ANIMALS. 209 
papa), the largest and most beautiful bird of its species, as also 
the Caracara of the genus Pol/yborus. The hawks and owls like- 
wise reckon a numerous variety ; but perhaps the most useful of 
all the Raptorial birds are the Buzzards, which are emphatically 
nature's scavengers, disposing of the putrid animal matter that 
would otherwise infect the atmosphere. 
Of the Passerine class is the Crow, Blackbird, Bluejay, King- 
bird, Scissor-tail (Milvulusforficatus), Mexican robin, Bed-breast- 
ed thrush, Magpie, Mexican goldfinch, Shore-lark, Rice-bird, Cow- 
bunting, Bullocks' hang-nests, Baltimore oriole, Peewee tyrant, 
Livid red-bird, Mexican red-bircl, "Worm-eating warbler, Hum- 
ming-bird, Red-eyed fly-catcher, &c, &c. The Humming-birds 
are worthy of particular note on account of the transcendent 
beauty of some of the species. The genus of Orioles is also con- 
spicuous among the beautiful birds of this region. 
The ScansoriAl birds constitute a very interesting class, 
among which is the Macaw, Paroquet, Lory, Carinated toucan, 
Woodpecker, Trogon, &c. With the former may be included the 
Huaoamaya and the Blue and Yellow Macaw, celebrated for 
their brilliant and variegated plumage. There are also several spe- 
cies of both Paroquets and Lories ; the latter associate in large 
flocks, often of many thousands, and, when perched upon the 
trees, their gorgeous plumage contrasting with the deep-green of 
the foliage, their appearance is extremely beautiful. The Tou- 
cans, which are quite numerous, are not the least interesting of 
this class of birds. Their enormous bills, which nearly equal in 
size the body itself, give them a most singular and uncouth ap- 
pearance. They are easily tamed, and become exceedingly 
familiar and playful, practising a great variety of amusing feats. 
But perhaps the most important class of birds in the Isthmus 
are the Gallinac^e. The most numerous of this class are, the 
Wild turkey, Crested curassow, Partridge, Chachalaca, Tinamou, 
Quail, Pigeon, and Dove ; all of which are found in great abun- 
dance through all parts of the country. The Crested curassow is 
a magnificent game-bird : it approaches the Turkey in size, and 
is easily domesticated, when it becomes very tame. Its plumage 
is of a deep, shining black color, reflecting purple and green 
shades ; and the crest, which it can elevate or depress at pleas- 
14 
