BARBETS. 



447 



isolate themselves at pairing-times as other birds do. They build a 

 common nest, either in the trees or bushes, in which all the females 

 lay and sit on their eggs. This nest is sometimes divided by walls 

 into a certain number of compartments, each of which belongs to a 

 female, but generally all the eggs are mixed, and the females cover 

 them indiscriminately. This admirable understanding does not cease 

 after the young are hatched. These are nourished by all the mothers 

 in common. Are not these little republics models of peace and 

 concord ? and does not man find in them salutary examples of disin- 



Fig. 173. Collared Barbet. 



terestedness and affection ? The two principal species of the genus 

 are the Razor-bill of Jamaica and the Savannah Blackbird of America. 

 The former is the size of a Blackbird, the latter of a Jay. 



Barbets owe their name to a number of straight hairs which they 

 have upon their beak. They are massive in form, and their flight is 

 heavy. Inhabiting warm countries of both continents, they conceal 

 themselves in thick forests, either alone or in small bands. They 

 feed on fruits, berries, and insects. Certain species even attack and 

 devour young birds. They build in the trunks of trees. The number 

 of eggs they lay is two, sometimes (though rarely) three. Levaillant 

 asserts that the old and infirm Barbets are cared for and fed by those 



