1748 



THE PICARIAN BIRDS 



a particularly loud note, of which the syllables kook karoo, repeated eight or ten 

 times, would give a good idea. Frequently both male and female call at the same 

 time, and, when perched close together, keep up a quick succession of bows to 

 each other, bowing at the repetition of each note. Of the pied barbet (M. leucome- 

 Jas*), Mr. Andersson says that in Damaraland it is found singly or in pairs, and is 

 remarkable for its clear-ringing and far-sounding notes, which, heard at all hours of 

 the day, are most frequent in the early morning. Its food consists chiefly of fruit 



CRIMSON-BREASTED BARBETS. 



(Two-thirds natural size.) 

 (After Keulemans.) 







and seeds, but it will to some extent accommodate itself as regards food to the 

 produce of the locality in which it happens to be located. It is rather a lively bird, 

 and sometimes suspends itself below the fruit on which it is feeding, and makes its 

 repast while hanging in that position. Mr. Layard designates the note of this 

 bird as of three syllables, poo-poo-poop, resembling those of the coppersmith of 

 India. 



