THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 59 



Nest. — A platform of twigs placed on a bush over 

 water. 



Eggs. — Several ; spotted, much like those of rails. 



Food. — Leaves and berries, especially of aroids. 



Gait. — They move actively among the branches, but 

 seem not to come to the ground. 



Flight. — Heavy and awkward, and not prolonged to 

 any distance. 



Note. — A harsh hissing screech. 



Disposition and Habits. — They are sociable and keep 

 in flocks. 



Economic Qualities. — Their interest is purely scien- 

 tific ; they are not insectivorous, and of no use as 

 food, having a very unpleasant smell. 



Captivity. — They have not been kept in captivity in 

 Europe as yet. 



Distribution. — South America, along the sides of 

 rivers. There is only one species {Opisthoco- 

 mus huazin), a rather handsome bird, coloured 

 buff, brown and chestnut, and known as 

 " Hanna," " gigana," " Stinking Pheasant," or 

 " Governor Battenberg's Turkey." 



Honey-guides (Indicatorida). 



Diagnosis. — Small pair-toed birds, with small beaks 

 ivith curved profile. 



Size. — From that of a lark to that of a linnet. 



Form. — Bill short, with curved profile, usually thick 

 and very like a finch's ; feet with toes in pairs, the 

 first and fourth turned back, all free. Wings 

 short ; tail moderate. General appearance like 

 an ordinary " small bird." 



Plumage and Colouration. — Plain, with some mark- 

 ings of yellow, and white in the tail. Sometimes 

 a sex-difference, but no seasonal change. Young 

 much like the adult. 



