BLUE PLANTAIN-EATER —SchUoi-liis gigantea. 



While traversing the branches, it runs along them, always keeping its body in the same 

 line with the bough, so that if it fears any danger, it has only to crawl closely to the 

 upper part of the bough to be quite imperceptible from below. Lilce the European 

 creepers, or the squirrel, it often avails itself of the thick trunk of a tree to hide itself 

 from a supposed enemy, slipping quietly round the trunk, and always keeping on the 

 opposite side. 



Some of these birds are extremely inquisitive, and, in spite of their native caution, 

 will foUow a traveller for miles ; keeping just out of gunshot, and screaming loudly the 

 while. The general colour of this species is olive-green above, except on the crest, which 

 is also green, but of a lighter hue, and is edged with a delicate lino of white. The wings 

 take a bluish purple tint, especially upon the primary quill-feathers, and there is a hori- 

 zontal streak of pure white beneath each eye. It is about as large as a common jackdaw. 



The Blue Plantain-eater, whose colour may be known by its popular title, is 

 generally to be found on the lofty trees that skirt the edges of streams, either perched 

 demurely on the boughs, or flitting rapidly through them in search of the fruits and 

 insects on which it feeds. 



