482 



PASSERIFORMES 



CHAP. 



The habits of these woodland birds are comparatively little 

 known, but most of them frequent high trees, though some 

 prefer low bushes ; such forms as Lvpcmgus and Heteroi^dma 

 haunt dense forests, Pifreola and Fhibalura more open situations, 

 while small flocks often occur at considerable elevations, Helio- 

 cliera reaching ten thousand feet. Ce2ohalopterus ornatus loves 

 islands in rivers, Chasmorhynchus and XenojJsaris marshy glades 

 or even sedge-growth. The flight, usually of short duration, is 

 heavy and noisy in Fipreola and elsewhere, Swallow-like in Fhiba- 

 lura ; insects are often captured on the wing, and not only these 

 but spiders, molluscs, and even lizards, are occasionally sought 

 upon the ground. Berries, seeds, and the like, however, constitute 



i 



Fig. 104. Bell-bird. Chasmorhynchus niveus. x *. {Yrom Waterton'sWanderings.) 



the chief food. Cephalopterus and Hadrostomvs, at least occa- 

 sionally, beat their prey upon a branch before swallowing it. 

 The members of this Family are usually somewhat shy and dull, 

 but the males of Piupicola were observed by Schomburgk to dance 

 in turn with outspread wings before an assembled flock, strut- 

 ting and parading with frequent leaps. This bird is credited 

 with a voice like a monkey ; Chasmorhynchus niveus is termed 

 Campanero or Bell -bird from its clear, bell -like note, uttered 

 with the caruncle erected, while its congeners have also ringing 

 cries ; Cephalopterus gives vent to long deep " lowings " at sunrise 

 and sunset. Tityra semifasciata utters frog-like sounds, Fachy- 

 rhamphus a loud whistle, and other species notes resembling those 

 of Tanagers, Tyrants, or Wrens. Rupicola fastens a nest of mud, 

 surmounted by twigs and lined with moss, to projections of rocks 



