BALD FRUIT CROW.—Gymnoceiihallts calvns. 



earned for it the popular titles by which it is known. In allusion to the monk-like 

 aspect of the head, .the Creoles of Cayenne call it " Oiseau mon P^re." 



This species is larger than the preceding, being quite equal to the English Crow in 

 size, and being altogether of a thicker and larger make. It is very common in Guinea. 

 The head of tlie Bald Fruit Crow is very large and heavily made, and the whole front of 

 the bird is totally bare, like that of the leatherhead, already described and figured. I\Iany 

 naturalists think that while the Bald Fruit Crow is still young, its head is clothed with 

 feathers, together with the remainder of the body, and that, like the rook of Europe, it 

 loses the feathers when it attains maturity. There has been considerable argument on 

 the subject, but it seems to have been tolerably well settled that the young bird is 

 feathered and the old bird bare. 



This bird, together with the other Fruit Crows, makes the greater part of its meals 

 on berries, fruits, and other vegetable substances ; but will often vary its diet by an 

 admixture of insects, snails, and many similar creatures. It is seldom seen upon the 

 ground, finding its food among the branches, and confining itself almost exclusively to 

 their shelter. The generic names Gymnoderus and Gymnocephalus, which have been 

 appropriately given to these birds, are of Greek origin, and signify, the former, " naked- 

 necked," and tlie latter " naked-headed." The general colour of "the Bald-headed Fruit 

 Crow is dark l)rown, something like the dingy brown of a capuchin's cloak, thus giving 

 to the bird the popular title of Capuchin. This colour is, however, relieved by the darker 

 hue of the quill-feathers of the wings and tail, which are deep black. 



