184 OMNIVOROUS BIRDS. 



tone of alarm ; and they are always shy and suspicious 

 of the designs of every observer. On a fine spring morn- 

 ing, however, perched towards the summit of some tree in 

 the forest, where they seek rest after their twilight wan- 

 derings, small and select parties may be seen gratefully 

 baskincT in the mild beams of the sunshine. The male on 

 such occasions, like many other egotists, seems as 

 proud of his uncouth jargon, and as eager to please his 

 favorite companions, as the sentimental Nightingale with 

 his pathetic and varied lay. 



The length of this species is 7 inches, its breadth 11. The head 

 and neck blackish brown ; the rest black, glossed with violet on the 

 breast, and with greenish above. Legs and claws black. Iris hazek 



