472 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



pyramidal, tmd pointed, covered at the base with small feathers 

 directed forward ; the long toes are furnished with claws strong and 

 crooked ; their habitat resembles that of the Creepers. They are 

 also found in islands of the Pacific. 



CONIROSTRES. 



The Conirostral Passerines are characterised by a strong robust 

 beak, more or less conical, and without notches. They are generally 

 granivorous, but some species are insectivorous or carnivorous. 

 This group includes the Birds of Paradise, Crows, Rollers, Starlings, 

 Sparrows, Tits, and Larks. 



The Birds of Paradise have the beak straight, compressed, and 

 strong, the nostrils covered with velvety feathers. In brilliancy of 

 colouring, and in graceful, pendent, gossamer-like plumage, they take 

 precedence in the feathered creation. 



They have a very restricted habitat, being only found in New 

 Guinea, Ternate, and in the island of Papua, situated to the north of 

 Australia ; there they dwell in the thick forests, feeding on fruit and 

 insects. Occasionally they are found living in solitude, but more 

 frequently are to be met in large flocks, altering their residence with 

 the change of the monsoon. 



Their flight is very swift, and has been frequently compared by 

 Europeans resident in the East to that of a Swallow ; in consequence, 

 they have bestowed on the Bird of Paradise the name of Swallow of 

 Ternate. 



It is owing to the long lateral plumes, which they most perfectly 

 control in the air, that they are so buoyant ; at the same time, this 

 unusual amount of plumage almost entirely stops their progression 

 against a head wind. 



When the Bird of Paradise was first spoken of in Europe few 

 believed that it existed. Nor is this to be wondered at, when we 

 recall that it was affirmed that these gorgeous birds were without 

 legs, and hung on to the branches of trees by their long aerial plumes ; 

 that the female deposited her eggs under the feathers on the back of 

 the male ; that they passed the breeding season in Paradise ; and 

 many other stories equally absurd. 



The inhabitants of Papua capture the Birds of Paradise, for 

 their plumage is of great commercial value. The method they adopt 

 is to place themselves in the tops of the highest trees : where, con- 

 cealed, they attract the birds within reach of their blow-pipes by 

 whistling. 



