536 
PERCHING BIRDS. 
feathers of the elevated crest; the wings short and rounded, with the fourth and 
fifth quills the longest; the tail of variable length; the metatarsus partially invested 
with feathers; and the feet large and strong. Of the group the best known species 
{Rupicola crocea) inhabits Guiana and the lower countries of the Amazon; while 
farther to the westward it is replaced by the Peruvian cock of the rock; a third 
species inhabiting Ecuador. 
Although in confinement a somewhat indolent species, such is not the character 
of the cock of the rock in its native wilds. Sometimes a score or so of male and 
female birds of this species are observed to have assembled in the neighbourhood of 
an open space, and to be engaged in watching the performance of the most amorous 
males. While the dance is in progress the male appears to be entirely absorbed in 
the proper performance of his task ; he gradually hops upwards, accompanying 
his movements with the most peculiar steps, swaying his head on all sides, and 
extending the wings ; the exhibition is continued until the performer becomes tired, 
when he gives a cry which is understood by his fellows, and retires from the ring, 
leaving it to other male birds to continue the entertainment. It is much to be 
regretted that the brilliant plumage of the cock of the rock causes it to be sought 
out and shot for the purpose of trade; the adult male being almost wholly of a 
brilliant orange colour, but possessing a helmet-like crest, which adds to its beauty. 
The female lacks the brilliant coloration of the other sex, being almost entirely of 
a more or less uniform reddish brown. 
The Plant-Cutters. 
Family PhytotoMIDjE. 
Remarkable for the serrations in the cutting edges of the mandibles, these 
birds were formerly placed by naturalists between the finches and the hornbills; 
but they are now known to be more nearly related to the chatterers. They have 
the wings relatively short, and the tail long and even; their most marked 
characteristic being the short compressed bill, the cutting margins of which are 
minutely serrated like the teeth of a saw. The whole of these thick-billed birds 
are peculiar to the temperate regions of South America, being found in Chili, 
Bolivia, and Argentina, where they are represented by four species, all included 
in the typical genus Phytotomct. 
The Chilian plant-cutter (P. rara), has long been known to naturalists for its 
destructive habit of feeding upon plants, which it cuts down, often wantonly, with 
its powerful bill. It builds in lofty trees, but the nests are frequently destroyed in 
consequence of the bird’s mischievous habits; and, like others, this species has 
also suffered from persecution, owing to the ravages which it sometimes inflicts upon 
gardens and plantations. It is a plain-coloured bird of a dull grey above and below; 
with the wings and tail blackish, the coverts being tipped with white. Its voice is 
harsh and grating. A common bird in Patagonia is the redbreasted plant- 
cutter (P. rutila), generally found alone, but sometimes associating in small 
flocks. Not migratory, it resides throughout the year in its usual haunts; the 
male being often to be seen perching upon the top of a bush. Mr. Hudson says 
