best method was to entice them out as -if you had something eatable in your hand, when they would follow the -direction in which you wished to lead them. The house-maid attempting -to turn the bird out of one of the rooms, it gave her a kick and tore -her dress. They walked into the stable among the horses, poking their -bills into the manger. When writing in my study, a chirping whistling -noise is heard. The door, which is ajar, is pushed open, and in walk the -Mooruks, who quietly pace round the room inspecting everything, and then -as peaceably go out again. If any attempt is made to turn them out, they -leap, dart about, and exhibit a wonderful rapidity of movement, which -no one would suppose possible from their quiet gait and manner at other -times. Even in the very tame state of these birds, I have seen sufficient -of them to know that, if they were loose in a wood it would be impossible -to catch them, and almost as difficult to shoot them. One day, when -apparently frightened at something that occurred, I saw one of them scour -round the yard at a swift pace, and speedily disappear under the archway -so rapidly that the eye could hardly follow it, upsetting in its progress -all the poultry that could not get out of the way. The lower half of the -stable door, about four feet high, was kept shut to prevent them going -in, but this proved no obstacle, as it was easily leaped over. They never -appeared to take any notice of, or to be frightened at the Jabiru, or -Gigantic Crane, which was in the same yard, although that sedate, stately -bird was not pleased at their intrusion. Having had these birds for a -considerable time in my possession," continues Dr. Bennett, "I had ample -opportunity of hearing all their cries. I never heard them utter a sound -like 'Mooruk,' and am inclined to consider that the name signifies in the -native language 'swift,' resembling closely the Malay term 'amuck,' or -mad career, and the extraordinarily rapid motions of these birds rather -confirm my idea on this subject. - -[Illustration: HELMETED CASSOWARY (_Casuarius galeatus_).] - -"The chirping sounds of the Mooruk are very peculiar, being modulated -according to the urgency of their wants and desires. Sometimes these notes -are varied, as if speaking--at one time they are mild, at another very -vehement, then rising to a higher and more rapid chirp as if scolding, -afterwards becoming plaintive, as if beseeching for something; again loud -and rapid, as if impatient at delay; indeed, at a little distance, this -modulation of the chirping notes seems as if the birds were holding a -conversation, and has a very singular effect. One morning I observed the -female Mooruk rolling in the yard upon its back with the feet uppermost, -when it suddenly started up, leaping and racing round the enclosure, -chirping all the while, kicking the trees and posts, elongating and -drawing itself up to its greatest height, then running round the trees -and often coming with such violence against them, and kicking so high -with both its legs at the same time as to tumble on its back, so that I -feared it was seriously hurt, but it rose again and ran about, not having -received the least injury. She thus continued kicking and running, all the -while keeping in an erect position, until she was apparently exhausted, -and then, with open bill and panting, very quietly resumed her tranquil -walk about the yard, picking about as usual, as if nothing had happened -to disturb her former tranquillity. On the afternoon of the same day the -male bird had one of these running and kicking freaks, racing about the -yard and attacking any person or fowl who ran away from him; he had a -chase after a consequential Bantam Cock, and endeavoured to trample the -poor thing under-foot, much to the dismay and horror of this important -bird; but I remarked that although he rushed and kicked violently against -the trees and had many falls, yet he had a method in his actions--judging -from the care he took not to come in contact with the Jabiru, of whom he -appeared to entertain a very wholesome dread. Whether he had a natural -respect for the bird on account of his serious deportment, or whether -it was the formidable, sword-like beak he dreaded, I know not, but when -in his most rapid and mad career he approached the Jabiru, he always -contrived to avoid him. He seemed to select the fowls, and dispersed them -in all directions over the yard. All these wild actions would continue for -about half an hour, when he would commence pecking about, and remain as -quiet as before. - -"One morning when the male bird was in one of these racing humours, some -strange fowls wandered into the yard; he immediately attacked them, and -did not cease until he had fairly kicked them out, trying also to trample -them under foot, and uttering at the same time a peculiar, blowing, -snorting, and hissing sound, which I observe is only expressed when he -is serious in his attacks. It is curious that he appeared to know our -fowls; for although he chased them, he never tried to drive them out of -the yard, which he invariably did with the strange poultry. The Bantam -Cock was on the top of the wall, out of reach, viewing the kicking scene -below among his hens with the greatest astonishment. The Bantam and his -hens were not our property, but were tenants next door, and the Mooruk -therefore considered himself justified in turning them out. It is common, -however, at other times to see our poultry and the Mooruks on the most -amiable terms, scraping together, and feeding on the dunghill and in the -yard." So extraordinary is the voracity of these strange birds, that -no object, however impossible of digestion, comes amiss to them. Dr. -Bennett's account of the annoyance his captives gave by indulging this -propensity is too amusing to be curtailed. - -"The instant the Mooruk saw an egg laid by a hen, he darted upon it, and, -breaking the shell, devoured it as if he had been accustomed to eggs all -his life. A servant was unpacking a cask; as soon as the birds heard -the noise they both ran down to it, and remained there whilst it was -unpacked, squatting down on each side most intently watching the process, -and occasionally pecking at the straw and contents. When the carpenter -was in the yard making some alterations in their cage, previous to their -voyage to England, it was very amusing to see them squat down upon their -tarsi like dogs, watching the man with the greatest apparent interest in -all his actions, enjoying the hammering noise, and occasionally picking -up a nail, which was not in this instance swallowed, but again dropped. -One of them, however, bolted the oilstone, which so alarmed the man lest -the bird had committed suicide, that he hurried to me and informed me of -the circumstance, when, to his surprise, I told him if he did not take -care they would also swallow his hammer, nails, and chisels. The birds -kept close to the man until he left for dinner, resuming their position -near him as soon as he returned to work, and not leaving him till he had -finished. One morning the male Mooruk was missing, and was found in the -bedroom upstairs drinking out of the water-jug. The same bird swallowed -a bung-cork which measured one inch and a half in diameter--indeed, both -seemed to swallow anything, from butter and eggs to iron bolts, nails, -and stones. The servant was starching some muslin cuffs, and having -completed one and hung it up to dry, she was about to finish the other, -when hearing the bell ring, she squeezed up the cuff, threw it into the -starch, and attended to the summons. On her return the cuff was gone, and -she could not imagine who had taken it during her brief absence, when she -discovered that the Mooruk was the thief, its beak and head being covered -with starch. Notwithstanding this propensity to swallow every variety of -object, the digestive power of these birds is by no means strong, even -such food as unboiled grain or raw potato being rejected whole from the -stomach." - -Dr. Bennett's male Mooruk measured three feet two inches to the top of -the head, and the female three feet. An egg presented by that gentleman -to Mr. Gould was five inches and a half long by three and a half broad, -the shell a pale buff, covered with pale green corrugations. Another egg, -laid in the Gardens of the Zoological Society, was pale grass-green, much -smoother, and more finely granulated than that of the Common Cassowary; -it measured six inches by nearly four, and weighed twenty-two ounces and -a half. The pair of Mooruks whose habits are above described bred in the -London Zoological Gardens. According to Dr. Sclater, the incubation lasted -seven weeks, the male alone brooding. A single young one was hatched, -which was unfortunately destroyed the same day by rats. In 1866 the -parents were more successful, and the scientific were delighted with the -sight of a young Mooruk hatched in captivity. This pretty and interesting -little creature was covered with light, yellowish brown down, and striped -with dark brown on its body and legs. The first day of its quitting the -shell it could scarcely walk, but on the second used its legs readily, -and uttered a cry somewhat resembling that of a chicken. The father, -who alone had brooded, at once undertook entire charge of his little -treasure, leading it about with the utmost care, guiding it to pick up the -food thrown down for it, and at night allowing it to nestle beneath his -plumage. - - -THE AUSTRALIAN CASSOWARY. - -The AUSTRALIAN CASSOWARY (_Casuarius Australis_). This bird stands about -five feet high; the head is without feathers, but covered with a blue -skin. Like the Emu, it is almost wingless, its wings being mere rudiments. -The body is thickly enveloped in dark brown wiry feathers; on the head is -a large prominence, or helmet, of bright red colour, and to the neck are -attached, like so many bells, six or eight round fleshy balls, of bright -blue and scarlet, which give the bird a very beautiful appearance. - -This Cassowary has never been brought to Europe, only one specimen having -been until recently obtained, which unluckily was lost shortly after its -capture. A communication from P. A. Eagle, Esq., with which we have been -kindly favoured, will best explain the importance attached by scientific -men to the discovery of this Australian species. - -"Compared with Asia," says Mr. Eagle, "Australia presents the greatest -contrast in its natural productions to be found between any two zoological -regions of the earth; and yet the line which separates these two great -provinces actually passes between two of the islands forming part of -the great volcanic chain running from Sumatra to Timor, namely, the -island of Bali on the west, and Lombock on the east, separated from each -other by no more than fifteen miles; so that within a two hours' sail, -without losing sight of land, you pass from Bali, full of Fruit Thrushes, -Woodpeckers, and the general ornithology of Asia, to Lombock, where -the Cockatoos, Honey-eaters, Brush Turkeys, and other members of the -Australian fauna, appear suddenly in full force. The forests of Australia -are destroyed by myriads of timber-boring larvæ of various insects; but -on the whole area there is not to be found a single Woodpecker, or any -bird to do its office; yet, in the same latitudes, in any other part of -the world, Woodpeckers occur in special kinds for each great district in -abundance, wherever forest trees grow, their function being to pick out -those timber-eating larvæ from the wood. The entire absence of the whole -family of True Pheasants and Vultures, found in numbers in any other -great region of the earth, is also a striking negative character of the -ornithology of Australia; whilst its innumerable Honey-eaters, Cockatoos, -and Brush-tongued Lories, found in no other region, give to it an equally -marked positive character. - -"The very deep sea surrounding Ceram, and other islands which constitute -the appendages, as it were, of Asia on one side and Australia on the -other, suggests a curious problem to the naturalist as to how they got -their inhabitants. Great interest, therefore, attaches to the recent -discovery of a Cassowary in Australia, as yet only imperfectly known, -and so nearly related to the Cassowary of Ceram that doubts have been -expressed as to their distinctness. They are both incapable of flight, -the wings being represented by five or six bare, cylindrical, pointed -quills, like those of a porcupine, and, consequently, the bird could not -fly nor pass from one island to another. The _Casuarius Australis_ was -first indicated by Mr. Wall, the naturalist to Kennedy's expedition, who -shot a specimen in a gully at Cape York, and a notice of it appeared in -1854 in a Sydney paper; but, as the specimen was lost, much doubt existed -as to the species. A bunch of feathers taken from a native hut on the -Upper Burdekin, and sent to Dr. Sclater in 1866, again drew attention -to the probability of a species of Cassowary inhabiting Australia, but -still there was no evidence of the species. In June, 1868, a specimen -reached the Zoological Society of London; and Dr. Sclater states that -although he had not compared it with the Cassowary of Ceram, it seemed -to differ--first, in the form of the crest; secondly, in having thicker -tarsi, and the long straight claw of the inner toe more developed; -thirdly, by the cobalt-blue colour of the naked skin of the neck and -throat. Very recently, however, a young specimen, about two feet long, has -been presented to the National Museum of Melbourne, which establishes the -fact that it is truly distinct as a species from the so-called Indian -Cassowary, and "apparently peculiar to Australia, or at any rate affords -no support to the theory of the former union of Australia with the -northern islands." - -[Illustration: THE KIVI-KIVI (_Apteryx Australis_).] - -There is fortunately a young specimen of the Ceram Cassowary nearly of -the same size as this young Australian one, and they are both of the same -light, rusty brown colour, the _Casuarius Australis_ being rather redder -on the head and slightly blacker on the back than the _C. galeatus_. In -neither specimen is the helmet developed. On comparing the two specimens, -the tarsi of the Ceram species were found to be rather stronger than those -of the _C. Australis_, and the left inner claw of the Ceram specimen half -an inch shorter than the right one, one side agreeing with the Australian -species. The little feathers on the two caruncles on the throat are -nearly black in _C. Australis_, but much lighter in _C. galeatus_. Two -distinctive characters are, however, shown by these specimens, not noticed -before. The bill of the Australian Cassowary is much more slender than -that of the Ceram bird; both mandibles, taken together vertically, being -one-third deeper in the Indian species than in the Australian one, while -the plumage of the latter is much looser than the former, from having the -lateral barbs much fewer or further apart. - -There can now be no doubt of the distinctness of the Queensland species, -although very closely allied to that with which it has been compared, and -also to the Mooruk of New Britain. - -According to a correspondent in the _Sydney Herald_, those who obtained -the adult bird state that they saw it running about in companies of seven -or eight, in deep valleys at the foot of high hills. The flesh was eaten -and found to be excellent--a single leg affording more food than several -hungry men could dispose of at a meal. The whole build of this Cassowary -is stronger and heavier than that of the Emu; it makes use of its powerful -legs in the same manner as that bird. It is described as very wary, but -its presence may be at once detected by its utterance of a peculiarly -loud note, which is taken up and echoed along the gullies it principally -frequents. - - * * * * * - -The KIVIS (_Apteryges_) bear but little resemblance to any of the members -of their order as yet described. They are distinguishable by their compact -body, short thick neck, comparatively short and four-toed foot, the -entire absence of the tail, and the merely rudimentary development of the -wings. Their plumage consists of long, lancet-shaped, flowing, and glossy -feathers, which increase in size from the neck downwards, and have a -somewhat loose web. The bill is very long, covered at the base with a long -cere, and rather depressed, with the tip of the upper mandible overhanging -the lower portion; the small nostrils are situated at the extremity of the -beak. The legs are strong and short; the anterior toes long, powerful, and -armed with formidable claws; the thick, short, hinder toe does not touch -the ground, and is furnished with a still stronger claw resembling the -spur of a Barn-door Cock. The tarsi and feet are covered with scales of -various sizes. - -These birds are strictly a New Zealand family. The first Apteryx seen in -England was presented to Dr. Shaw in 1812, and after his death passed into -the possession of the Earl of Derby. No other specimen was seen in Europe -for more than twenty years, and its existence was therefore doubted by -naturalists until 1833, when Mr. Yarrell read a most interesting paper -on the subject before the Zoological Society, and established the family -among accredited species. These strange birds, which at the first glance -somewhat resemble a quadruped in appearance, are, it is said, wholly -nocturnal in their habits, searching for food during the night, and moving -actively, but with a most uncouth gait (see Plate), from place to place. - - -THE KIVI-KIVI. - -The KIVI-KIVI (_Apteryx Australis_) has the plumage principally of a -greyish brown, which is darkest on the back. The wing-quills are soft -and rudimentary, and the face covered with soft hairs. This species is -thirty inches long; the bill, from the base of the forehead to the tip, -six inches; the reticulated tarsus two inches and a half; and the centre -toe, with the claw, three inches and five-eighths. The favourite resorts -of this bird, according to Bartlett, are localities densely covered with -fern, among which it can readily conceal itself; if very hard pressed by -the dogs usually employed in its capture, it takes refuge in crevices of -the rocks, hollow trees, and in the deep holes which it excavates in the -ground. In the latter chamber-like cavities it is said to construct its -nest, which is composed of grasses and dried ferns. - -"While undisturbed," says Mr. Short, in a communication to Mr. Yarrell, -"the head is carried far back in the shoulders, with the bill pointing to -the ground; but when pursued it runs with great swiftness, carrying the -head elevated like the Ostrich. It is asserted to be almost exclusively -nocturnal in its habits, and it is by torchlight that it is usually hunted -by the natives, by whom it is sought after with the utmost avidity, the -skins being highly prized for the dresses of the chiefs; indeed, so much -are they valued that the natives can rarely be induced to part with them. -The feathers are also employed in the construction of artificial flies for -the capture of fish, precisely after the European manner. When attacked it -defends itself very vigorously, striking rapid and dangerous blows with -its powerful feet and sharp spur, with which it is also said to beat the -ground in order to disturb the worms upon which it feeds, seizing them -with its bill the instant they make their appearance; it also probably -feeds upon snails, insects, &c." - -"The Apteryx," says Dr. Sclater, "is so scarce a bird even in New Zealand -that it can scarcely be expected that we should be well acquainted with -its mode of reproduction. His Excellency Sir George Grey has lately sent -me an extract from a letter addressed to him by T. E. Manning, Esq., dated -Hokianga, on the north-western coast of the Northern Island, February 2nd, -1863. 'Several years ago an old native, who had been a great Kivi hunter -in the times when the Kivis were plentiful, told me a strange tale about -the manner in which the bird hatches its eggs. I, of course, cannot vouch -for the correctness of the story, but think it worth relating; he said -that the Kivi did not sit like other birds _upon_ the egg, but _under_ -it, first burying the egg in the ground at a considerable depth, and then -digging a cave or nest under it, by which about one-third of the lower -end was exposed, and so lying under the egg and in contact with the lower -end, which came, as it were, through the roof of the nest or burrow. -The appearance of the egg, which I propose to send, corroborated this -statement, for two-thirds of its length (the small end) was perfectly -clean and white, and about one-third the large end was very much -discoloured, and very greasy, evidently from contact with the body of the -bird. The difference in the colour and condition of the ends of the egg -was quite remarkable, and well defined by a circular line passing round -the egg.'" - -Mr. E. Layard has furnished Mr. Gould with the following information -on the same subject forwarded to him by Mr. Webster, also resident at -Hokianga:--"A fortnight ago," says that gentleman, "a native, out shooting -Pigeons, discovered a Kivi's egg protruding out of a small hole at the -root of a kauri tree; removing the egg, he put his arm to the elbow up the -hole and got hold of the parent bird. An old native who professes to know -something about them states that they lay but one egg at a time. The nest -is merely a hole scraped out by the bird, and generally about the roots of -a tree, where the ground is dry; the egg is covered with leaves and moss, -the decomposition of which evolves heat sufficient to bring forth the -young. The process takes six weeks. When hatched, the mother, by instinct, -is at hand to attend to her offspring. The egg of the Apteryx is unusually -heavy in proportion to the size of the female, being fully fourteen ounces -and a half in weight." - - -MANTELL'S APTERYX. - -MANTELL'S APTERYX (_Apteryx Mantelli_) is smaller than the above bird, the -plumage darker and redder, the wing smaller, and formed of strong thick -quills, and the face covered with long, straggling hairs; the tarsus is -longer, and scutellated in front, and the toes and claws shorter than in -the _A. Australis_. The length of the body is twenty-three inches; the -bill measures four, the tarsus two inches and three-quarters, and the -centre toe, with claw, two inches and a half. An unmated female, in the -London Zoological Gardens, several times laid an egg, in all about nine, -and, according to Mr. Layard, manifested a strong desire to sit, placing -herself upon the egg, and resisting all attempts to remove her from her -position. This Apteryx, and the _A. Australis_, are regarded by Gould as -belonging to the same species. - - -OWEN'S APTERYX. - -OWEN'S APTERYX (_Apteryx Owenii_) has the face, head, and neck of a dull -yellowish brown; the throat somewhat paler; all the upper surface is -fulvous, transversely rayed with blackish brown, each individual feather -being silvery brown at the base, darker brown in the middle, then crossed -by a lunate mark of fulvous, to which succeeds an irregular mark of black, -and terminated with fulvous; the feathers of the under surface are paler -than on the upper, a circumstance which is caused by each feather being -crossed by three rays of fulvous instead of two, and more largely tipped -with that colour; the feathers of the thighs resemble those of the back; -the bill is dull yellowish horn-colour; the feet and claws fleshy brown. -The total length is eighteen inches; bill three inches and five-eighths, -breadth at base two inches and a quarter; the middle toe and nail measure -two inches and a half, and tarsi two inches and a quarter. - -The above description is from a specimen sent to Mr. Gould in 1850; -since then he has obtained several others, all of which came from the -South Island of New Zealand. This bird, according to Mr. Gould, is -rendered conspicuously different from the _Apteryx Australis_, with -which it accords in size, by the irregular transverse barring of the -entire plumage, which, together with its extreme density and hair-like -appearance, gives it more the resemblance of a mammal than of a bird. It -has a shorter, slenderer, and more curved bill, and the feathers also -differ in structure, being broader throughout, especially at the tip, and -of a loose, decomposed, and hair-like texture. - -"In the spurs of the Southern Alps, on Cook's Straits, in the province -of Nelson," says Dr. Hochstetter, "that is, in the higher wooded -mountain-valleys of the Wairau chain, and westward of Blind Bay, in the -wooded mountains between the Motucha and Aorere valleys, this species is -still found in great numbers. During my stay in the province of Nelson I -had two living examples, a male and a female; they were procured by some -natives I sent out for the purpose in the upper wooded valleys of the -river Slate, a confluent of the Aorere, in a country elevated from 2,000 -to 3,000 feet above the sea-level." - -As might naturally be expected, these interesting but defenceless birds -are rapidly becoming extinct; a few, however, may still be found in -the more unfrequented and thickly-wooded parts of the Northern Island -of New Zealand. From the inhabited districts they have been completely -extirpated; indeed, Dieffenbach tells us that during the eighteen months -of his residence in New Zealand, notwithstanding the liberal rewards -promised to the natives, he only succeeded in procuring a single skin, and -even that was obtained from a European settler, who said that he procured -it from Mongonui Station, to the northward of the Bay of Islands. - -Among the localities where the Kivi is still obtainable may be mentioned -Little Barrier Island, a small, wooded island in Hauraki Bay, near -Auckland, which is evidently the top of a high mountain, rising some 2,383 -feet above the level of the sea, and only approachable in the calmest -weather. - -There seems to be little difficulty in keeping these birds in a state -of captivity, and in the Gardens of the London Zoological Society, in -the Regent's Park, several specimens have been successfully exhibited. -Their cage is simply a dark kennel, having in one corner a sufficient -quantity of straw, among which the birds remain carefully hidden during -the day. 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Crown 8vo, cloth, 1s. 6d. - - The Marlborough French Grammar. _Ninth Edition, Enlarged and - Revised._ Arranged and Compiled by the Rev. J. F. BRIGHT, M.A., - Master of the Modern School in Marlborough College. 164 pages, - cloth, 2s. 6d. - - The Marlborough French Exercises. _Seventh Edition, Enlarged and - Revised._ By the Rev. G. W. DE LISLE, M.A., French Master in - Marlborough College. Cloth, 3s. 6d. - - Cassell's French-English and English-French Dictionary. _New and - Revised Edition._ By Professors DE LOLME and WALLACE. Crown 8vo, 956 - pages, cloth, 3s. 6d. - - The Marlborough German Grammar. _New and Enlarged Edition._ Arranged - and Compiled by the Rev. J. F. BRIGHT, M.A. Cloth, 3s. 6d. - - A Course of Sepia Painting. With 24 Plates from Designs by R. P. - LEITCH. The Letterpress to each contains Full Instructions to the - Learner, and the Plates show the progress of the work through the - different stages. Oblong 4to, cloth, price 5s. - - A Course of Painting in Neutral Tint. With 24 Plates from Designs - by R. P. LEITCH. The Letterpress to each Plate contains Full - Instructions to the Learner, and the Plates show the progress of the - work through its different stages. Oblong 4to, cloth, price 5s. - - Water-Colour Painting-Book. By R. P. LEITCH. With 24 Coloured - Plates, and full Instructions to Learners. _Third Edition._ Cloth, - 5s. - - Cassell's German-English and English-German Pronouncing Dictionary. - _New Edition._ Crown 8vo, 864 pages, cloth, 3s. 6d. - - Cassell's Latin-English, English-Latin Dictionary. 914 pp., demy - 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. - - Cassell's Graduated Copy-Books, printed on superior Writing Paper. - Each Book containing 24 pages of Writing Copies, fcap. 4to. Complete - in 12 Books, price 2d. each. - - Cassell's Penny Copy-Books. Complete in 18 Books, price 1d. each. - - Cassell's Penny Drawing-Copy Books. Complete in 28 Books, price 1d. - each, each Penny Book consisting of 14 pages of Drawing Copies, - fcap. 4to. - - Cassell's Sixpenny Drawing Copies. Comprising Five Series of Books, - each Series complete in Twelve Parts, price 6d. each; Twelve Packets - on Cardboard, price 1s. each; or One Volume, cloth, 7s. 6d. - - Cassell's Course of Practical Geometry. By E. A. DAVIDSON. - Consisting of 64 Copies on Cardboard, in Packet, 5s. - - Cassell's School Board Freehand Drawing Copy Books, consisting of 4 - Books, each containing 16 pp., fcap. folio, 1s. 4d. the set. - - Cassell's School Board Geometrical Drawing Copy Books, consisting of - 4 Books, each containing 24 pages, fcap. 4to, 1s. 4d. the set. - - -GALBRAITH AND HAUGHTON'S SCIENTIFIC MANUALS. - - By the Rev. Professor GALBRAITH, M.A., Fellow of Trinity College, - Dublin, and the Rev. Professor HAUGHTON, M.D., D.C.L., F.R.S. - - =Manual of Arithmetic.= Cloth, 3s. 6d. - =Manual of Plane Trigonometry.= Cloth, 2s. 6d. - =Manual of Euclid.= Books I., II., III. Cloth, 2s. 6d. - =Manual of Euclid.= Books IV., V., VI. Cloth, 2s. 6d. - =Manual of Mathematical Tables.= Cloth, 3s. 6d. - =Manual of Mechanics.= Cloth, 3s. 6d. - =Manual of Optics.= Cloth, 2s. 6d. - =Manual of Hydrostatics.= Cloth, 3s. 6d. - =Manual of Tides and Tidal Currents.= With Tidal Cards, 3s. - =Manual of Astronomy.= Cloth, 5s. - =Manual of the Steam Engine.= Cloth, 3s. 6d. - =Manual of Algebra.= Part I., 2s. 6d. Complete, 7s. 6d. - =The Three Kingdoms of Nature.= Illustrated. Cloth, 5s. - =A Manual of Natural Philosophy.= With 160 Illustrations. Cloth, 3s. - 6d. - - ∵ _A Complete List of_ CASSELL PETTER & GALPIN'S _Educational Works - will be found in their_ EDUCATIONAL CATALOGUE, _a copy of which will - be forwarded post free on application_. - - -BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE. - - Little Folks. Vol. I. of the NEW AND ENLARGED Series, containing - nearly =500= Pictures, and full of Tales, Pieces of Poetry, Little - Stories, Little Folks' Own Letters, Games, Puzzles, &c. &c. Coloured - boards, 3s. 6d.; cloth gilt, gilt edges, 5s. each. - -Vols. I. to VIII. of the Old Series of LITTLE FOLKS are still on sale, -price 3s. each, coloured boards; or 5s. each, cloth gilt. - - ∵ LITTLE FOLKS _is Published in Weekly Numbers_, 1_d.;_ _in Monthly - Parts_, 6_d.;_ _and in Half-Yearly Volumes_, 3_s._ - - The Little Folks' Picture Gallery. Containing about 150 Beautiful - Pictures, with accompanying Rhymes to each Picture, by the Author - of "Home Chat." _Third Edition._ Extra crown 4to, cloth gilt, gilt - edges, 5s. - - Paws and Claws: being True Stories of Clever Creatures, Tame - and Wild. By One of the Authors of "Poems Written for a Child." - Profusely Illustrated. Fcap. 4to, cloth gilt, 5s. - - Little Songs for Me to Sing. _Third Edition._ Illustrated by J. E. - MILLAIS, R.A. With Music by HENRY LESLIE. Cloth gilt, 5s. - - Leslie's Songs for Little Folks. With 12 Pieces of Music by HENRY - LESLIE, and Frontispiece by H. C. SELOUS. A Companion Volume to - "Little Songs for Me to Sing." Super-royal 12mo. _Second Edition._ - Cloth gilt, 3s. 6d. - - The Old Fairy Tales. A Choice Collection of Favourite Fairy Tales. - Collected and Edited by JAMES MASON. With 24 full-page and numerous - other Original Illustrations. Super-royal 16mo, cloth, 2s. 6d. - - The Boy Joiner and Model-Maker. By ELLIS A. DAVIDSON. Containing - Practical Directions for Making numerous Articles of Use and - Ornament. Illustrated. Extra fcap. 4to, 256 pages, cloth gilt, 5s. - - Peeps Abroad for Folks at Home. By C. L. MATÉAUX. Uniform with "Home - Chat" and "Sunday Chats;" describing Foreign Lands and Foreign - Cities. 256 pp., fcap. 4to. Profusely Illustrated. _Second Edition._ - 5s. - - -<sc>_Cassell Petter & Galpin: London, Paris & New York._</sc> - - The Old Nursery Rhymes; or, The Merrie Heart. _Second Edition._ - Illustrated with Eight full-page Coloured Plates by WALTER CRANE, - and 100 Illustrations by F. BARNARD, ERNEST GRISET, &c. Cloth, gilt - edges, 3s. 6d. - - Stories about Animals. By the Rev. T. JACKSON, M.A. A Familiar - Description of the Life and Habits of the different varieties of the - Animal World. Illustrated. Extra fcap. 4to. _Second Edition._ Cloth, - 5s. - - Stories about Birds. By M. and E. KIRBY. An interesting Account of - the Life and Habits of the various descriptions of the Feathered - Tribes. Illustrated. Extra fcap. 4to, cloth, 5s. - - Notable Shipwrecks. Being Tales of Disaster and Heroism at Sea. - By "UNCLE HARDY." 320 pp., crown 8vo, with Frontispiece. _Second - Edition._ Cloth, 5s. - - Fairy Tales Told Again. With 24 full-page Illustrations by GUSTAVE - DORÉ. Imp 8vo. _Second Edition._ 6s. - - Half-Hours with the Early Explorers. By T. FROST. Containing - Narratives of the Adventures and Discoveries of the Early Explorers. - _Second Edition._ Profusely Illustrated. 240 pp., fcap. 4to, cloth, - 5s. - - The History of a Book. By ANNIE CAREY, Author of "Threads of - Knowledge." Illustrated throughout. 176 pp., extra fcap. 4to, cloth - gilt, 3s. 6d. - - Scraps of Knowledge. By JANET BYRNE. With 100 Illustrations. _Third - Edition._ Extra fcap. 4to, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d. - - The Child's Book of Song and Praise. With 250 Illustrations and 33 - Pieces of Music, with Accompaniments. _Second Edition._ Cloth, 5s.; - cloth gilt, gilt edges, 6s. 6d. - - Robinson Crusoe. _New Edition._ With One Hundred Illustrations. - Royal 8vo, cloth, 5s.; full gilt, 6s. 6d. - - Swiss Family Robinson. _New Edition._ With 140 Illustrations and - Coloured Frontispiece. Cloth, plain, 5s.; full gilt, 6s. 6d. - - ☞ _A Descriptive List of_ CASSELL PETTER & GALPIN'S _Children's - Books will be forwarded post free on application_. - - -MISCELLANEOUS WORKS. - - Book of Good Devices, A. With 1,000 Precepts for Practice. Edited by - GODFREY GOLDING. Cloth gilt, gilt edges, 3s. 6d. - - Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable; giving the Derivation, - Source, or Origin of Common Phrases, Allusions, and Words that have - a Tale to Tell. By the Rev. Dr. BREWER. _New and Cheaper Edition._ - Demy 8vo, 1,000 pages, cloth, 7s. 6d. - - Cassell's Family Magazine. A High-class Illustrated Family Magazine. - Monthly, 7d. - - Chapters on Trees. A Popular Account of their Nature and Uses. - By M. and E. KIRBY, Authors of "Stories about Birds." Profusely - Illustrated. 320 pp., extra crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 5s. - - Civil Service, Guide to Employment in the. _New Edition._ With an - Introduction by J. D. MORELL, LL.D. Containing the New Regulations - complete. Cloth, 2s. 6d. - - Civil Service, Guide to the Indian. By A. C. EWALD, F.S.A. _New and - Cheaper Edition._ Cloth, 2s. 6d. - - Cobden Club Essays. Second Series. 500 pp., demy 8vo, cloth, 15s. - _Second Edition._ - - Day with Christ, A. By the Rev. SAMUEL COX. Cloth, bevelled boards, - 2s. 6d. - - Decorative Design, Principles of. By CHRISTOPHER DRESSER, Ph.D., - F.L.S., &c. Illustrated with Two Coloured Plates and numerous - Designs and Diagrams. Extra crown 4to, cloth gilt, 7s. 6d. - - English Heraldry. By REV. CHARLES BOUTELL, M.A. With 460 Engravings. - _New and Cheaper Edition._ Crown 8vo, 368 pp., cloth, 3s. 6d. - - Facts and Hints for Every-day Life. A Comprehensive Book on Every - Subject connected with the Comforts of Home and the Health and - Prosperity of its Inmates. _Second Edition._ Cloth, 2s. 6d. - - Family Homœopathist, The. By Dr. SHULDHAM, M.A., M.R.C.S. _Third - Edition._ Cloth, 1s. - - Golden Days. Being Experiences of an English Girl's School Life in - Germany. By JEANIE HERING, Author of "Little Pickles," &c. With - Frontispiece. 320 pp., crown 8vo, cloth, gilt edges, 5s. - - Local Government and Taxation. The Volume of COBDEN CLUB ESSAYS for - 1875. Edited by J. W. PROBYN. Cloth, 12s. 6d. - - Manners of Modern Society. A Comprehensive Work on the Etiquette of - the Present Day. _Third Edition._ Cloth gilt, 2s. 6d. - - Military Manuals. A Series of Practical Handbooks on Military - Subjects, written by eminent Officers of the various branches of the - Army, and Illustrated with numerous Diagrams. - - Notes on Cavalry Service. By Captain RUSSELL, 12th Royal Lancers. - Cloth limp, lettered, 3s. 6d. - - Arms and Ammunition of the British Service. By Major V. MAJENDIE, - Royal Artillery. Cloth limp, lettered, 3s. 6d. - - Map and Plan Drawing. By Lieut. C. COOPER KING, Royal Marine - Artillery. Cloth limp, lettered, 3s. 6d. - - Fortification. By Captain E. D. C. O'BRIEN, Professor of - Fortification, Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Cloth limp, - lettered, 3s. 6d. - -North-West Passage by Land, The. By Viscount MILTON, F.R.G.S., and W. B. -CHEADLE, M.A., M.D., F.R.G.S. Demy 8vo, cloth, with Twenty-two full-page -Illustrations and Two Maps. _Sixth Edition_, 21s. - -Our Children, and How to Rear and Train Them. A Manual for Parents, in the -Physical, Educational, Religious, and Moral Training of their Children. -Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. - -Pictures of School Life and Boyhood. Being Selections from the Best -Authors, bearing on School-days and Boyhood. Edited by PERCY FITZGERALD, -M.A. Cloth, crown 8vo, 256 pp., with Frontispiece, 3s. 6d. - -Practical Poultry-Keeper, The. _Eighth Edition._ A Standard Guide to the -Management of Poultry for Domestic Use, the Market, or Exhibition. By L. -WRIGHT. With 48 Plain Illustrations. Cloth, 3s. 6d.; or 36 Plain and 8 New -Chromo Plates, 5s. - -Quiver, The. The Illustrated Magazine for Sunday Reading. Weekly, 1d.; -Monthly, 6d.; and Yearly Volumes, 7s. 6d. - -Soldier and Patriot. The Story of George Washington. By F. M. OWEN. -Illustrated. 256 pp., crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. - -Three Homes. A Tale for Fathers and Sons. By F. T. L. HOPE. 400 pp., -cloth, 5s. - - -☞ _The following CATALOGUES of CASSELL PETTER & GALPIN'S PUBLICATIONS -can be had from all Booksellers, or post free on application to the -Publishers:_-- - - =CASSELL'S COMPLETE CATALOGUE=, containing a List of their various - Works, including Bibles and Religious Literature, Children's Books, - Dictionaries, Educational Works, Fine Art Volumes, Hand-books and - Guides, History, Miscellaneous, Natural History, Poetry, Travels, - Serials, Annuals. - - =CASSELL'S EDUCATIONAL CATALOGUE=, containing a Description of their - Educational Works, together with a List of Mathematical Instruments, - Water-Colours, &c. - - =CASSELL'S CLASSIFIED LIST=, containing a List of Books arranged - according to their value, from 6d. upwards. - - <sc>_Cassell Petter & Galpin: London, Paris & New York._</sc> - - * * * * * - - +------------------------------------------------------------------+ - | | - | Transcriber notes: | - | | - | P. iii. '(Callihplox)' changed to '(Calliphlox)'. | - | P. 17. Closed quotes from Prince von Wied's remarks, but not | - | certain. | - | P. 19. Closed quotes of Burmeister at the end of the paragraph. | - | P. 37. Added hyphen to 'Wry-neck'. | - | P. 51. Closed quotes from Wallace's 'graphic description'. | - | P. 60. 'the wign', changed 'wign' to 'wing'. | - | P. 86. Added hypen to 'Green Flat-bill'. | - | P. 109. 'hour' changed to 'hours'. | - | P. 120. Illustration, 'Crotopahga' changed to 'Crotophaga'. | - | P. 132. Taken hyphen out of 'HORN-BILLS PROPER' to read | - | 'HORBILLS PROPER' | - | P. 152. 'dimaeter' changed to 'diameter'. | - | P. 155. 'Jerdon tell', changed 'tell' to 'tells'. | - | P. 231. 'occassionally' changed to 'occasionally'. | - | P. 255. "Pecock enhakyl": "Old English Text MT" font used. | - | Corrected various punctuation. | - +------------------------------------------------------------------+ - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Casell's Book of Birds, by -Thomas Rymer Jones and Alfred Edmund Brehm - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CASELL'S BOOK OF BIRDS *** - -***** This file should be named 60254-8.txt or 60254-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/2/5/60254/ - -Produced by Jane Robins and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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