626 



The Sparrow-like Birds 



The Cocks-of-the-Rock are found in densely forested places, especially along 

 the headwaters of small streams, where their brilliant plumage makes a fine 

 setting for the otherwise somber surroundings. During the breeding season 

 the males have the habit of congregating in certain suitable localities for the 

 purpose of dancing or showing off before a group of admiring females. But 

 one male performs at a time, hopping upward, swaying the head from side to 

 side a"hd extending the wings and in every way displaying his gorgeous colors 

 to the best advantage. At a signal note he retires from the ring when tired 

 and another immediately takes it up. The nesting habits are no less peculiar, 



FIG. 182. Cocks-of-the-Rock, Rupicola rupicola. 



as described by Mr. T. K. Salmon for the last-mentioned species. Following 

 up a mountain stream until the gorge became more enclosed and more rocky, 

 they came finally to the mouth of a cave overshadowed by high trees and into 

 which the sun never penetrated. "All was wet and dark, and the only sound 

 heard was the rushing of the water over the rocks. We had hardly become 

 accustomed to the gloom when a nest was found, a dark bird stealing away from 

 what appeared to be a lump of mud on the face of the rock. This, upon exami- 

 nation, proved to be a nest of the Cock-of-the-Rock, containing two eggs; it 

 was built upon a projecting piece, the body being made of mud or clay, then 

 a few sticks, and on the top lined with green moss." The eggs were pale buff 

 in color, spotted, chiefly at the large end, with spots of red-brown or lilac. The 

 males and females are rarely seen in company, though often going about in 

 separate flocks. 



In the only other genus (Phcenicocercus) associated in this subfamily the tarsi 



