Mr. R. Phillipps,



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may be as pets when properly managed. In a large garden

aviary they are altogether different, their bright colours and

assertive conspicuous movements, sometimes bordering on the

grotesque, making them very interesting subjects to those who

love to study the various natures and habits of different species.

Although usually so conspicuous, they can hide themselves with

remarkable success, their general green body plumage assimi¬

lating well with the leafy foliage of a natural aviary.


The Barbets have a zygodactyle foot, that is, two of their

four toes point backwards. The uses to which this form of

foot is put vary greatly in different families. To take a few

examples :—111 the Woodpecker, the two hind toes aided by the

stiff tail enable the bird not only to comfortably support itself

whilst feeding and even whilst sleeping on the side of a tree—

usually or often sleeping on the inside of a hole with the head at

the aperture—but to hop about on the side of a trunk, upwards

and sideways, with ease and comfort. Amongst the Parrots,

which vary greatly in detail, the zygodactyle foot enables the

bird to take a firm grasp of a bough as it climbs about and

reaches from one bough to another, many using the beak as a

third hand, some sleeping like the Woodpecker on the side of a

trunk or hanging on the inner side of a hollow. Very differently

does our Common Cuckoo use its comparatively feeble * zygo¬

dactyle foot. Its favourite food is the caterpillar ; and the value

of the species to mankind in this connection is incalculable. The

caterpillars are mostly on the leaves at the ends of branchlets ;

and the simple dancing and drooping of the branches as the

Cuckoo, balancing itself with wings and tail, clambers about at

the extremities would be constantly unseating it were it not for

the small opposing “forefinger and thumb” which enable the

bird to take a secure hold of the tiniest twig. The Touraco has

a semi-zygodactyle foot, the outer toe in life turning right

or left rather than backward, enabling its owner to run with

great ease and celerity along horizontal boughs. The Toucan

approaches the Barbet. Accustomed to make sudden darts and

dashes amongst the trees, it would be in danger of self-injury

were it not for the powerful grip which enables it to bring itself



* Some of the Cuckoos have powerful feet.—R.P.



