THE TODIES. 



The Tmui) Fajuia- of this Order consists of the Todies, which, however, appear to 

 have few representatives, and none in- Europe. The}^ have peculiar flatness in tlie shape 

 of the bill, but the breadth greatly varies in otlier respects. Tlic wings are round, and 

 the two outer toes of the feet arc partially united logethcn-. AVe give as a specimen the 

 Green Tody. 



The Green Tody is found in some parts of America, and also in the Antilles. It is as 

 elegant as it is beautiful, and the rich green tint of the back, the yellovs'ish Avhitc of the 

 breast; relieved by a fine red spot on the throat, and the rose-colour tinge of the thighs, 

 give it a singularly rich aj^pearance. While perched upon a branch, with its feathers 

 ruffled, and its beak in the air, it has an attitude which appears anything but indicating 

 activity or grace ; but it is, at the same time, quietly on the alert, and should an insect 

 come within sight, it sweeps after it with micrring certainty. Its nest is formed upon 

 the ground, in which the female deposits four bluish-coloured eggs. The song of the 

 male is very pleasant during the pairing season ; at other times it is only a sad crj^ often 

 repeated. 



IIKAU OF THE UllEK-N i'JUV. 



In the island of Jamaica, the tody is a verj^ common bird. On the summit of Blue- 

 fields mountain, about o,0()0 feet from the level of the sea, and particularly where the 

 deserted provision grounds ai"e overgrown with an abnost impenetrable thicket of jointer, 

 or jointwood, Mr. Gosse tells us it is especially abundant. Always conspicuous from its 

 bright grass-green coat, and crimson velvet gorget, it is still a very tamo bird, allowing 

 a person to approach very near, and if disturbed, alighting on another twig a few yards 

 distant. That eminent naturalist says, "I have never seen the tody on the ground ; l)Lit 

 it hops about the twigs of low trees searching for minute insects, occasionally uttering a 

 querulous sibilant note. It is instructive to observe by how v'arious means the wisdom of 

 God has ordained a given end to be attained. The swallow and the tody live on the 

 same prey, insects on the wing ; and the short, hollow, and feeble wings of the latter are 

 as effectual to him as the long and powerfid pinions are to the swallow. He has no 

 powers to employ in pursuing insects, but he waits till they come within his circumscribed 

 range, and no less certainly seciu-es his meal." 



* Todus Viiidis. 



L 



