FAMILY UPCPID.E ; HOOPOE. 



463 



family. The Epimachi, or Plumed Birds, of which a fine species 

 has already been figured (Fig. 239), are now placed in this family, 

 although in many respects, and especially in the splendour of 

 their metallic tints, and the extraordinary development of some 

 parts of their plumage, they approach the Birds of Para- 

 dise. The Rifle-Birds of Australia are also distinguished by 

 the brilliancy of their plumage. The Hoopoes, on the other 

 hand, have much of the habit and appearance of Crows. The bill 



is used in the same 

 manner, and for the 

 same purposes, as 

 in the Hornbills ; 

 namely, for seiz 

 ing Insects, &c.. 

 squeezing them to 

 death, and throw- 

 ing them with a 

 jerk into the throat. 

 The tongue is short, 

 and destitute of the 

 power of extension. 

 The legs and feet 

 are larger than in 

 the preceding groups ; and are better adapted both for perching 

 and walking. The European Hoopoe is an occasional visitant of 

 Britain ; it is about the size of the Missel-Thrush, but is readily 

 distinguished from it, not only by its beautiful crest, but by the 

 length and slenderness of its bill, and the shortness of its feet. It 

 is said to frequent ploughed lands and pasture grounds ; which 

 it searches, like the Crows, for Insect-grubs, worms, &c. ; and it 

 breeds in hollow trees in secluded situations. It is more abun- 

 dant on the Continent of Europe than in Britain ; but its sojourn 

 in temperate climates is but short, as its arrival from warmer 

 regions is late, and its departure early. In Egypt and Northern 

 Africa it seems to be a perpetual resident ; and on the banks of 

 the Nile, where it is of great service in keeping down the multi- 

 plication of Insects, it becomes very familiar with Man, and 

 builds its nest in the immediate vicinity of his habitations. The 



Vm. 2j. ( ). KUROPEAN HOOPOE. 



