472 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
pyramidal, and pointed, covered at the base with small feathers 
directed forward ; the long toes are furnished with claws strong and 
crooked ; their habitat resembles that of the Creepers. They are 
also found in islands of the Pacific. 
CONIROSTRES, 
The Conitrostral Passerine are characterised by a strong robust 
beak, more or less conical, and without notches. They are generally 
granivorous, but some species are insectivorous or carnivorous. 
This group includes the Birds of Paradise, Crows, Rollers, Starlings, 
Sparrows, Tits, and Larks. 
The Birds of Paradise have the beak straight, compressed, and 
strong, the nostrils covered with velvety feathers. In brilliancy of 
colouring, and in graceful, pendent, gossamer-like plumage, they take 
precedence in the feathered creation. 
They have a very restricted habitat, being only found in New 
Guinea, Ternate, and in the island of Papua, situated to the north of 
Australia ; there they dwell in the thick forests, feeding on fruit and 
insects. Occasionally they are found living in solitude, but more 
frequently are to be met in large flocks, altering their residence with 
the change of the monsoon. 
Their flight is very swift, and has been frequently compared by 
Europeans resident in the East to that of a Swallow ; in consequence, 
they have bestowed on the Bird of Paradise the name of Swallow of 
Ternate. 
It is owing to the long lateral plumes, which they most perfectly 
control in the air, that they are so buoyant; at the same time, this 
unusual amount of plumage almost entirely stops their progression 
against a head wind. 
When the Bird of Paradise was first spoken of in Europe few 
believed that it existed. Nor is this to be wondered at, when we 
recall that it was affirmed that these gorgeous birds were without 
legs, and hung on to the branches of trees by their long aérial plumes; 
that the female deposited her eggs under the feathers on the back of 
the male; that they passed the breeding season in Paradise ; and 
many other stories equally absurd. 
The inhabitants of Papua capture the Birds of Paradise, for 
their plumage is of great commercial value. The method they adopt 
is to place themselves in the tops of the highest trees: where, con- 
cealed, they attract the birds within reach of their blow-pipes by 
whistling. 
