^4 \x-. 



THE nOA'l-RIIX/ 



The Boat-bill is about the size of a domestic hen. Its beak resembles a boat reversed, 

 havino- a strou<^ ridge or keel down the middle of the "upper mandible, and the sides 

 spread out and bowed. 



In the male, the upper part of the- neck and breast are dirty white; the back and 

 lower part of the belly rusty-reddish. The legs and feet are brown. Frnni llie head 

 depends a long crest of feathers, falling backwards. 



The female has the top of Ihe head black, without the elongated crest ; Ihe back and 

 the belly rusty-reddish ; the wings gray ; the forehead and rest of the plumage while ' 

 the bill, legs, and feet, brown. 



liutham savs: "This species inhabits Cayenne, Guiana, and IJrazil, and chiefly 

 frequents such parts as are near the water. In such places it perches on llie trees whicli 

 hang over the streams, and, like the kingfisher, drops down on tlic ilsh that swim 



bcneatli." 



The food and general liabifs of this bird place it among tlie lu-rons, ;in extensive family, 

 containing many groups, at which wc must now glance. Tliey vary from eaeli <iI]i(m- in 

 certain details, l)ut all agree in general characteristics. They are strictly carnivdriMis, 

 livinrr on fish, reptiles, and even the smalhr mannnalia which frequent tlu^ l)nnliis ol' 

 lakes or marshes. 



Ni<^ht is the season of their activitj-. Their sight is acute, and their stroke sur- 

 prisinf'ly rapid. Tlieir body is light, tlu>ir wings anqjle, and their Higlil Idl'ty. 



• {'aiicniiii:i caiiernplia'^.'i. — I. inn 



