0F' BIRDS, 
221 
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plumage, particularly the feathers of the breast. The 
skin of this part the Indians pluck off, and, when dry* 
glue to their cheeks: they consider these an irresistible 
addition to their beauty. The female lays two eggs, and 
it is probable they have more than one brood in the year 
They generally feod on fruits, and are continually mov- . 
ing from place to place in quest of food, going northward 
or southward, as the fruits ripen. These birds, when in 
flocks, on retiring to rest, generally appoint one to watch 
during the night. 
Fern Owl. (PI. 36.) This is a very beautiful bird for 
colour, and somewhat resembles the cuckoo; it is easily 
distinguished from all other birds by the structure of its 
bill and feet. Its bill, in proportion to its body, is the 
least of all birds, and a little crooked. It has a huge 
wide mouth and swallow. On the sides of the upper 
mandible, as also beneath the lower one, is some black 
hairs, like bristles; the under side of the body is painted 
with black and red: the legs are very small in proportion. 
Feathered in front half way. 
It frequents rocks, caverns, and ruined buildings, and 
builds its nest, which is constructed in the rudest man- 
ner, in the most retired places: it lays five eggs, spotted 
with white and yellow. It sees better in the day-time 
than other small birds on the wing; it likewise feeds on 
mice which it tears to pieces with its bill and claws, and 
swallows them by morsels: it is said to pluck the birds 
which it kills before it eats them, in which it differs from, 
all the other owls. It is rarely met with in England: it 
is sometimes found in Yorkshire, Flintshire, and in the 
neighbourhood of London. 
Pelican. ( Pelicanus . P1.3F.) All water fowl gene- 
rally fall under three natural divisions, viz. those of the 
gull kind, that with long legs and round bills fly along 
the surface of the water, to seize their prey; — those of 
the penguin kind, that with round bills, short wings, and 
legs hid in the abdomen, dive in quest of food;— and, 
lastly, those of the goose kind, with flat broad bills, that 
lead harmless lives, and chiefly subsist upon insects and 
vegetables. In describing the^ birds of these classes, 
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