372 



NATURAL HISTORY OF BIRDS. 



larjTcst species, Corythtrola cristata, jjrescnts a most striking similarity to a hokko, 

 and is not much inferior in size. Tiie family is strictly African, however, no S])ecie8 

 occurring outside of the Ethiojiian region proper, not even in Madagascar. The true 

 plantain-oatcrs (Miisojihiif/d) are glcx-isy bluish or violet-black, and have a bony frontal 

 shield as a prolongation of the beak much in the fashion of the coots. They are large 

 and handsome birds, the typical species of which (J/ violacea) is figured in the 

 accom|>anying cut. The turacous ( Tiiracus), so called in imit.'ition of their cry, are 

 somewhat smaller, of a peculiar light green color, wliile the wing-feathers are of a 

 most beautiful carmine; a rounded, strongly compressed feather-crest adorns the 

 head. The most interesting fact in regard to these birds, is, perhaps, the nature of 



Fio. 174. — Mutophaga viotacta, violaceous plantain-eater. 



the coloring matter. As already mentioned in the introduction (page 5), the only 

 green pigment discovered in birds is that which has been called tiiracovcrdiii, while 

 luracin, tlie magnificent red ]>igmi.'nt of the wing, is efpially peculiar to these birds. 

 This latter pigment is the more remark.able, since it is said to be washed out during 

 heavy showers of the rainy season, leaving the feathers pinky white, their former 

 beauty being resumed, however, in the course of two or three days. The best known 

 species is the white-crested turacou (7'. cori/thah-) from South Africa, which, like its 

 congeners, frequents the highest trees, feedii.g on fruits. The colonists call them 

 lories. Another South African species is the gr.ay turacou (C/iizarhis concolor), 

 similar in form, l)ut uniform gray all over. The following is an abstract of an inter- 

 esting account communicateil to Mr. R. B. Sharpe by Dr. Exter: "In traveling 

 through the Betchuana country, one often comes upon a party of five or six of these 



