288 BACKBONED ANIMALS. 
of South America (Fig. 316). It is about twelve inches 
long, red or yellowish in color, with a prominent crest. 
The female 
and young are 
brown. 
The umbrel.- 
la-bird (Cepha- 
lopterus orna- 
wus) (Fig. 317) 
resembles a 
crow, having, 
however, a cu- 
rious umbrella- 
like crest that , 
completely cov- 
; ers the head. 
o - Sek Among the 
Mic. 316,—Cock of the rock, remarkable al- 
lies of the fam- 
ily are the African Weaver-Birds, distinguished for the 
intelligence displayed in their nest-building. 
Note.—The social weaver-birds breed in regular cities, a joint 
nest being formed generally in the aloe-tree. A thatched roof of 
grass is erected, the entrances beneath leading into a corridor or street, 
from both sides of which branch the nests, thus secure from snakes, 
and containing three or four bluish-white eggs, with small brown 
spots at the largest end. Year after year the nest is added to, often 
fairly breaking down the tree. 
Another peculiar allied South American form is the 
bell-bird. 
and leaped about, going through strange antics, spreading its wings 
and waving its tail until exhausted, then walking around as if to re- 
ceive applause, retiring to give place to another, who went through 
similar antics, followed by all the rest inturn, They nest in the trees. 
Their skin is in great demand. One of the state mantles of the Em- 
peror of Brazil was made of them. 
