498 JACAMARS. 



They live on insects, but in many respects resemble the trogon; 

 being even still less disposed to fly than they are. "' Their 

 stupidity, indeed, in remaining at their posts, seated on low 

 branches in the shady parts of the forest, is somewhat remark- 

 able in a country where all other birds are exceedingly wary," 

 observes Bates. 



The green jacamar (galbula viridis) is a beautiful bird, 

 about the size of a lark ; the upper parts of the body being 1 

 generally of an exceedingly brilliant, changeable green, glossed 

 with copper-gold. The beak is two inches long, black, slightly 

 incurved, and sharp-pointed. The legs are short and weak, of 

 a greenish -yellow, and the claws black. It is a very solitary 

 bird, and delights to take refuge in the thickest parts of the 

 forest, where insects abound, and is seldom seen in company 

 with others. It has a short, quick flight, and a sweeter voice 

 than most of its feathered companions. 



The paradise jacamar (galbula paradisea) frequents the more 

 open parts of the forest, and is generally found in pairs. It 

 is a larger bird than the former, being nearly a foot long. 

 The prevailing plumage is green, but the throat, front of the 

 neck, and under wing-coverts are white. 



It seizes its food in the same way that the trogons do. It 

 will sit silent and motionless on a branch, moving its head 

 slightly, and when an insect passes by, within a short distance, 

 it will fly off and seize it with its long beak, and return again 

 to its perch. 



Most jacamars are clothed with a plumage of the most beau- 

 tiful golden, bronze, and steel colours. They bear a strong 

 outward resemblance to kingfishers, but are not further united 

 to that group of birds. They appear to have the same peculiar 

 attachment to particular branches as many humming-birds 



