

INSESSORES. 349 



long and elegant crest. In their habits they show affinity to the 

 Toucans, among the Climbing Birds, with which they are prob- 

 ably connected by the Horn-bills, (Bucerotida.) Some of them, 

 as the PLANT-CUTTERS, Phytotoma, (Gr. phuton, a plant; temno, 

 to cut,) show an affinity to the Bull-Finches. The Plant-Cutters 

 are small, the CHILIAN PLANT-CUTTER, P. rara, being about the 

 size of a quail. They feed on plants and have the destructive 

 habit of cutting them off close to the root; often they capriciously 

 cut off a quantity without touching them any further. On this 

 account the rustic inhabitants carry on a continual war against 

 these birds, and children who destroy their eggs, are rewarded. 

 The nest is built in obscure places and on lofty trees, and thus 

 the Plant-Cutters escape, in some degree, the persecutions of 

 their enemies. 



The PLANTAIN EATERS PROPER, are confined to Africa, where 

 they subsist almost entirely on fruits. Their movements are ex- 

 tremely light and elegant, and unlike the Colies, they pass with 

 an easy gliding flight from tree to tree. The first and fourth 

 toes are directed laterally. It is said they, therefore, usually 

 perch lengthwise on the horizontal branches, along which they 

 walk, clasping the bough with their two toes arranged side-wise, 

 while the other two point forwards. These birds live either in 

 pairs or in families, according to the season. They construct a 

 nest like the Parrots, in which they lay four eggs, delicately 

 white. 



On the gold coast and in Senegal is found the Musophaga 

 violacea, the Violet-colored Plantain Eater a "magnificent 

 bird." 



The TOURACOS, belonging to this family, include seven species, 

 arranged under the generic name Corythaix, (Gr. xogvOalZ, koru- 

 thaix.) They have a brilliancy of plumage, elegance of form, 

 and grace of motion. Their long and broad tail and their high 

 pointed crest add much to their beauty. The color of these 

 birds is almost always rich green, set off with gorgeous crimson 

 or purple on the expanded wing. One of the most attractive 

 species is the C. erythrolophys, (Gr. red crested.)* When un- 

 der excitement, the crest of this bird ^s elevated into a somewhat 

 conical form compressed at the sides, so that the head appears 

 as if covered with a warrior-like helmet. To this appearance 

 the generic name refers, signifying a warrior, or one who moves 

 the helmet. In a state of repose, the crest feathers fall down 



* One of these Red or Fire Crested Touracos lived for some years in the 

 garden of the Zoological Society, (London.) An engraving taken from 

 this bird during life, may be found in the " Penny Cyclopedia." 



