CHATTERERS. 
53 * 
peculiar vocal powers. Bates says : “ The Indian name of this strange creature is 
Uird mimbeu, or fife-bird, in allusion to the tone of its voice. We had the good 
luck, after remaining quiet a short time, to hear its performance. It drew itself 
up on its perch, spread widely the umbrella-formed crest, dilated and waved its 
glossy breast-lappet, and then, in giving vent to its loud piping note, bowed its 
head slowly forwards. The nest of the umbrella-bird is built of small branches, 
placed in the top of a tall tree.” The eggs are white and two in number. In flight 
umbrella-bird (J nat. size). 
the helmet or crest is depressed, and the lappet is placed close to the body. The 
plumage of the male is deep black throughout, the lappet being glossed with steel- 
blue. The female has only the rudiments of the crest and lappet, and is altogether 
duller-coloured than the male. 
Long known to travellers, in consequence of their remarkable 
vocal powers, so closely resembling the ringing of a bell as to have 
conferred upon them their popular appellation, three of the four known species 
of the bell-birds ( Chcismorynchus ) have the plumage of a pure unspotted white, an 
