CORYTHAIX PORPHYREOLOPIIA. 
and when folded reach to the commencement of the second third of the tail ; 
the fifth quill feather rather the longest, the fourth, third, second and first 
successively shorter, the second being about the same length as the secondary 
quill leathers, the first nine lines shorter; the tertiaries as long as the 
primaries. Tail long and rounded at the point. Tarsi short, anteriorly scut- 
ellated, and posteriorly coated with minute granular scales ; outer toe 
semiversatile; claws strong, pointed, and much curved. 
DIMENSIONS. 
Inches. Lines. 
Length from the point of the bill to the 
tip of the tail ] 5 6 
Length of the bill from the gape 0 11 
of the wings when folded ... 7 3 
of the tail g 0 
Inches. Lines, 
Length of the tarsus 1 9 
of the outer toe 0 11 
of the middle toe 1 6 
of the inner toe 0 10 
of the hinder toe 0 G| 
In the female the crest is shorter and the colours are less brilliant, the 
extent ot the crimson upon the wings is also less and on few of the quills 
does it reach beyond the basal half of the feathers. Both sexes are nearly 
alike in size. 
This species, as far as I know, has only yet been found towards Port Natal. It inhabits the 
scatteied thickets which occur along the coast, and in the densest portions of these it seeks its 
food, which consists of fruits, &c. It is a very shy bird, and unless the spot upon which it 
perches after it has been disturbed be well marked, it will rarely be discovered by the hunter. 
W hen conscious of danger, it remains perfectly motionless, and as its usual position is parallel 
to the branch upon which it rests, little appears to facilitate the discovery. In moving from 
one part of a branch to another, it generally runs along it, either ascending or descending, 
according to circumstances, and it often pursues a similar course while removing from one side of 
a tree to the other. 
Besides the present species, Corythaix Persa also inhabits southern Africa. The latter is 
still common within the limits of the colony, and there is scarcely a forest or wooded ravine 
from which the quick-sighted collector may not obtain specimens. It sits and moves to and 
fro upon trees in the manner of C. porpliyreolopha. 
