CHATTERERS 
143 
The Scrub-bird is an extremely interesting form, scientifically. Only the males are known 
at the present time, and these are dull-coloured birds of the size of a thrush. Of the female, 
eggs, and nest, we as yet know absolutely nothing. 
Chatterers, Ant-thrushes, Broad-bills, etc. 
The second major division of the Perching-birds embraces a few forms of considerable 
interest. 
The group of CHATTERERS includes several remarkable forms of very diverse coloration, 
many representing the most gorgeous of all South American birds. 
One of the most remarkable is the Umbrella-BIRD. This bird is funereal in appearance, 
being clothed in a plumage of deep black, with the head surmounted by a large, drooping, 
flat-topped crest, resembling in shape the familiar crest of certain varieties of the canary, whilst 
from the throat hangs a long lappet of feathers reaching nearly down to the feet. The female 
is duller than her mate, and lacks the peculiar plumes. The umbrella-bird is a forest-dwelling 
ThoU by SV, F. Piggoit 
SAND-MARTINS 
This photograph sho^s a portion of a sand bank^ pierced zvith the tunnel-like nests made by these feeble builders 
species, confined to the Upper Amazons, and dwelling in the tops of the highest trees, where 
it finds ample sustenance in wild fruits. But few naturalists have ever seen it in a wild state. 
Equally wonderful are the Bell-BIRDS, so called on account of their note, wdiich bears an 
extraordinary resemblance to the sound made by a blacksmith upon an anvil, though it has 
often been likened to the tolling of a bell. Four species are known, in three of which the 
males have a pure white plumage, with much naked, vividly coloured skin on the face. One 
species has a curious pendulous process hanging from the forehead, thinly covered with feathers. 
By some this is said to be capable of erection during periods of excitement. Like the umbrella- 
bird, these are forest-dwelling species. 
For brilliancy of plumage amongst the Chatterers, the palm must be given to the COCKS- 
OF-THE-ROCK, ill the males of which orange-red predominates, wdiilst the general effect is 
heightened by crests and curiously curled and frayed feathers growing from the lower part 
of the back. The males indulge in remarkable love-displays, the performances being held in 
some open space, and in the presence of the females. One at a time each male appears to 
go through a kind of dance, accompanying his peculiar steps and hops with much swaying of 
the head and extending of the w’ings. When tired, the performer gives a signal which is under- 
stood by his fellows, and retires from the ring, his place being immediately taken by another. 
