i So 



CASS ell's book of birds. 



their habits and the superiority of their size, which varies from that of a Crow to that of a Thrush. 

 The Gymnoderi are recognisable by their powerful body, (in many respects resembling that of a Crow), 

 short neck, moderately long and pointed wings, in which the third quill exceeds the rest in length, 

 and short tail, composed of twelve feathers, and straight at its extremity. The beak varies somewhat 

 in different groups, but is usually flatly compressed both towards the base and at the hooked tip, 

 which is furnished with a slight cavity, for the reception of the end of the lower mandible. The 

 gape extends very far back, nearly to beneath the eyes. The feet, though short and strong, arc only 

 fitted for perching, and are seldom employed as means of progression. The plumage is thick, 

 compact, and composed of large feathers, but differs so considerably in different species as to render 

 a general description impossible. In all the members of this family the windpipe is very wide, and 

 furnished on each side with a delicate layer of muscular fibres. 



THE CAPUCHIN BIRD, OR BALD FRUIT crow (Gymnocephalus calvus). 



The Bald-headed Crows inhabit the forests of South America, and subsist entirely, or almost 

 entirely, upon juicy fruit. In disposition they are indolent, possessed of but little intelligence, and 

 extremely shy. Some few species are rarely heard to utter a note ; but they are, for the most part, 

 remarkable "for the loudness of their voice, by which their presence is readily detected. 



THE CAPUCHIN BIRD. 

 The Capuchin Bird, or Bald Fruit Crow (Gymnocephahcs calvus), represents one of the 

 most remarkable of the groups into which the family of Gymnoderi is divided. The body of this 

 species much resembles that of a Crow, with some slight variation in the different members ; that is 

 to say, the beak is considerably flatter, the feet shorter and stronger, and the toes comparatively much 

 longer than in that bird. The slightly-pointed wings extend to the middle of the short tail ; the 



