222 CASSELLS BOOK OF BIRDS. 



strongly, and with so much skill, as to render the task of tearing it to pieces a work of real difficulty. 

 When the nest is completed a soft, warm bed of moss or leaves is made at the bottom of the bag, and 

 upon this the eggs, one or two in number, are laid. We ourselves have never found more than one 

 young bird in the nest, but believe we are correct in stating that two eggs are sometimes deposited : 

 they are slightly elongated in shape, the shell being white, with reddish-violet or deep purple streaks 

 and spots. The nestlings .have loud, harsh voices, and resemble their parents in plumage very shortly 

 after being fledged, as the yellow tail is soon acquired. Immediately after the breeding season young 

 and old congregate in flocks, and seek for food upon their favourite fruit-trees. A more strange or 

 beautiful sight can scarcely be imagined, says the Prince von Wied, than that of a tree laden with 

 dozens of the curious nests, and animated by the presence of a party of Cassicans, whose glorious 

 plumage seems to gain new beauty as they spread their tails, raise their wings, after the manner of the 

 swan, inflate their breasts, and utter their flute-like cry, as though to attract the observation of a 

 stranger, whose near approach they will permit without exhibiting any sign of fear. The flight of this 

 bird is swift and light, the peculiar motion of its wings producing a whirring sound, which is distinctly 

 audible. The natives of South America shoot the Japu for the sake of its flesh, although somewhat 

 tough and coarse, and for its feathers, which they apply to many purposes of ornamentation, frequently 

 forming them into a plume to wear upon the forehead. 



The BOAT-TAILS (Quisca/us), so called on account of the peculiar conformation of the caudal 

 part of their plumage, are distinguished by their long, straight, conical beaks, the upper mandible of 

 which is slightly curved and bent at its extremity. The wings are of moderate size, the tail much 

 rounded, and the webs of its outer feathers turned upwards, something like the sides of a boat. 

 The legs are delicately formed, and their coat, which is black, gleams in certain lights with metallic 

 brilliancy. 



THE GREAT BOAT-TAIL. 



The Great Boat-tail (Quisca/us major') is sixteen inches long, and twenty-four broad. Its 

 entire plumage is black, but the head and neck are shaded with rich purple, and the wings and tail- 

 feathers have a bright green shimmer. The female bird is considerably smaller than the male, rarely 

 exceeding thirteen inches in length and eighteen in breadth ; her colour is a dull, deep, greyish 

 brown upon the upper part of the body, and reddish brown underneath. In both sexes the eye is 

 pale yellow, and the beak and feet black. 



This species inhabits the Southern States of North America, and is very numerous in marshy 

 districts, or upon the banks of rivers ; it likewise frequents the salt marshes, and may be seen on the 

 sea coasts in large flocks during the entire year, searching in the mud for crabs and worms, upon 

 which it principally subsists. It does not appear to feed upon insects, but is very destructive to fruit 

 gardens, and fields of corn or rice. By the month of February the male has acquired his full beauty, 

 and at once seeks a mate, retiring with her into the woods, where he exhibits his new plumage in 

 every point of view, apparently to excite her admiration, its extreme brilliancy causing it to be seen 

 glistening and shining even at some distance, as the bird expands its feathers in the full blaze of the 

 sun. During the time employed in the selection of a companion all the quarrelsome feelings of which 

 rivals are capable seem to be aroused, but that important business once settled, the flock subside into 

 their usual peaceful state, and set about the construction of their nests in perfect harmony, usually 

 preferring some marshy locality. The eggs are four or five in number, of a greyish white colour, 

 variegated with brown and black spots. Both parents assist in rearing the young, who are supplied 

 with all kinds of food, the nests of other species being frequently robbed in order to provide for the 

 wants of the nestlings. The Boat-tails, in their turn, suffer considerably from the attacks of their 



