Part 14

THE LAUGHING JACKASS, OR SETTLER'S CLOCK.

The LAUGHING JACKASS, or SETTLER'S CLOCK (_Paralcyon gigas_, or _Dacelo gigantea_), an interesting and very familiar species, inhabiting Australia, is dark brown on the back, and dull yellowish white on the under side; the lower part of the back and wing-covers are of a blueish shade; the tail-covers rust-red, striped with black; the long, pointed feathers on the head have the shafts streaked with brown; the bristle-like ear-feathers are black; the exterior quills are blackish brown, and white at the root; and the tail-feathers rust-red, striped with black, and marked with white at the tips and sides of the inner web. The female is paler in hue, and less decidedly marked upon the head. This bird is from seventeen to eighteen inches long, and more than two feet across the span of the wings; the wing measures eight inches. The tail is seven inches long.

"The _Dacelo gigantea_," says Gould, "is a bird with which every traveller in New South Wales is acquainted, for, independently of its large size, its voice is so extraordinary as to be unlike that of any other living creature. In its disposition it is by no means shy, and when any new objects are presented to its notice--such as a party traversing the bush, or pitching their tent--it becomes very prying and inquisitive, often perching on the dead branch of some neighbouring tree, and watching with the greatest curiosity the kindling of the fire and the preparation of the meal. Its presence, however, owing to the quietude with which it passes through the forest, and the almost noiseless manner in which it settles, is seldom detected, until it emits its extraordinary gurgling, laughing note, which has obtained for it the name of the 'Laughing Jackass.'" Captain Sturt describes this strange cry as "resembling a chorus of wild spirits." Gould states that this species seldom or never drinks, and is therefore as much at home on arid plains as near the coast or river-banks. "Its food, which is of a mixed character," continues the same writer, "consists of animal substances. Reptiles, insects, and crabs, however, appear to be its favourite diet; it devours lizards with avidity, and it is not uncommon to see it bearing off a snake in its bill, to be eaten at leisure. Unlike most other species, the _Dacelo gigantea_ frequents every variety of situation; the luxuriant brushes extending along the coast, the more thinly-timbered forest, the belts of trees studding the parched plains, and the brushwood of the higher ranges being alike favoured by its presence. Over all these localities it is dispersed, but is nowhere numerous. It breeds during the months of August and September, and generally selects a hole in a large gum-tree for the purpose; making no nest, but depositing its beautiful pearl-white eggs on the decomposed wood at the bottom of the hole. The parent bird defends its young with the greatest courage and daring, darting down upon any intruder who may attempt to ascend the tree, and inflicting severe and even dangerous wounds with its pointed bill. It bears confinement remarkably well, and is one of the most amusing birds for an aviary with which I am acquainted."

* * * * *

The PARADISE ALCYONS (_Tanysiptera_) are recognisable from the above groups by the unusual length of the centre tail-feathers; the beak, somewhat longer than the head, is conical in form, its upper mandible almost straight, while the lower one curves slightly upwards. In the wing, the fourth quill exceeds the rest in length; the long and graduated tail varies considerably in its formation.

THE TRUE PARADISE ALCYON.

The TRUE PARADISE ALCYON (_Tanysiptera sylvia_), one of the most refulgent members of this group, is bright blue on the crown of the head, wings, and two outer tail-feathers; the cheek, back of the throat, and mantle are black; and a triangular patch between the shoulders, the rump, and the two centre flowing tail-feathers pure white. The entire under side is brownish red; the beak and foot are bright red. The body measures ten inches; the wing two inches and two-thirds, and the tail two inches and three-quarters.

Gould tells us that this beautiful bird, which has at present only been met with at Cape York, on the northern coast of Australia, never alights upon the ground, but is usually seen perched upon a bare twig or parasitical plant, from whence it darts upon its insect prey, always returning at once to its perch. Its flight is remarkably rapid. The cry of this species, which resembles the syllables "wee-wee-wee," is usually uttered when the bird is stationary. Owing to its extreme timidity, the _Tanysiptera sylvia_ is extremely difficult to obtain; indeed, the sportsman may follow it for an hour at a time without the chance of a fair shot. According to the natives, the three white eggs laid by the female are deposited in ant-hills.

Two other nearly allied species, the _Tanysiptera dea_ and the _Tanysiptera nympha_, inhabit New Guinea, the Moluccas, and Philippine Islands.

* * * * *

The SAW-BEAKED ALCYONS (_Syma_) have a long, thin beak, broad at its base, and compressed at its sides, furnished down two-thirds of its length with numerous strong teeth-like appendages; the upper mandible projects beyond the lower portion of the bill, and terminates in a sharp, slender tip; in the short wing the third and fourth quills are of equal length, and longer than the rest; the tail is of medium size, and very decidedly rounded.

THE PODITTI.

The PODITTI (_Syma flavirostris_), one of the two species of Saw-beaked Alcyons with which we are acquainted, as inhabiting Australia and New Guinea, is of a brownish red on the top of the head, nape, ear-covers, and sides of throat; the back and wings are dull green, the rump and tail greenish blue, the front of the throat and lower belly yellowish white, and the remainder of the under side yellowish brown; the head is almost encircled by a narrow black line; the pale red bill is blackish brown at its culmen. This species is seven inches and one-sixth long; the wing measures two inches and two-thirds, and the tail two inches and one-sixth.

* * * * *

The SLUGGARDS (_Agornithes_) are remarkable for the bristle-like feathers that form a kind of beard; an unusually delicate skin, in which the broad, soft, downy feathers grow but loosely; and still more for their indolent and dreamy disposition.

* * * * *

The JACAMARS (_Galbulæ_) possess a slender body, a long, straight, awl-shaped beak, small delicate feet, with the toes divided into pairs, short wings, and a long tail, composed of strong feathers. The soft, lax plumage, which has a magnificent golden gloss, is replaced by bristles in the region of the beak. The few species of these birds that we are acquainted with occupy the primitive forests of South America, and alike exhibit the same dull and indolent disposition in their manner of life.

* * * * *

The TRUE JACAMARS are recognisable by their long, thin, high beak, which is slightly curved, and furnished with sharp edges; the wings, with their fourth and fifth quills longer than the rest, are comparatively long; the tail, composed of twelve feathers, is long and much graduated; the two outer toes of the foot are united almost to the tip; the hinder toe is very small. The plumage is soft and lax.

THE GREEN JACAMAR.

The GREEN JACAMAR (_Galbula viridis_) is of a magnificent golden-green on the breast and mantle, the remainder of the under side is rust-red; the throat of the male is white, that of the female yellowish red; the exterior tail-feathers are rust-red, tipped with green; the eye is brown; the long, thin beak, the cheek-stripe, and a bare circle round the eye, are black; the feet a brownish flesh-colour.

The Jacamar is numerously met with in the forests along the entire coast of Brazil, where, like its congeners, it leads an indolent and monotonous existence among the branches of the most retired parts of the woods, or perches on a shady bush overhanging a piece of water. Should an insect approach, it is instantly seized, and the bird at once returns to its resting-place, and relapses into its usual condition of quiet indifference to everything around, often remaining almost motionless for whole hours at a time. The loud, clear voice of the Jacamar consists of but one note, which is frequently repeated. The eggs are deposited, like those of the Kingfisher, in holes in an overhanging bank.

* * * * *

The BUCCOS (_Buccones_) constitute a group of equally indolent birds, inhabiting South America, and are recognisable by their slightly-curved beak, slender legs (with two of the toes turned backwards), moderate-sized wings, and a short tail composed of twelve feathers. The remarkably lax, soft plumage is of a sombre hue, and replaced by bristles about the region of the beak.

All the members of this group occupy forests, where they live either alone or in pairs; but rarely associating even in small parties, and still more rarely venturing near the dwelling-place of man. Like the Jacamars, these birds are remarkable for their indolence, and the quietude of their manner of life, as they obtain their insect-prey without even leaving the branch on which they are perched. The eggs of some species are deposited in holes excavated by the parents; but, beyond this fact, we are without particulars as to their mode of incubation.

* * * * *

The SLEEPERS (_Nystalus_) possess a powerful, straight beak--almost as long as the large, thick head--compressed at its sides, and slightly hooked at the projecting upper mandible. The short, thick foot and backs of the toes (the latter not placed in pairs) are covered with large, smooth scales; the wings are short and slender, the tail of medium length, and composed of narrow feathers of almost equal size, if we except the short exterior pair.

THE TSCHAKURU.

The TSCHAKURU (_Nystalus Chacuru_) is of a reddish brown on the top of the head, back, and wings, striped with a blackish shade, the under side is white, a band around the head and the broad cheek-stripes are pure white, the region of the cheek is black, the quills greyish brown, those at the exterior edged and spotted with rust-red; the blackish brown tail-feathers are marked with small, yellowish red spots at the edge. The eye is chestnut-brown, the beak dull cinnabar-red, with deep yellowish base, and greyish black culmen and tip; the foot is greyish brown. This species is eight (according to Ratterer nine) inches and a half long, and eleven inches and three-quarters broad; the wing measures three inches, and the tail two inches and three-quarters.

The Tschakuru frequents tracts covered with a slight growth of trees or bushes; on these it may be seen perching for hours together, perfectly undisturbed by the close observation of the traveller, and is frequently only roused from its state of apparent lethargy by violently shaking the surrounding branches. Insects constitute its means of subsistence, and these are obtained either whilst perching or at a few paces from its favourite seat. Azara informs us that the name of Tschakuru is supposed by the natives to represent its cry; but neither the Prince von Wied nor Burmeister ever heard it utter a sound. According to the latter, the numerous white eggs that form a brood are deposited in the hole of a tree.

* * * * *

The TRAPPISTS (_Monasta_) are distinguishable from the above groups by their small, slightly-curved beak, with thin, delicate tip, slender legs, long, pointed wings, and moderate-sized tail, formed of narrow feathers. The plumage is soft, and somewhat woolly in texture; the eye is surrounded by a bare circle.

THE DUSKY TRAPPIST, OR BEARDED CUCKOO.

The DUSKY TRAPPIST, or BEARDED CUCKOO (_Monasta fusca_), is dark brown on the head and back, and yellowish grey on the under side; the lower throat is embellished by a long, pure white crescent, a broad, black band beneath; the quills and tail-feathers are dark greyish brown, the former edged with rust-red on the outer web. The eye is reddish, the beak and foot black. The young are of a paler hue, and the crescent on the breast is shaded with yellow. The length of the body is seven inches and two-thirds, and its breadth twelve inches; the wing measures three inches and one-third, and the tail three inches and one-sixth.

This bird, we learn from the Prince von Wied, is one of the commonest inhabitants of the Brazilian forests. In the neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro it is also very frequently seen quietly perching beneath a shady bush close to dwelling-houses, or hopping over the ground in pursuit of insects. The "João Doido," or Stupid Jack, as this bird is called by the natives, presents a most striking appearance as he sits perfectly motionless, with his white head thrown into strong relief by the dark foliage, his wide-open eyes alone indicating that he is not in a profound sleep. We are without particulars respecting the incubation of this species. Insects of various kinds compose its food; we found the remains of a butterfly in the stomach of a specimen we examined.

* * * * *

The DREAMERS (_Chelidoptera_) are distinguished from the Bearded Cuckoos by their short tail and compact plumage.

THE DARK DREAMER.

The DARK DREAMER (_Chelidoptera tenebrosa_) is of a slaty-black, shaded with blue. The belly is reddish yellow, and the rump white; the eye is dark brown, the beak black, and the foot grey. The length of this bird is eight and the breadth fourteen inches; the wing measures four inches and a half, and the tail two inches.

The Prince von Wied met with this bird in the bushes about Lagoa Santa, and describes it as quiet and solitary in its habits, passing the greatest part of the day in perching almost motionless upon the topmost twigs, and scarcely rousing from its state of drowsy apathy even when approached within a few paces of its resting-place. Occasionally it descends to the ground, but usually obtains its food by capturing such of the winged inhabitants of the air as venture close to its perch, seizing them after the manner of a Flycatcher, and at once returning to its perch. This species is called the "Wood Swallow" by the Brazilians, on account of its somewhat resembling a Swallow both in form and colour, and this resemblance is also noticeable in its peculiar gait. As regards its nidification, the Prince von Wied informs us that in the forests of Botokuden, near the Rio Grande del Belmont, he observed one of these birds enter a hole in a perpendicular sandbank, and, on digging to the depth of a couple of feet, obtained two white eggs, which were laid on a thin stratum of feathers.

* * * * *

The TOURACOS, or TROGONS (_Trogones_), constitute a numerous group of equally dreamy, but gloriously plumaged birds, inhabiting the tropical zones of both hemispheres. All have a slender, but very thickly-feathered body, short, broad, triangular, and much-curved beak, with a hook at its tip, and occasionally incised at its margins. The small, slender legs are almost entirely covered with feathers; the toes, the innermost of which turns backwards, thus pairing with the hinder toe, are short; the small, much-rounded wings are composed of narrow, stiff-shafted, sickle-shaped quills, pointed at their extremity; the long tail contains twelve feathers; of these, the three outermost are much shorter than the rest. The lax, downy plumage is resplendent with metallic lustre; and the base of the beak covered with a bristle-like growth. The various members of this group are alike remarkable for their dull, indolent disposition, and spend their lives in lazily droning upon the branches of their favourite trees, only rousing themselves to take a short flight in pursuit of a passing insect. Their food principally consists of various kinds of insects, fruit, seeds, or portions of plants; while some appear to be entirely restricted to vegetable diet. Holes in trees are used as receptacles for the eggs, which are from two to four in number, round in shape, with a very light or white shell.

* * * * *

The FIRE TOURACOS (_Harpactes_), a group of these birds inhabiting Southern Asia, are recognisable by their powerful, much-curved, and smooth-margined beak, their partially-feathered feet, short wings, and long, graduated tail.

THE KARNA, OR MALABAR TROGON.

The KARNA, or MALABAR TROGON (_Harpactes fasciatus_), a well-known species, is of a chestnut-brown on the upper portion of the body, and black on the head and throat; the feathers of the wing-covers are striped black and white, while the breast and entire under side are of a vivid scarlet; the black throat is divided from the breast by a narrow white band; a line from the back of the eyes to the head is bright red, and a bare patch round the eye of a blueish shade; the centre tail-feathers are reddish brown, and those at the exterior black and white; the eye is dark brown, the beak deep blue, and the foot of a purplish hue. The female is without the black upon the head; her upper secondary quills and the feathers on the wing-covers are black and brown, and her entire under side ochre-yellow. The length of this species is twelve and its breadth sixteen inches; the wing measures five and the tail six inches.

The Malabar Trogon, as we learn from Jerdon, "is found in the forests of Malabar, from the extreme south to about seventeen degrees north latitude, reaching up the Ghâts and hill ranges at least 3,000 feet. It is also found in some of the forests of Central India and in Ceylon. It, however, usually prefers the more elevated situations, at about 2,000 feet or so, and keeps generally to the thickest parts of the wood. It is often to be seen seated motionless on a tree, occasionally flying off to capture an insect on the wing, sometimes returning to the same perch, but oftener taking up a fresh position, and in this way wandering about a good deal. It is usually solitary, sometimes in pairs, and I have seen four or five together. Its food consists of insects, chiefly coleopterous. I am not aware of having heard its note, and certainly have found it generally a silent bird. Trikell, however, says it has a wild, querulous note, like the mewing of a cat. Its Hindustani name is given from its sitting with the head sunk into its shoulders, as if it had no head, or as if dressed in a faquir's _kufui_."

* * * * *

The FLOWER TOURACOS (_Hapaloderma_) are distinguished from the above birds by the incised margins of their beaks, and the slenderness of the short, exterior tail-feathers.

THE NARINA.

The NARINA (_Hapaloderma narina_), the only species of this group with which we are at present acquainted, is of a magnificent golden green on the entire mantle, centre tail-feathers, and throat; the lower breast and belly are deep rose-red, the large wing-covers grey, striped with black, the quills black, with white shafts, and the small wing-covers beautiful golden green; the exterior tail-feathers are white on the outer and blackish on the inner web. In the plumage of the female all these shades are duller than in that of her mate; her brow and throat are brownish red, and her tail-feathers brownish black.

Le Vaillant first discovered the Narina in the extensive forests of Caffraria, Rüppell met with it near the Abyssinian coast, Heuglin at Fossokel and on the White River, and Du Chaillu on the shores of the Zambesi; we, ourselves, were only once lucky enough to see this beautiful bird, and that was a few miles from the coast of the Red Sea. We learn from Jules Verreaux that in Southern Africa the Narina principally frequents the mighty forests east of the Cape of Good Hope. In these retreats it leads a solitary and very sedentary life, only rousing itself to activity morning and evening, in order to procure food. So peculiar is the deportment of this bird as to render its identity quite unmistakable, as it sits bolt upright, with tail hanging negligently down, and head drawn closely in. Its flight is hovering and almost noiseless. During the period of incubation it utters a wailing, resonant cry, which frequently deceives the traveller as to its whereabouts, for the bird possesses the power of ventriloquism to a remarkable degree. Its food consists principally of beetles and flies. According to Le Vaillant, the Narina deposits four round, white eggs in a hollow tree; while Verreaux states that the young are hatched in twenty days, and remain for a considerable time under parental care after they are fully fledged.

* * * * *

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.