Chatterers 



541 



The SCRUB-BIRD is an extremely interesting form, scientifically. Only the males are known 

 at the present time, and these are dull-coloured birds of the size of a thrush. Of the female, 

 eggs, and nest, we as yet know absolutely nothing. 



CHATTERERS, ANT-THRUSHES, BROAD-BILLS, ETC. 



The second major division of the Perching-birds embraces a few forms of considerable 

 interest. 



The group of CHATTERERS includes several remarkable forms of very diverse coloration, many 

 representing the most gorgeous of all South American birds. 



One of the most remarkable is the UMBRELLA-BIRD. This bird is funereal in appearance, 

 being clothed in a plumage of deep black, with the head surmounted by a large, drooping, 

 flat-topped crest, resembling in shape the familiar crest of certain varieties of the canary, whilst 

 from the throat hangs a long lappet of feathers reaching nearly down to the feet. The female 

 is duller than her mate, and lacks the peculiar plumes. The umbrella-bird is a forest-dwelling 



Photo by W. F. Piggotf] [Leighton Buzzard. 



SAND-MARTINS. 



This photograph shows a portion of a sand bank, pierced with the tunnel-like nests made by these feeble builders. 



species, confined to the Upper Amazons, and dwelling in the tops of the highest trees, where 

 it finds ample sustenance in wild fruits. But few naturalists have ever seen it in a wild state. 



Equally wonderful are the BELL-BIRDS, so called on account of their note, which bears an 

 extraordinary resemblance to the sound made by a blacksmith upon an anvil, though it has 

 often been likened to the tolling of a bell. Four species are known, in three of which the 

 males have a pure white plumage, with much naked, vividly coloured skin on the face. One 

 species has a curious pendulous process hanging from the forehead, thinly covered with feathers. 

 By some this is said to be capable of erection during periods of excitement. Like the umbrella- 

 bird, these are forest-dwelling species. 



For brilliancy of plumage amongst the Chatterers, the palm must be given to the COCKS- 

 OF-THE-ROCK, in the males of which orange-red predominates, whilst the general effect is 

 heightened by crests and curiously curled and frayed feathers growing from the lower part 

 of the back. The males indulge in remarkable love-displays, the performances being held in 

 some open space, and in the presence of the females. One at a time each male appears to 

 go through a kind of dance, accompanying his peculiar steps and hops with much swaying of 

 the head and extending of the wings. When tired, the performer gives a signal which is under- 

 stood by his fellows, and retires from the ring, his place being immediately taken by another. 



