498 JACAMARS. 



They live on insects, but in many respects resemljle the trogon ; 

 being even still less disposed to fly than they are. " Their 

 stupidity, indeed, in remaining at their posts, seated on low 

 branches in the shady parts of the forest, is somewhat remark- 

 able in a country where all other bii^ds are exceedingly wary," 

 observes Bates. 



The green jacamar (galbula viridis) is a beautiful l)ird, 

 about the size of a lark ; the upper j^arts of the body being 

 generally of an exceedingly brilliant, cliangeable green, glossed 

 with copper-gold. The beak is two inches long, black, slightly 

 incurved, and sharp-pointed. The legs are short and weak, of 

 a gi'eenish-yellow, and the claws black. It is a very solitary 

 bird, and delights to take refuge in the thickest parts of the 

 forest, where insects abound, and is seldom seen in company 

 with others. It has a short, quick flight, and a sweeter voice 

 than most of its feathered companions. 



The pai'adise jacamar (galbula paradisea) frequents the more 

 open parts of the forest, and is generally found in pairs. It 

 is a larger bird than the former, "being nearly a foot long. 

 The prevailing plumage is green, but the throat, front of the 

 neck, and under ^dng-coverts are white. 



It seizes its food in the same way that the trogons do. It 

 will sit silent and motionless on a branch, moving its head 

 slightly, and when an insect passes by, within a short distance, 

 it will fly ofl" and seize it with its long beak, and return again 

 to its perch. 



Most jacamars are clothed with a plumage of the most beau- 

 tiful golden, bronze, and steel colours. They bear a strong 

 outward resemblance to kingfishers, but are not further united 

 to that group of birds. They appear to have the same peculiar 

 attachment to particular branches as many humming-birds 



