480 



SCANSOEES, OE CLIMBEES. 



become very familiar in captivity. They build in the natural 

 holes of trees, or in those hollowed by Woodpeckers. Their 

 plumag-e is pleasing, and their size is the same as the Lark. 

 They inhabit all the Old Continent. 



Jacamars. 



Jacamars (Fig. 199) inhabit Equatorial America. They are 

 characterised by long and pointed beaks, short tarsi, and short 

 or obtuse wings. They have three or four toes, according to the 



Fifj. 199. — Paradise Jacamar {Galbula ■paradisea, Latham). 



species. Their habits are little known ; but it is certain that 

 they live isolated or in pairs, that they are stupid, move but 

 little, and rarely depart from the neighbourhood where they have 

 chosen their dwelling. All species do not frequent the same j)laces 

 — some like thick woods, others prefer plains, while some select 

 damp localities ; but all are insectivorous. In their manners, as 

 well as in their physical characteristics, Jacamars ajapear to 

 resemble King-fishers, of which we shall speak in the following 

 order. 



