53 6 PERCHING BIRDS. 



feathers of the elevated crest ; the wings short and rounded, with the fourth and 

 fifth quills the longest ; the tail of variable length ; the metatarsus partially invested 

 with feathers : and the feet large and strong. Of the group the best known species 

 (Rupieola crocea) inhabits Guiana and the lower countries of the Amazon; while 

 farther to the westward it is replaced by the Peruvian cock of the rock; a third 

 species inhabiting Ecuador. 



Although in confinement a somewhat indolent species, such is not the character 

 of the cock of the rock in its native wilds. Sometimes a score or so of male and 

 female birds of this species are observed to have assembled in the neighbourhood of 

 an open space, and to be engaged in watching the performance of the most amorous 

 males. While the dance is in progress the male appeal's to be entirely absorbed in 

 the proper performance of his task ; he gradually hops upwards, accompanying 

 his movements with the most peculiar steps waving his head on all sides, and 

 extending the wings ; the exhibition is continued until the performer becomes tired, 

 when he gives a cry which is understood by his fellows, and retires from the ring, 

 leaving it to other male birds to continue the entertainment. It is much to be 

 regretted that the brilliant plumage of the cock of the rock causes it to be sought 

 out and shot for the purpose of trade ; the adult male being almost wholly of a 

 brilliant orange colour, but possessing a helmet-like crest, which adds to its beauty. 

 The female lacks the brilliant coloration of the other sex, being almost entirely of 

 a more or less uniform reddish brown. 



The Plaxt-Cutters. 

 Family PHYTOToiUD.E. 



Remarkable for the serrations in the cutting edges of the mandibles, these 

 birds were formerly placed by naturalists between the finches and the hornbills ; 

 but they are now know to be more nearly related to the chatterers. They have 

 the wings relatively short, and the tail long and even; their most marked 

 characteristic being the short compressed bill, the cutting margins of which are 

 minutely serrated like the teeth of a saw. The whole of these thick-billed birds 

 are peculiar to the temperate regions of South America, being found in Chili, 

 Bolivia, and Argentina, where they are represented by four species, all included 

 in the typical genus Phytotoma. 



The Chilian plant-cutter (P. vara), has long been known to naturalists for its 

 destructive habit of feeding upon plants, which it cuts down, often wantonly, with 

 its powerful bill. It builds in lofty trees, but the nests are frequently destroyed in 

 consequence of the bird's mischievous habits: and, like others, this species has 

 also suffered from persecution, owing to the ravages which it sometimes inflicts upon 

 gardens and plantations. It is a plain-coloured bird of a dull grey above and below ; 

 with the wings and tail blackish, the coverts being tipped with white. Its voice is 

 harsh and crratino;. A common bird in Patagonia is the redbreasted plant- 

 cutter (P. rutila), generally found alone, but sometimes associating in small 

 flocks. Not migratory, it resides throughout the year in its usual haunts: the 

 male being often to be seen perching upon the top of a bush. Mr. Hudson says 



