540 CLASS AVES. 



pass within their reach, and seize them with address and 

 dexterity. Their flight is lively, short, vertical, and undu- 

 lating. Though they thus conceal themselves in the thick 

 foliage, it is not through distrust ; for when they are in an 

 open space, they may be approached so nearly as to be 

 struck with a stick. They are rarely heard to utter any 

 cries except during the season of reproduction, and then their 

 voice is strong, sonorous, monotonous, and melancholy. They 

 have many cries, from the sound of one of which their name 

 is derived. 



All those whose habits are known nestle in the holes of 

 worm-eaten trees, which they enlarge with their bills so as to 

 form a comfortable and roomy residence. The number of 

 eggs is from two to four, and the young are bom totally 

 naked ; but their feathers begin to start two or three days 

 after their birth. 



The Troffons have several broods in the course of the 

 year. The occupation of the male during incubation con- 

 sists in watching for the safety of his companion, bringing 

 her food, and amusing her with a song, which, though we 

 should call it insipid, is, to her, without doubt, the expres- 

 sion of sensibility. Some of the couroucous express the 

 syllable pio repeated many times in succession with a powerful, 

 yet plaintive tone. Their accent almost reminds one of the 

 wailings of a child who has lost its way, and it is thus 

 that they cry to each other amidst the silence of the forests. 

 As soon as the young are able to provide for themselves, 

 they separate from their parents to enjoy that solitude and 

 isolation which appear to constitute the supreme happiness 

 of the species. Their aliments are composed of larvae, small 

 worms, caterpillars, coleoptera, and berries, which they swal- 

 low entire. 



The male, at various ages, the female, and the young, differ 

 in their plumage, which has given rise to the institution of 

 more species than are in reality in existence. 



