THE BEEF-EATERS. 487 
a singular habit they have of lighting on the backs of ruminating 
mammalia, and picking off the insects or extracting the larve of 
(Estri which infest them—an operation which cattle submit to with 
great pleasure. Their food is not confined to this alone, for they feed 
also upon wood-bugs and locusts: hence they are likewise called 
Locust Hunters. They generally unite in small flocks of six or eight. 
They are very wild, and take flight with a sharp cry of alarm on any 
one approaching their haunts. 
Among the congeners of the Beef-eaters may be placed the Coly 
Fig. 203.—The Beef-eater. 
(Colius), which, like that bird, is.an inhabitant of Africa. They are 
small, about the size and shape of the Yellow-ammer, and have a tuft 
on the head. They live in flocks of from twelve to twenty, which 
nest in common, and feed on fruit and young birds. According to 
Levaillant, they creep on the branches of trees, with the head down- 
wards; and, strange to say, even sleep in this peculiar position, 
pressing one against the other. Their flesh is said to be very 
delicate. - 
The Crossbills (Zoxiad@) are remarkable for the form of their bill, 
the mandibles being compressed and re-curved, crossing each other 
in contrary directions, the terminations being hooked, forming an 
