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The Sparrow-like Birds 



In habits the Plant Cutters are said to resemble certain Tanagers, going about 

 singly, in pairs, or sometimes in small flocks, frequenting open situations and 

 often causing much damage in gardens and plantations by their propensity for 





FIG. 185. Red-breasted Plant Cutter, Phytotoma rutila. 



cutting off plants, leaves, buds, and fruits with their sharp, serrated bills. They 

 are quite tame and unsuspicious and are often easily destroyed, and their nests 

 are likewise torn down whenever found in the vicinity of cultivated areas. Their 

 notes are described as being very loud, harsh, and unmusical, in some cases 

 resembling the bleating of a young kid or lamb, and their flight is weak and 



