248 NATURAL HISTORY READER. 



2. In form and size they somewhat resemble our crow, 

 or blue-jay ; but some are smaller. They are usually in- 

 cluded in the tribe of conebills, though their bills are 

 quite slender for that group, and a little compressed. The 

 bills are covered at the base with downy or velvety feathers, 

 which extend over the nostrils ; their wings are long and 

 round ; the tail consists of ten feathers, two of them, in 

 some species, very long ; legs and feet very long, large, 

 and strong ; outer toe longer than inner, and joined to the 

 middle one toward the base ; hind-toe very long ; claws 

 long and curved. 



3. But they are chiefly remarkable for the wonderful 

 development of various parts of their plumage, and for the 

 metallic splendor of its rich hues. The sides of the body, 

 and sometimes of the head, neck, breast, or tail, are orna- 

 mented with lengthened, peculiarly developed, and showy 

 feathers. Says Wood : "In all the species, the feathers 

 glow with resplendent radiance ; in nearly all there is some 

 strange and altogether unique arrangement of the plum- 

 age ; and. in many, the feathers are modified into plumes, 

 ribbons, and streamers, that produce the most surprising 

 and lovely effects." The plumage of the face, breast, and 

 throat is usually the richest in metallic tints, while other 

 parts frequently have very beautiful and brilliant colors. 



4. Their food consists of grasshoppers, butterflies, 

 moths, and other insects ; figs, the berries of various trees 

 and shrubs ; seeds, rice, and other kinds of grain. During 

 the heat of the day they remain concealed in the woods, 

 but in the morning and evening come fort li to seek their 

 food. Furious storms frequently bring them to the ground, 

 when they are easily taken by the natives, who also shoot 

 them with blunt arrows, or take them with a noose, like- 

 wise with bird-lime or other glutinous substance, placed 

 on the branches which they frequent. 



5. The greater paradise-bird (Paradisea apoda), ire- 



