JACAMARS. 453 



but they are incapable of climbing. The weakness of their beaks 

 does not permit of their boring trees ; therefore they seek their 

 nourishment upon the ground, principally amongst the ant-hills. They 

 lead a solitary existence, which they only relinquish at pairing-time. 

 They possess a characteristic confidence, never in the least avoiding 

 the presence of man, and become very familiar in captivity. They 

 build in natural holes in trees, or in those hollowed by Woodpeckers. 



Fig. 179. Paradise Jacamar. 



Their plumage is pleasing, and their size is about that of the Lark. 

 They inhabit all the Old World. 



JACAMARS. 



Jacamars 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 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 neighbour- 

 hood where they have chosen their dwelling. All species do not 

 frequent similar localities as some like thick woods, others prefer 



