Chapter XI: Part 11

The Purple Swallow alone seems capable of contesting the field with this courageous opponent, and resisting its attacks. Wilson mentions having seen the Tyrant Shrike also greatly irritated by his vain efforts to get rid of the Red-headed Woodpecker, the latter dodging him round a rail, and appearing highly amused at the impotent rage of his assailant.

About August the voices of these birds are far more rarely heard, and they employ their time in picking the worms and insects from the furrows in the fields, or in gliding over the water in pursuit of flies. Like the Swallow, they drink and bathe whilst on the wing, invariably perching upon a neighbouring tree, the better to dry their plumage. The Tyrant Shrikes quit the United States before any other of the feathered summer visitors, and prosecute their migrations by night as well as by day, flying alternately with rapidly repeated strokes of the pinions, and a smooth, gliding motion, that is apparently produced without the slightest effort. The flesh of this species is delicate, and much esteemed in Louisiana. A Tyrant Shrike kept for many months by Nuttall always swallowed berries whole; grasshoppers, if too large to be so disposed of, were pounded and broken on the floor of his cage, as the bird held them in his beak. To manage the larger beetles was not so easy; these he struck repeatedly against the ground, and then turned from side to side, by throwing them dexterously into the air, after the manner of the Toucan; the insect being uniformly caught reversed as it descended, with the agility of a practised cup and ball player. After the beetle was swallowed, he remained perfectly still for some time, in order to digest his meal, tasting it distinctly some time after it entered the stomach, as was obvious from the ruminating motion of his mandible. When the soluble portion had been extracted, large pellets of the indigestible legs, wings, and shells were brought up again in half an hour's time, and ejected from the mouth after the manner of Hawks and Owls. This bird, we are further told, had the sagacity to retire under the shelter of a depending bed-quilt in the apartment about which he was allowed to run at large, if the weather was unusually cold.

THE BENTEVI.

The BENTEVI (_Saurophagus sulphuratus_), a well-known species, resident in Brazil, is recognisable by its comparatively long wings and slightly incised tail. Its legs are powerful, tarsi high, toes long, and armed with sickle-shaped claws; the beak, which is higher than it is broad, and terminates in a hook, is of a conical shape, and equals the head in length; its culmen is slightly rounded, and its base surrounded with bristles. These latter are particularly numerous in the region of the cheek-stripes. The length of this species is five and its breadth ten inches; the tail measures three inches. Upon the upper part of the body the plumage is of a greenish brown; the forehead and eyebrows white; the crest-like feathers upon the crown of the head are of a brimstone-yellow; the sides of the head, the bridles, and cheeks black; the wing-covers, tail-feathers, and quills are broadly edged with rust-red; the throat and fore part of the neck are white; the breast, belly, rump, and legs sulphur-yellow. In the plumage of the young the top of the head is entirely black; the wing and tail-feathers are broadly edged with rust-red; and all the colours paler than in those of the adult birds. The Bentevis are extensively met with throughout South America, particularly in well-wooded pasture-land or meadows; indeed, their loud, penetrating voices may literally be heard from every tree. We learn from Schomburghk that though they subsist principally upon insects, they also devour the nestlings of other species, and frequently visit the houses of the inhabitants in order to pilfer scraps of the meat hung out to dry. So bold are they that it is not uncommon to see them picking up their insect prey from under the very feet of the herds of cattle as they graze. Towards their feathered companions they exhibit unceasing animosity, chasing them and harrying them from spot to spot with loud spiteful cries, occasionally venturing to carry their pugnacious propensities so far as to attack some of the larger birds of prey. As the breeding season approaches, they become still more quarrelsome and noisy, until the air resounds with the voices of both the males and females as they chase each other in angry rivalry or sport among the branches, or so constantly utter their strange cry as to appear prompted by an anxious desire to outdo their companions, both in loudness and rapidity of utterance. This cry, from which the name of the species is derived, has been freely interpreted by the inhabitants of Monte Video and Buenos Ayres to mean, "_Bien-te-veo_," "I see you well," and in Guiana into, "_Qu'est ce que dit?_"

The nest, which is large, thick, and ball-shaped, is artistically constructed of moss, leaves, grass, and feathers, and is entered by a small round aperture in the sides. The eggs, three or four in number, have a pale greenish shell, marked with a few black and greenish blue spots, which are most thickly strewn over the broad end. We learn from Azara that the Bentevi is readily tamed, and when caged will live on peaceful terms with its companions. The same authority mentions a peculiarity that he observed in one of these birds that he himself reared, namely, that it always seized the bits of flesh that were given to it in his beak, and struck them repeatedly against the ground, as though he supposed the morsels required killing before they could be eaten.

* * * * *

The FORK-TAILED TYRANTS (_Milvulus_) differ from the groups already described principally in the great length of their forked tails. Their bodies are slender, and they have short necks, broad heads, and long wings. Their large, strong beaks bulge slightly towards the sides, terminate in a decided hook, and are partially covered with bristles at the base; the feet are short; the toes of moderate size, armed with very sharp, compressed claws; the three first wing-quills, of which the second is the largest, are pointed at the tip. This latter peculiarity is particularly apparent in the male. The plumage is soft and elastic, but by no means thick.

THE SCISSOR BIRD.

The SCISSOR BIRD of the Brazilians (_Milvulus tyrannus_), though properly a native of Central America, is occasionally met with in the United States. The length of this elegant species is about fourteen inches, of which at least ten belong to the exterior tail-feathers, whilst those in the centre do not measure more than two and a half inches. Its head and cheeks are deep black, except at the lower part of the crest, which is yellow; the back is ash-grey; the under side white; the quills, wing-covers, and rump are blackish brown, edged with grey; the outer web of the exterior tail-feathers is white along the whole of the upper half; the eye dark brown; the beak and feet are black.

We learn from Audubon and Nuttall that the Scissor Birds are frequently met with upon all the vast steppes of Central and Southern America, and are common in some districts. They are usually seen assembled in large parties upon low brushwood, and from thence fly down to seize their insect prey. At the appearance of dusk they retire to pass the night together upon a favourite tree. Whilst perched they seem to be of very indolent and quiet disposition, but whilst in flight their appearance is striking and remarkable, as they constantly open and close their long tails, after the fashion of a pair of scissors, during the whole time that they are upon the wing, a circumstance from which they derive their name. Insects constitute their principal fare, and these they capture in the same manner as other members of their family; they also pursue and devour many small birds, and, according to Nuttall, frequently consume berries. The nest, which is usually concealed in a thickly-foliaged bush, is open above, and formed of delicate twigs, snugly lined with a bed of fibres, wool, or feathers; the eggs are white, mottled with reddish brown, these markings being thickest at the broad end. As autumn draws to a close the Scissor Birds congregate with other species in large parties, previous to setting forth upon their migrations. Schomburghk tells us that such of these flocks as he observed leaving the country, settled upon the trees from about three to five o'clock in the afternoon, and remained there for the night, resuming their southern course at the first dawn of day.

THE ROYAL TYRANT.

The ROYAL TYRANT (_Megalophus regius_), so called from the tiara-like crescent that adorns its head, and its great beauty of plumage, has a slenderly-formed body and pointed wings, in which the third and fourth quills exceed the rest in length, the first and second being comparatively short; the tail is moderately long, and quite straight at its extremity; the beak, which is flat and spoon-shaped, terminates in a sharp hook; the feet are short; the toes, of which the two exterior are united at the base, are powerful, and armed with short blunt claws. The plumage is soft and downy, and upon the top of the head is prolonged into a broad flowing crest; at the base of the beak it is replaced by bristles; five very long bristles also decorate the cheek-stripes. The upper part of the body is of a beautiful light brown, while the entire under surface and tail are bright reddish yellow; the throat is whitish; the quills are deep brown or blackish, with a light edge upon the inner web; the wing-covers are tipped with pale yellow; the tiara is of a gorgeous flame-colour, or carmine-red, each feather having a black spot at its tip, surrounded in the male by a light yellow line. These spots gleam with a blue metallic lustre, and the crest extends as far as the nape; the eye is light brown, the upper mandible brown, the lower one light yellow; the feet are pale flesh-pink, and the long bristles black. In the young the plumage is almost entirely brown, mottled upon the breast, and spotted on the back; the crest is very small, and of an orange-yellow. The length of this species is six inches; the wing measures three and a half, and the tail two and a half inches.

The Royal Tyrant inhabits the primitive forests of Brazil and Guiana, where it frequents the most shady recesses, and leads a quiet and solitary life, usually preferring the tops of the trees. Notwithstanding the preference it shows for retired spots, it is frequently caught by the natives, on account of its great beauty. We learn from Burmeister that the capture of the male is rendered comparatively easy, by the fact that a brooding female has no sooner lost her mate than she consoles herself with another. The natives, who are aware of this peculiarity, when they find a pair shoot the male, and then wait patiently until his successor makes his appearance, when he is also killed. We have it on good authority that a female Royal Tyrant will in this manner take to herself as many as a dozen of these ill-fated partners. The eggs are oval, and have light violet shells, marked with brownish or blood-red spots, and streaked with the same shade at the narrow end. We have no account of the nest built by this species.

* * * * *

The STILTED FLY-CATCHERS (_Fluvicolæ_) constitute a group of South American birds differing in many particulars from the Tyrant Shrikes. The members of this group are recognisable by their large, powerful bodies, and their long wings and tail, in the former of which the first quill is only a trifle shorter than the second. They have strong legs, high tarsi, and thick, sharp claws. Their large, high, and slender beak is of a conical form, and but very slightly bent at its extremity. Their thick plumage is heavy, and is composed of small feathers, presenting but a very slight development of down. The base of the beak is covered with stiff bristles, of which from three to five of still stiffer and larger size are scattered over the region of the cheek-stripes.

The Stilted Fly-catchers are frequently met with in the immediate neighbourhood of human habitations, and in such open plains as are almost entirely destitute of trees or bushes, near ponds, rivers, or even in marshy districts, everywhere subsisting upon insects, and carrying on the pursuit of their prey exactly in the same manner as the birds above described.

THE YIPERU, OR YETAPA.

The YIPERU, or YETAPA--Cunningham's Bush Shrike--(_Gubernates Yiperu_), a well-known member of this group, has a slender body, large wings, and very long, forked tail. Its beak is thick and broad at its base, the upper mandible considerably arched, and furnished with a strong, short hook at its extremity; the legs, though short, are powerful, the toes of moderate size, and armed with slightly-curved claws. The plumage is thick and soft, that of the wings and tail being unusually heavy. The back and under side of the body are grey, the wings and tail black, with a white patch at the shoulder, and a light red spot on the outer web of the large quills. The throat is white, separated from the grey breast by a reddish brown line, which extends as far as the eyes; the brow is of a whitish shade, the eye itself reddish brown, and the beak and feet black. The length of this species is fifteen inches, of which nine are included in the length of the exterior tail-feathers, whilst those in the centre are not more than two and a half inches long. The span of the wings is about fifteen inches.

We learn from Azara that the Yetapas principally frequent such plains as are only partially covered with brushwood or trees, and fly about in small parties, seeking for their insect food upon the ground. Their cry is monotonous but penetrating.

THE COCK-TAILED FLY-CATCHER.

The COCK-TAILED FLY-CATCHER (_Alectrurus tricolor_)--the other member of this group which we have selected for description--is easily recognisable by its short, stiff tail, in which sometimes the two exterior and sometimes the centre feathers are of very peculiar appearance, owing to the very irregular development of the web. The thick conical beak terminates in a delicate hook, the legs are slender, the tarsi high, and the toes long. The wings are of moderate size and pointed, the third quill being longer than the rest; the first and second are much incised and narrow towards the tip. The plumage is soft, composed of small feathers, and the bristles on the cheek-stripes are unusually large. In the male bird the inner web of the very broad centre tail-feathers is much developed; the body is almost entirely black, the throat, belly, and shoulders being white. The plumage of the female and young is yellowish brown, except upon the throat, which is whitish, with various light markings, and the centre tail-feathers are no broader than those at the side; all have greyish brown eyes. The beak is of a dirty light brown, and the feet dark brown. The length of the Cock-tailed Fly-catcher is five and a half, and the tail about nine inches. The wing measures two and a half, and the tail two inches.

These birds inhabit all the plains of South America, and, according to Azara and D'Orbigny, perch throughout the entire day upon the high grass, from whence they rise to catch the insects as they pass, and then sink with outspread wings and tail to their former lurking-place; they rarely fly to any distance, and often seem to move through the air in a backward direction. We are without particulars concerning the mode of breeding and nidification of this species.

* * * * *

The CATERPILLAR EATERS (_Campephagæ_) comprehend a number of birds inhabiting the East Indies and contiguous islands, as also Africa and New Holland. With their mode of life we are but little acquainted, beyond the fact that they associate in small parties, and seek their food almost exclusively amongst the foliage of trees and bushes. They consume great numbers of insects and their larvæ, and some few eat berries.

THE RED BIRD, OR GREAT PERICROCOTUS.

The RED BIRD, or GREAT PERICROCOTUS (_Pericrocotus speciosus_), the species we have selected as the representative of its family, is a magnificent creature, about nine inches long, and twelve inches and a half broad. The wings, in which the fourth and fifth quills are longer than the rest, measure four and a quarter and the tail four inches. The beak is short, broad at its base, and slightly curved. The tarsi are short, the feet delicate, and the claws much hooked. The plumage of the male is of a brilliant blueish black upon the back, quills, and centre tail-feathers; whilst the entire under side, a broad band across the wings (formed by a line of spots upon the outer quills), and the exterior tail-feathers are glowing scarlet. In the female, the brow, back, and upper tail-covers are greenish yellow; the quills dusky black, spotted with yellow; the centre tail-feathers tipped with deep yellow; the rest of the plumage is bright yellow, decorated with various dark markings. In both sexes the eye is brown, and the beak and feet black.

These very beautiful birds are met with extensively throughout the greater part of India, particularly in Calcutta, Assam, and Burmah; they are most numerous in such localities as are 3,000 or 4,000 feet above the level of the sea. Like most of their congeners, they are generally active and social, usually gleaning their insect food from amongst the buds and blossoms of their favourite trees, and only occasionally descending to the ground or seeking their prey upon the wing. Jerdon tells us that whilst the business of the day is going on the males and females separate from each other, each sex associating in small parties of four or five birds, and carrying on their work in the most lively manner, hopping and climbing briskly about among the foliage, and constantly uttering their cheerful and penetrating note. The nest of the Red Bird found by the writer to whom we have alluded, was constructed of moss and delicate fibres, and contained three white eggs, slightly spotted with brownish red. Radde mentions a grey species, inhabiting China, the Philippine Islands, and Eastern Siberia, and tells us that the flocks which he saw, each numbering some fifteen or twenty birds, tumbled noisily about near the tops of the trees, and filled the otherwise silent forests with their shrill chattering cry. On the first approach of danger, these lively parties at once united into large flocks, and sought refuge in the highest trees, preserving meanwhile such unbroken silence as to render their capture a work of great difficulty.

* * * * *

The FLY-SNAPPERS (_Myiagræ_), another family of these birds, inhabit the eastern hemisphere, and are recognisable by the slender formation of their body, moderate-sized wings, in which the fourth and fifth quills exceed the rest in length, and long tail; in the males of some species the web of the centre tail-feathers is much developed; the beak is broad and compressed, broad at its base, straight at the culmen, incised at its margins, and hooked at its extremity. The feet are short and weak; the plumage bright-coloured, and rich in texture. The base of the beak is surrounded with bristles. All the members of this family are unusually brisk and restless in their habits, and enliven their native forests by their gay plumage and cheerful notes.

* * * * *

The PARADISE FLY-CATCHERS, separated as a distinct group under the name of the _Terpsiphone_, comprise the most beautiful and striking species of the family, and are distinguished by the formation of their tail, which is very long and conical, the centre feathers in the male being double the length of those at the exterior.

THE PARADISE OR ROYAL FLY-SNAPPER.

The PARADISE or ROYAL FLY-SNAPPER (_Terpsiphone paradisea_) is a magnificent species, two feet in length, if we include the centre tail-feathers, which measure fifteen and sixteen inches, whilst those at the side do not exceed five inches. The wing is four inches long. The coloration of the sexes differs considerably--in the old male the head, crest, neck, and breast are of a greenish black; the rest of the feathers are white, streaked here and there with black upon the shafts; the primary and secondary quills are black, tipped with white upon the inner and entirely white upon the outer web. The female, readily distinguished from her mate by the comparative shortness of the tail-feathers, is like the young male, of a glossy black upon the head, neck, and breast, and white upon the belly; the rest of the plumage being entirely nut-brown. The nestlings are ash-grey upon the throat, breast, sides, and upper part of the belly. All have deep brown eyes, bright blue beaks and eyelids, and lavender-blue feet. The Royal Fly-snapper inhabits the whole of India, from Ceylon to the Himalaya, where it is replaced by another species, and is usually found within the shelter of such forests as are not more than 2,000 feet above the sea. According to Jerdon, it occasionally ventures forth from its favourite retreats to investigate the surrounding country, but rarely makes its home amongst the brushwood or trees upon the open plains. Its flight is undulatory in its commencement, and very striking, owing to the strange effect presented by its long tail, as it waves and flutters through the air. This flowing tail is raised and spread with every appearance of delighted vanity by its beautiful owner, as it perches quietly in the branches, and glances sharply around in order to detect the approach of an insect, upon which it darts at once with great rapidity, and having secured it, returns to its lurking-place. Almost the entire day is spent in restlessly flitting about from branch to branch, and tree to tree, and constantly uttering its loud but not unpleasing cry. The nest is formed of moss and fibres, lined with hair and wool. This magnificent bird is usually to be seen perched upon a branch, and displaying to the utmost its beautiful plumage, as it alternately expands and closes its graceful crest and tail, in evident appreciation and enjoyment of its own beauty. Its flight, which is very rapid when occupied in chasing its rivals from the field, or pursuing its insect prey, changes into a hovering motion if the bird is under no excitement, and merely wishes to fly to a distant spot; at such times few more attractive sights can be witnessed than it presents as it thus slowly glides in a series of undulating lines through the air, its pure white tail upheld and streaming behind in such a manner as to form a flowing train. These long tail-feathers are only retained during the time that the bird wears its bridal attire, and are soon torn away by the foliage of the trees when the period of incubation is over. Unlike most of its congeners, the Paradise Fly-snapper is endowed with a gentle and sweet-toned cry. Le Vaillant describes a nest that he was informed had been built by one of these birds as being horn-shaped, about eight inches long, and the broadest part two and a half inches across. This little structure, which hung in the forked branches of the mimosa-tree, was most carefully constructed of fibres woven together, so as in its texture to resemble haircloth. The interior was without any warm lining.

* * * * *

The FANTAILS (_Rhipidura_) are a group of birds inhabiting Australia and the neighbouring islands; they are also occasionally to be met with in some parts of Asia. All the various species have slender bodies, long wings, of which the fourth and fifth quills exceed the rest in length, and well-developed tails; their tarsi are powerful, and of moderate length; their beaks broad, curving gradually downwards to the slightly hooked extremity, and incised at the margins; the region of the bill is covered with large bristles.

THE WAGTAIL FANTAIL.

The WAGTAIL FANTAIL (_Rhipidura motacilloides_), so called from its resemblance to the European Water Wagtail (_Motacilla_), is of a glossy greenish black upon the mantle, throat, and sides of the breast; a narrow, yellowish white streak passes above the eyes; and a triangular spot occupies the tips of the smaller wing-covers. The extremities of all the webs of the exterior tail-feathers and the entire under surface are pale yellowish white, the quills are brown, the eyes dark brown, the beak and feet black. Both sexes are alike in colour, and differ but slightly in size, their length being usually about five inches.

The Fantails are found extensively throughout Australia, where they frequent retired woodland districts, but are often seen in the immediate vicinity of men; indeed, so extremely tame and social are they that they by no means confine their visits to orchards and gardens, but enter freely into the houses, in search of flies and other insects. Their flight is undulatory in its course, is seldom long sustained, and never rises above the tops of the trees. Should the birds desire to reach a distant spot, they usually descend to the ground, over the surface of which their powerful legs enable them to run with great rapidity. The song of this species, though loud and shrill, is by no means unpleasing, and, should the moon be bright, is often heard after nightfall. The period of incubation commences in September, that is, in the early Australian spring, and each pair breeds twice, or, if the season be fine, thrice within the year. Their deep, cup-shaped nest is most artistically constructed of dry grass, bits of bark and roots, overlaid with spiders' webs, and lined with a soft bed of delicate fibres, grass, and feathers. Such trees as overhang the water are generally preferred for building purposes. The nest is placed very near the ground, and furnished with a strange-looking, long appendage, which is, no doubt, intended to act as a sort of balance; it is frequently placed in situations that are fully exposed to the violence of the sea and wind, but with such care are the materials for these beautiful structures selected to harmonise with the colour of the branch on which they are placed, that their discovery is always a work of difficulty. The brood consists of two or three dirty greenish white eggs, marked with black or reddish brown spots and streaks, either at the broad end or around the centre. During the whole time that the parents are occupied in the education of their young they exhibit the utmost courage and anxiety to prevent the approach of an enemy, and if alarmed express their uneasiness by a peculiar call somewhat resembling the sound produced by a child's rattle.

* * * * *

The TRUE FLY-CATCHERS (_Muscicapæ_) constitute a family of birds chiefly confined to Europe and Asia, and though unadorned with the flowing tails and glowing tints possessed by some of their near relations already described, comprise many beautiful species. All have elongate bodies, short necks, and broad heads. Their wings (in which the third quill exceeds the rest in length) are long, and their tails of moderate size, either incised or graduated at the extremity. Their short, strong, compressed beaks are broad at the base, and terminate in a slight hook; the upper mandible is furnished with a sharp ridge at its culmen, and the base of the bill is surrounded with bristles. Their soft lax plumage varies considerably in its coloration, according to the age and sex of the bird, and the young are easily recognisable by their spotted appearance.

Like most of the groups above described, all the members of this family frequent trees in preference to bushes, and rarely seek their food upon the ground. Should the day be rainy, they content themselves with berries; but in fine weather pass their time in actively giving chase to every unlucky insect that chances to attract their keen little eyes as they perch quietly among the branches, and, having secured the victim, they at once return to their lurking-place. During the period of incubation, the males utter a monotonous cry; but at other seasons their voices are very rarely heard. The nest built by the Fly-catchers is carelessly constructed, but furnished with a warm bed for the reception of the young, and is placed either in holes of trees or upon a branch, quite close to the stem. Both parents assist in hatching the four or five eggs that compose a brood, and tend the young until the season for migrating approaches, when they leave their native lands for more southern regions, often reaching Central Africa in the course of their winter journeyings.

THE GREY OR SPOTTED FLY-CATCHER.

The GREY or SPOTTED FLY-CATCHER (_Butalis grisola_) is distinguishable from its congeners by the following characteristics:--The plumage of the male is deep grey upon all the upper part of the body, each feather having a black shaft. The crown of the head is blackish grey, lightly spotted; and the wing-feathers are tipped with light grey, thus forming an indistinct border to the pinions. The entire under side is dirty white, shaded with reddish yellow upon the sides, and streaked with faint, dark grey, oval patches on the breast and sides of the throat. The eye is brown, the beak and feet black; the colours in the plumage of the female are paler. The back of the young is whitish, spotted with grey, and marked with brown and reddish yellow; the under side is of a whitish shade, spotted with grey upon the breast and throat. The male bird is five inches and a half long and nine and a half broad; the wing measures about three and the tail three and a half inches; the female is only a few lines smaller than her mate. These lively, restless birds inhabit all the countries of Europe except its extreme north, and are especially numerous in the southern provinces, making their appearance in pairs at the end of April or beginning of May; in England, about the 20th of May, when they at once commence breeding. They leave for warmer latitudes early in the autumn. During their winter migrations they visit the interior of Africa, and we ourselves have seen large numbers sojourning for a time in the forests near the Blue Nile. In Europe they seem to have no preference for any particular locality, but inhabit highland or lowland regions, unfrequented forest tracts, or the gardens and orchards of a populous district, with equal impartiality; trees in the immediate vicinity of water, however, afford them the retreats they most delight in, the sheltering branches enabling them to dart down unobserved amongst the swarms of insects that disport themselves over the surface of lakes and streams. Whilst thus engaged in watching for prey, the Fly-catcher waves its tail to and fro, as its keen eye selects the most tempting morsel, which is instantly swooped upon and seized with a noisy snap of the beak, the bird returning at once to its perch. Should its victim be too large to be swallowed entire, its body is crushed against a tree in such a manner as to tear off the wings and legs, and thus render it manageable. The bird thus disposes of flies, gnats, butterflies, and dragon-flies, always catching them upon the wing. When the coldness of the season compels it to subsist upon berries, these latter are also obtained whilst in flight, by sweeping down towards the tree and snatching them from the stalk _en passant_, without tarrying for a moment to rest on the branch. The delicate feet of this species do not permit it to hop from bough to bough, and its movements upon the ground, to which it rarely descends, are feeble and awkward; but its flight, on the contrary, is rapid, and extremely graceful, its course through the air being diversified from time to time by a fluttering motion, produced by alternately completely closing and broadly spreading its pinions and tail.

The voice of the Fly-catcher may be described as a gentle, twittering chatter. The call-note is monotonous, and in moments of terror or excitement usually accompanied by violent motion of the wings. Solitary individuals are seldom seen, and only during such time as the young are still under parental guidance are they met with in parties; at other times they are found in pairs, that keep apart from each other, and exhibit most determined pertinacity in driving off all intruders from the haunts they have appropriated. The nests are built in a great variety of situations--in holes of rocks, walls, or roofs, in hollow trunks of trees, or on a branch quite close against the main stem; brushwood or low clumps of old willows, however, afford the seclusion these birds prefer. Green moss, fine dry fibres, and similar materials are usually employed in constructing the somewhat carelessly-formed domicile, which is warmly lined with horsehair, wool, and feathers. The female alone undertakes the whole labour of building. Instances are recorded of the nest of this species being found in very odd situations. We have heard of one built in the head of a garden-rake that had been left standing against a wall; another was seen by Mr. Atkinson, on the angle of a lamp-post in one of the streets of London; and a third, mentioned by both Jesse and Yarrell, occupied a still more remarkable position--namely, within the crown of one of the lamps in Portland Place, in London.

Should a couple not be disturbed, they produce but one brood of four or five eggs in the year; these are laid in June, and have a blueish or blueish green shell, very variously marked with light rust-red. Both parents assist in the work of incubation, and hatch the eggs within a fortnight. The young grow rapidly, but remain for a long time under the care of their parents. A curious circumstance concerning this bird is recorded by Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq., President of the Horticultural Society, namely, that--"A Fly-catcher that had built in a stove in one of the green-houses in the Society's gardens was always observed to leave its nest when the thermometer stood at 72°, and resumed its place upon the eggs as soon as the temperature fell again below that point."

Naumann mentions a little incident that came under his notice, that will illustrate the utility of these birds in the great scheme of Nature. "A boy in our village," he says, "succeeded in obtaining a Fly-catcher's nest before the young were fledged, and placed the little family, including the mother, in a room in his house. No sooner had the parent bird ascertained that all attempts to escape were hopeless, than she at once set to work to feed her young with the flies that were winging their flight about the chamber. Of course before long all these were consumed, and the boy was compelled to carry his prize to a neighbour's cottage, in order that they might procure a supply of food. In this manner the useful family went the round of the village, clearing the houses of vast numbers of troublesome guests. My turn came last, and in gratitude for the benefit received I succeeded in obtaining liberty for both mother and nestlings."

Despite the immense services rendered by these birds, they and their eggs are constantly destroyed by boys and men, who are too ignorant or unthinking to know and appreciate the benefits they confer upon us; large numbers also fall victims to the attacks of cats, martens, rats, and mice. The Fly-catcher is easily reared, and soon so completely adapts itself to captivity that it may be allowed to fly at large about a room. If provided with a small box filled with sand, in which an upright stick is placed with another laid across, it prefers perching upon the latter to any other situation, and never in any way injures the furniture of the apartment. One of these birds kept by ourselves was fed during several successive winters upon rolls soaked in milk, and finely-minced meat; upon this diet it became remarkably tame, and, although liberated every spring, regularly returned to us at the end of the warm season.

* * * * *

The MOURNING FLY-CATCHERS (_Muscicapa_) differ from those members of their family already described in the shortness of their beak, which is almost triangular, in the inferior size of their wings, and in the diversity of plumage that distinguishes the sexes.

THE BLACK-CAPPED OR PIED FLY-CATCHER.

The BLACK-CAPPED or PIED FLY-CATCHER (_Muscicapa atricapilla_) is five inches long, and about eight inches and a half broad. The male bird is deep grey, more or less clearly marked with black upon the entire upper side; the brow, lower parts of the body, and a patch upon the wings are white. The female is greyish brown above, and dirty white beneath; her anterior wing-quills being blackish brown, whilst the undermost are bordered with white; the three exterior tail-feathers are white upon the outer web. The young are similar to the mother. Both sexes have dark brown eyes, and black beaks and feet. This species is particularly numerous in some parts of Germany, and usually makes its appearance in England about April, leaving for more southern latitudes in September, but it is by no means common in this country. A nest found by Mr. Heysham, of Carlisle, contained eight eggs, one of which lay at the bottom, whilst the rest were placed perpendicularly, in regular order round the little apartment, the narrow end turned upwards and supported against the sides of the wall.

THE COLLARED OR WHITE-NECKED FLY-CATCHER.

The COLLARED or WHITE-NECKED FLY-CATCHER (_Muscicapa albicollis_) is frequently mistaken for the preceding species, the females especially bearing a most deceptive resemblance to each other. The adult male, however, is recognisable by a white ring around the throat, and the female is without the light edging to the tail-feathers. Both these Mourning Fly-catchers inhabit Europe, the latter being numerously met with in its most southern countries, but comparatively rarely seen in the more northern portions; whilst the former frequents every part of the European continent, making its appearance at the end of April, and leaving again about September: their migrations often extend as far as Central Africa, and are usually carried on at night: the males are always the first to leave, and generally return to Europe before their mates. Both species are extremely lively, passing the entire day, when the weather is fine, in pursuing their prey, or chasing each other in sportive evolutions through the air, or hopping nimbly from twig to twig, meanwhile uttering their twittering call-note. Even when perched, their little bodies are kept in constant motion by the incessant agitation of their wings and tail. The song of these birds is generally to be heard long before sunrise, when all their feathered companions are still asleep; and we are therefore inclined to listen to their voices with a pleasure and attention, occasioned rather by the circumstances under which their penetrating and somewhat melancholy notes are uttered, than from any intrinsic merits of their music; during the breeding season, however, the male sings agreeably and energetically throughout the day. Both these species of Fly-catchers subsist upon the same kinds of insects, and, should their ordinary food fall short, have recourse to various berries, or they glean small beetles from the leaves of the trees. Like all birds that live in a state of constant activity, they are extremely voracious, and devour enormous quantities of grasshoppers, horse-flies, butterflies, gnats, and other insects, always seizing their prey upon the wing, even should the victim be creeping on a leaf, or running over the ground. The nests are usually made in hollow trees, and are padded with a layer of moss and fibres, lined with feathers, wool, and hair. Should a hollow tree not be attainable, the nest is built upon some branch quite close to the trunk. The brood consists of five or six delicate-shelled, pale greenish eggs; these are incubated by both parents, and are hatched within a fortnight after they are laid. In three weeks' time the nestlings are fledged, but they remain for a considerably longer period under parental care and guidance. In some countries boxes are often placed in gardens in order to attract the breeding pairs; and so tame do the families thus reared become, that they will even allow the boxes to be moved from one place to another, without either leaving them or testifying any uneasiness. When caged, they soon attach themselves to those who feed them, and will take flies from the hand: Nightingales' food suits them best when they are subjected to a life of confinement. Large numbers of these useful birds are caught by the Italians, in a variety of nets and snares, during the time of their autumn migrations, and hundreds of them are exposed for sale as dainty morsels in every market-place. In ancient times Fly-catchers were sent from Cyprus to Italy prepared in spice and vinegar, and closely packed in pots or small casks.

THE DWARF FLY CATCHER.

The DWARF FLY-CATCHER (_Erythrosterna parva_) has been selected as the representative of a distinct group, on account of its comparatively powerful beak and high tarsi. The length of this bird is about five and its breadth about eight inches. Its plumage is so diversified as to have given rise to many errors concerning the number of species. During the spring the upper part of the body of the adult male is of brownish grey, deepest in shade towards the head; the feathers of the larger wing-covers and the posterior quills have a light edge; the chin, throat, lower and upper breast are rust-red; the rest of the under side dirty white; the primary quills are of a blackish brown-grey, enlivened by a light border. In the young male the reddish brown upon the throat is paler than in the adult bird, and all the colours in the plumage of the female are fainter and greyer than in that of her mate. All have dark brown eyes, and black beaks and feet.

The Dwarf Fly-catcher is found extensively throughout Poland and almost the whole of Germany, where it seems to prefer the shelter of the beech-woods, living principally in the summits of lofty trees, and rarely approaching the vicinity of man or descending to the ground. Its call is generally a loud piping note; but the song varies so considerably in different individuals as to be sometimes almost unrecognisable. The nest is placed either in a hole or upon the branch of a tree, at some distance from the trunk: it is formed of slender blades of grass vegetable fibres, green moss, or similar materials, lined with wool and hair. The brood consists of four or five eggs, of a greenish white, marked indistinctly with light rust-red patches. Both parents assists in the work of incubation, and exhibit extraordinary attachment to their young; the male bird, however, devotes himself principally to tending and entertaining his mate, whilst she undertakes the main part of the building operations. No sooner are the nestlings capable of supporting themselves than they leave their parents, and retire into the depths of the forests, where they remain until their winter migrations. From the day when the parent birds are separated from their families, their nature seems to undergo a complete change, and they at once assume a quiet, inactive deportment, that strongly contrasts with their previously sportive, busy habits. Count Gourcy, who reared many of these Dwarf Fly-catchers, tells us that they were readily tamed, and soon learnt to know him, welcoming his approach to the cage by flapping their wings and waving their tails above their heads. They bathed freely, and devoured insects in large quantities, eagerly snapping at any fly that was unlucky enough to approach too near.

* * * * *

The SILK-TAILS (_Bombycillæ_) possess a compact body, short neck, and moderate-sized head. Their wing, in which the first and second quills are longer than the rest, is of medium length, and pointed at the extremity; the tail is short, and composed of twelve feathers; the straight, short beak is broad, much compressed at its base, but raised and narrow at its tip, the upper mandible being longer and broader than the lower one, arched at its culmen, and slightly hooked at its extremity, which is visibly incised. The feet are short and powerful, and the exterior and centre toe connected by a fold of skin. The soft silky plumage upon the head is prolonged into a crest, and some of the wing and tail feathers terminate in horn-like laminæ. The coloration differs but little in the two sexes.

THE EUROPEAN OR COMMON SILK-TAIL.

The EUROPEAN or COMMON SILK-TAIL, BOHEMIAN CHATTERER, or WAX-WING (_Bombycilla garrula_) is eight inches long and thirteen and a half broad. The plumage is almost entirely reddish grey, darkest upon the back, and shading into greyish white beneath; the brow and rump are reddish brown; the chin, throat, bridles, and a streak over the eyes black; the primary quills are greyish black, spotted with gold on the tip of the outer, and edged with white upon the inner web; the secondaries are furnished with parchment-like or horny plates at their extremities, which are bright red; the tail-feathers are blackish at their lower portion, light yellow towards their extremities, and terminate in horny plates, resembling those upon the secondary quills. In the female the colours are fainter, and the horny appendages much less developed than in the plumage of her mate. The young are almost entirely dark brown, with light edges to many of the feathers; the brows and a stripe that passes from the eyes to the back of the head, a streak across the light reddish yellow throat and the rump are whitish, while the lower tail-covers are of a dusky rust-red.

The Common Silk-tail is an inhabitant both of Northern Europe and of North America, but is found only occasionally in some parts of Asia, being replaced in that continent by its Japanese congener, the _Bombycilla phœnicoptera_; while in America the CEDAR BIRD (_Bombycilla cedrorum_) is more numerously met with. In the northern portions of Europe, birch and pine forests constitute its favourite retreats, and these it seldom quits, except when driven by unusual severity of weather or by heavy falls of snow to seek refuge in more southern provinces. Even in Russia, Poland, and Southern Scandinavia it is constantly to be seen throughout the entire winter; indeed, so rarely does it wander to more southern latitudes that in Germany it is popularly supposed to make its appearance once in seven years. On the occasion of these rare migrations, the Silk-tails keep together in large flocks, and remain in any place that affords them suitable food until the supply is exhausted. Like most other members of the feathered creation inhabiting extreme climates, these birds are heavy and indolent, rarely exerting themselves except to satisfy their hunger, and appearing unwilling to move even to a short distance from their usual haunts. With their companions they live in uninterrupted harmony, and during their migrations testify no fear of man, frequently coming down to seek for food in the villages and towns they pass over, without apparently regarding the noisy bustle of the streets. Even during their winter journeyings, they settle frequently, and pass the entire day indolently perching in crowds upon the trees, remaining almost motionless for some hours together, only descending in the morning and evening to procure berries, in search of which they climb from branch to branch with considerable dexterity. Their flight is light and graceful, being effected by very rapid strokes of the wings. Upon the ground they move with difficulty, and rarely alight upon its surface, except when in search of water. Their call-note is a hissing, twittering sound, very similar to that produced by blowing down the barrel of a key. The song, though monotonous and gentle, is uttered by both sexes with so much energy and expression as to produce a pleasing effect, and may be generally heard throughout the entire year. Insects unquestionably constitute the principal food of the Silk-tails during the warmer months, but in winter they subsist mainly upon various kinds of berries. So voracious is this species, that, according to Naumann, it will devour an amount of food equal to the weight of its own body in the course of twenty-four hours. When caged, it sits all day long close to its eating-trough, alternately gorging, digesting, and sleeping, without intermission. Until the last few years we were entirely without particulars as to the incubation of the Silk-tail, and have to thank Wolley for the first account of the nest and eggs. This gentleman, who visited Lapland in 1857, determined not to return to England until he had procured the long-desired treasure, and, after great trouble and expense, succeeded in collecting no fewer than 600 eggs. All the nests discovered were deeply ensconced among the boughs of pine-trees, at no great height from the ground; their walls were principally formed of dry twigs and scraps from the surrounding branches; the central cavity was wide, deep, and lined with blades of grass and feathers. The brood consists of from four to seven, but usually of five eggs, which are laid about the middle of June; the shell is blueish or purplish white, sparsely sprinkled with brown, black, or violet spots and streaks, some of which take the form of a wreath at the broad end (see Fig. 25, Coloured Plate IV.) The Silk-tail readily accustoms itself to life in a cage, and in some instances has been known to live for nine or ten years in confinement, feeding principally upon vegetables, salad, white bread, groats, or bran steeped in water.

* * * * *

The MANAKINS (_Pipræ_) constitute an extensive family of most beautiful and gaily-plumaged birds, inhabiting America, Southern Asia, and New Holland. Almost all the members of this group are of small size, few being larger than a Pigeon, and all are clothed in soft, silky feathers, glowing with the most brilliant hues. Their bodies are compact; their wings short, or of moderate length; their beak short, broad at the base, arched at the culmen, and slightly hooked and incised at its extremity. The feet are powerful, the tarsi rather long, and the toes comparatively short. The plumage, always compact and thick, varies much in its coloration, according to the age and sex. All these birds inhabit forests and woodland districts, some few frequenting hilly or mountainous tracts, while the greater number are only seen in lowland regions. Most of them are extremely lively and social, passing their time in flying in small parties about the summits of forest-trees, and attracting the attention of travellers as much by the peculiarity of their cry as by the glowing tints of their plumage. They live almost exclusively on fruits of various kinds, sometimes on such as are of considerable size. Kittlitz mentions having upon one occasion seen a Manakin flying with such difficulty as to arrest his particular notice, and having brought down the bird with his gun, he found on examining the stomach that it contained a half-digested palm-nut. "How it was possible," he says, "for the bird to have swallowed a fruit nearly as large as its own body appeared to me most extraordinary, but close investigation showed me that the gape of this species, like that of a snake, is capable of great extension. I am, however, still at a loss to explain how the juices of the stomach were enabled to demolish so huge a morsel." Some few species also devour insects.

* * * * *

The ROCK BIRDS (_Rupicola_) comprise some of the largest species in the entire family. Their bodies are powerful; their wings, in which the fourth quill exceeds the rest in length, are long; the tail is short, broad, straight at the tip, and almost covered by the long feathers upon the rump. The tarsi are robust, the toes long, and armed with thick, long, and very decidedly hooked claws. The feathers upon the back are broad, with either sharp tips or angular extremities; those upon the brow, top of the head, and nape, form an upright crest or plume.

THE COCK OF THE ROCK.

The COCK OF THE ROCK (_Rupicola crocea_), the best known species of this group, has been minutely described by many writers. The rich plumage of the adult male is of a bright orange-yellow; the feathers that form the crest are deep purplish red; the large wing-covers, quills, and tail-feathers brown, edged with white at their tips, and marked with large white spots. The females and young are of an uniform brown; the lower wing-covers orange-red; the rump and tail-feathers light reddish brown; and their crest considerably smaller than that of the male. All have orange-red eyes, greyish yellow beaks, and yellowish flesh-pink feet. The male is twelve inches long; his wing measures seven and his tail nine inches, the female is at least two inches smaller.