264 



CONIROSTEES. 



SUB-FAMILY L 

 MusoPHAGiN.E. The Plantain-eaters proper. 



Gen. Charac. — The outer toe capable of l)eiug placed posterioi-ly. 



Fig. 109 — the violet plantain-eater 

 {Musophagu violacea. ) 



These birds are natives of Africa^ where they are 

 not at all uncommon^ and may be often seen in the 

 forests, flitting among the branches of lofty trees, 

 gliding among the bonghs with great adroitness, 

 and displaying their silky plumes to the best ad- 

 vantage. They are wary birds, and seem to have 

 tolerably accurate ideas respecting the range of shot; 

 for they generally keep to the higher parts of the 

 trees, and seldom allow themselves to be approached 

 within the range of a gun. Their food consists 

 almost entirely of plantains and other fruits, which 

 their large beak seems especially formed to procure. 



