288 



BACKBONED ANIMALS. 



of South America (Fig. 316). It is about twelve inches 

 long, red or yellowish in color, with a prominent crest. 



The female 

 and young are 

 brown. 



The umbrel- 

 la-bird (Cepha- 

 lopterus orna- 

 tus] (Fig. 317) 

 resembles a 

 crow, having, 

 however, a cu- 

 rious umbrella- 

 like crest that 

 completely cov- 

 ers the head. 



Among the 

 remarkable al- 

 lies of the fam- 

 ily are the African Weaver-Birds, distinguished for the 

 intelligence displayed in their nest-building. 



NOTE. The social weaver-birds breed in regular cities, a joint 

 nest being formed .generally in the aloe-tree. A thatched roof of 

 grass is erected, the entrances beneath leading into a corridor or street, 

 from both sides of which branch the nests, thus secure from snakes, 

 and containing three or four bluish-white eggs, with small brown 

 spots at the largest end. Year after year the nest is added to, often 

 fairly breaking down the tree. 



Another peculiar allied South American form is the 

 bell-bird. 



and leaped about, going through strange antics, spreading its wings 

 and waving its tail until exhausted, then walking around as if to re- 

 ceive applause, retiring to give place to another, who went through 

 similar antics, followed by all the rest in turn. They nest in the trees. 

 Their skin is in great demand. One of the state mantles of the Em- 

 peror of Brazil was made of them. 



FIG. 316. Cock of the rock. 



