i66 
THE NATURAL HISTORY 
In moll fpecies the middle toe is connefled to the outer 
toe, as far as the Gift joint. 
Manakins, in general, are very little, and 
very pretty birds. They are not much known, 
as they principally inhabit the extenfive woods in 
the warmer climates of America, and feldom 
quit them to refort to expofed fituations, or to 
approach the habitations of men. Their manner 
of flying is low, and rapid, and feldom to any 
conftderalle distance. 
They pc.ch not at the tops, but on the middle, 
t>r lower branches of trees, feeding upon wild 
berries, and fometimes on ihfefts. In general 
they are ken in little companies, of eight, or 
ten, moftly of the lame fpccics, but fometimes 
with other biuls, even of a different genus: it 
is in a morning that they are thus collccfcd 
together, they feem to enjoy then the fweets of 
focierv, a.ul exprefs their chearfulnefs by a gentle 
and pleating warbling. In the heat of the day 
they feparate, retiring from the painful 'endour 
of the noon-day fun, into fhady retreats. They 
prefer frefh and verdant fituations, though they 
do not haunt marflies, or the banks of ftreams. 
The 
