ROCKY-MOUNTAIN ANTCATCHER. 
9 
part of the animal creation, which continually subsist by their 
destruction. 
The Antcatchers run rapidly on the ground, alighting but seldom 
on trees, and then on the lowest branches; they generally associate 
in small flocks, feed exclusively on insects, and most commonly 
frequent the large ant-hills before mentioned. Several different 
species of these birds are often observed to live in perfect harmony 
on the same mound, which, as it supplies an abundance of food 
for all, removes one of the causes of discord which is most uni¬ 
versally operative throughout animated nature. On the same 
principle we might explain the comparative mildness of herbivo¬ 
rous animals, as well as the ferocity and solitary habits of carni¬ 
vorous, and particularly of rapacious animals, which repulse all 
others from their society, and forbid even their own kind to 
approach the limits of their sanguinary domain. 
The Antcatchers never soar high in the air, nor do they extend 
their flight to any great distance without alighting to rest, in con¬ 
sequence of the shortness of their wings and tail, which, in fact, 
seem to be seldom employed for any other purpose than to assist 
them in running along the ground, or in leaping from branch to 
branch of bushes and low trees, an exercise in which they display 
remarkable activity. Some species, like the Woodpeckers, climb 
on the trunks of trees in pursuit of insects; and, it would appear, 
from their restless habits and almost constant motion, that their 
limited excursions are entirely attributable to the want of more 
ample provision for flight. The Antcatchers are never found in 
settled districts, where their favourite insects are generally less 
abundant; but they live in the dense and remote parts of forests, 
far from the abodes of man and civilization. They also dislike 
open and wet countries. 
The note of the Antcatchers is as various as the species are 
different, but it is always very remarkable and peculiar. Their 
flesh is oily and disagreeable to the taste; and, when the bird is 
VOL. I.-C 
