THE SEARCHERS. 



125 



trees, or holes in the ground, but, except this, and the fact that the eggs are white, we are entirely 

 without particulars as to their manner of incubation. 



THE PEARL BIRD. 

 The Pearl Bird {Trachyphonus margaritatus) represents an African group, possessing a 

 moderate-sized and slender beak, which is slighdy arched, and compressed at its tip; the com- 

 paratively high feet have the tarsi longer than the centre toe ; the fourth quill of the moderately long 



THE PEARL BIRD (Trachyphoriis rrarganlalus). 



wing exceeds the rest in length ; the tail is of medium length, and rounded at its extremity. Tlie 

 plumage of the back is brown, spotted and marked \vith white, that of the under side bright glossy 

 yellow, shading into red on the breast ; flie brow, crown of the head, and, in the male bird, a chain of 

 spots upon the breast, are black ; the rump and vent are deep bright red. The eye is dark red, the 

 beak light red, and the foot lead-grey, This species is seven inches long, the wing measures diree 

 inches and a half 



We have frequently met i\'ith these beautiful birds in most parts of North-eastern Africa, where 

 they constantly visit the fields and gardens near the settlements, making themselves particularly 

 conspicuous during the early morning and in the evening, by flying around the tops of the loftiest 

 trees, or by pouring forth their deep but lively notes with an animation that gives the performance 

 almost the effect of a pleasing song. The food of this species consists of seeds, fruit, and insects, in 



