430 CORACITFORMES CHAP. 
Darwin! writes of Patagona gigas: “Like others of the 
genus, it moves from place to place, with a rapidity which may 
be compared to that of Syrphus among diptera and Sphinz: 
[especially the Humming-bird Sphinx (Macroglossa stellatarum) | 
among moths, but whilst hovering over a flower, it flaps its wings 
with a very slow and powerful movement, totally different from 
that vibratory one, common to most of the species, which produces 
the humming noise.” This slower movement has been observed 
also in Prerophanes temmincki, and no doubt in other large forms, 
of which the aerial course is perhaps more zigzag and jerky 
than elsewhere. Certain species habitually sit with puffed out 
plumage and somewhat elevated bills; others soar, or skim the 
surface of water like Bats; the tail-feathers, moreover, are often 
moved sideways or twisted during flight, especially when they are 
elongated or spatulate ; and Loddigesia constantly extends them 
perpendicularly to the body, if not further forward, though the 
racquet-tips may at other times be almost in contact. 
The food consists almost entirely of insects, while the aliment- 
ary canal shews but little trace of honey, which the birds never- 
theless seem to enjoy, when swallowed with the creatures which 
it allures ; and as these appear on the lips of flowers chiefly after 
wet, or in the morning and evening, their feathered foes are 
naturally then most active. Cacti, alstroemeriae, orchids, and 
composites seem particularly attractive, and tubular blossoms 
to the long-billed species especially. Those with shorter beaks, 
being unable to penetrate the deepest tubes, are said to pierce 
the hinder portions, while it is asserted that those with extremely 
curved mandibles even make use of a twofold process, first inserting 
the tips, and then raising themselves slightly so as to penetrate the 
recesses. Lhamphodon, Phaéthornis, Eutoxeres, and Chlorostilbon 
examine the crevices of trees and walls for spiders, which they 
habitually eat; while the “ Hermits,” balanced in the air, pass the bill 
carefully though quickly over the lower surface of leaves in search 
of insect-diet. Oreotrochilus pichincha has been observed clinging 
to rocks and feeding upon the ground; Aithurus, Petasophora, Pyg- 
mornis, Lampornis, Patagonaand other species, take up posts on dead 
branches or twigs, thence darting upon their prey in Fly-catcher- 
like style. Gould once managed to reach the shores of England 
with two examples, kept alive on sweetened water and yolk of egg. 
1 Zool. Voy. Beagle, iii. 1841, p. 112. 
