Ct THE NATURAL HISTORY 
gayeft profufion ; fometimes molt delicately foft- 
encd intoeach other, and fometimes moftffrikingly 
contrafted, and the changeable (hades which the 
fame feathers exhibit in different points of view, 
produce a fplendour of effect, which words can¬ 
not exprefs, the imagination conceive, or the pen¬ 
cil imitate. 
All the fpecies of this beautiful genus of birds 
inhabit only the warmer climates of America,, 
feldom more to the fouth than Brazil, or more 
northward than Mexico. 
In this range of country they feem migratory; 
though they appear nearly at the fame time, they 
do not affociate together; but frequent marfhy 
fituations, finding upon the vegetables which 
grow there, the infects on which they feed. 
They are of all fizes, from that of a Pigeon to 
a Thrufh. Many are deftroyed both for the 
fake of their feathers, which are beautiful, as well 
as for their flefh which is delicate food. They are 
fuppofed to be very defirudtive to the rice plan¬ 
tations ; if that be cafe, it is no wonder that thei 
natives fhould endeavour to prevent their increaf-1 
ing too faff. 
The 
