176 



cassell's book of birds. 



consists of. two white eggs, marked with black, and somewhat larger than those of a Pigeon. The 

 nestlings are reared upon the same fruits and berries that afford the parents their principal means of 

 subsistence. Great numbers of these splendid birds are shot annually, as their skins not only 

 command a high price, but are much employed by the Indians in making a variety of beautiful 

 decorations : a large state mantle worn by the Emperor of Brazil was entirely composed of their 

 feathers. In some districts of South America the natives are compelled to bring a certain supply of 

 skins as tribute, and are thus quickly diminishing the numbers of these elegant creatures. Their 

 flesh is well-flavoured, but of a very peculiar colour, being bright orange-red. Humboldt tells us 



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THE COCK OF THE ROCK (Ricpicola crocea). 



that the Cock of the Rock is much valued by the Indians as a domestic favourite, and is kept by 

 them in cages made of the stalks of palm-leaves. 



Another very similar species, found only in Peru, the Peruvian Cock of the Rock (Rupicola 

 Peruana), lives entirely amongst trees, upon the berries and fruits of which it subsists ; but it exhibits 

 none of the dancing propensities of its Brazilian relative. We learn from Tschudi that in no instance 

 did he ever see one of these Peruvian birds either on rocks or upon the ground, but always 

 associated in large flocks, that lived and built their nests upon trees. He tells us that they are easily 

 discovered from a considerable distance by their loud and most discordant cry. 



The TRUE MANAKINS (Pipra) comprise a number of small and most magnificently-tinted 

 birds, distinguished by the shortness of their wings and tails. In the former the primary quills are 



