CATERPILLAK-EATERS. 



5G3 



Their turbulent and noisy nature has been the means of gaining 

 for them among the Hottentots, who look upon them as birds of 

 evil omen, the name of " Devil-birds." Their flesh is of no value ; 

 but some species are said to sing in a way which is not unpleasing. 

 In the Broad-tailed Drongo the two outside feathers of the tail are 

 long filaments, terminating in square-pointed feathers. We give 

 (Fig. 264) the representation of another species, the Tufted 

 Drono:o. 



The genus Cotlnga is characterised by a short, flattened, curved, 

 and stout bill. It embraces as sub-genera the Cotinga proper, 

 the Caterpillar-eaters, and the Chatterers. 



The Cotinga or Coracina proper is a bird about the size of a 



' / ' '= iilikw 



Fig. 265. — The BriUiant Cotiuga {Coracuia scutata^ Temm. ). 



Thrush ; it inhabits Brazil and Guiana, and is remarkable, during 

 the pairing season, for its brilliant and variegated plumage. It 

 frequents damp localities in the midst of great forests, and its 

 food consists of seeds, fruit, and insects. It is very shy in its 

 nature, and cannot habituate itself to captivity. Its rich colours 

 alone cause it to be admired, for its voice is by no means 

 melodious, and its flesh is too bitter for human food. The 

 most beautiful species are the Pompadour Cotinga and the 

 Brilliant Cotinga (Fig. 265). 



Caterpillar-eaters [Ceblepyrince) owe their name to the 

 source from which they derive their principal sustenance ; but 



o o2 



