Chapter 8

Plate 24. Cassell's Book of BirdsMEROPS APIASTER ____ EUROPEAN BEE-EATER(over three quarters Nat. size)(Swainson)

Plate 24. Cassell's Book of Birds

MEROPS APIASTER ____ EUROPEAN BEE-EATER

(over three quarters Nat. size)(Swainson)

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All the members of this group occupy forests, where they live either alone or in pairs; but rarelyassociating 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.

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 DUSKYTRAPPIST, or BEARDEDCUCKOO(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 DARKDREAMER(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.

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 MALABARTROGON(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'skufui."

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 quiteunmistakable, 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.

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 PEACOCKTROGON(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 BEAUTIFULTROGON(Calurus PharomacrusorC. antisianus)—(See Coloured PlateXXV.)—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 RESPLENDENTTROGON(Calurus paradiseus, orC. 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.

QUESALS, OR RESPLENDENT TROGONS (Calurus paradiseus, orC. 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 loudbut 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.

THECUCKOOS(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-BEAKEDHONEYGUIDE(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 materiallyassists 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 COMMONCUCKOO(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 soonerdo 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.

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 ofthe 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.

THE JAY CUCKOO (Coccystes glandarius).

"Two Cuckoos and a Hedge Sparrow," writes Dr. Jenner, "were hatched in the same nest this morning. In a fewhoursafter, 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 bythe 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 JAYCUCKOO(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 theMimasops 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 thoroughlyCuculine. 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 GOLDENCUCKOO(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.

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