200 
BIRD-LIFE. 
Bare-headed Cotingas and Bell-birds ( Gymnocephalus , 
Cephalopterus , Chasmarhyncus), which enliven the forest 
with their singular notes; the Ruff Thrushes ( Myiothera , 
P ter opto elms), &c. The order of climbing birds, Scansores , 
is here represented by the Blue Creepers ( Goereba ), which 
take the place of the Sun-bird {Nectarinia) of the Old 
World; by the Spine-tails ( Synallaxis ) and the Oven- 
birds ( Furnarius ), which are remarkable for the singular 
nests they build; by the Dendrocolaptine birds ( Anabates ), 
which connect the soft-billed birds with the Wood¬ 
peckers, as well as, indeed, several peculiar species 
of the latter. The order of Humming-birds is found 
not only here, but in Central America to perfection. 
These birds may be taken as a specimen of the 
infinite richness of America. It would be enough to 
single out the Humming-birds of the New World as 
its characteristic birds; and, indeed, as such these, 
beyond all others, claim the attention of naturalist and 
novice alike : they are, to some extent, the embodied poetry 
of exuberant Nature in these regions. “ Of all animated 
beings,” says Buffon, “they are the most fairy-like in 
form, the most brilliant in colouring. Our precious 
stones and metals, polished by the hand of art, are 
as nothing in comparison with these rich jewels of 
Nature. Song excepted, she has showered upon them 
all her gifts collectively, gifts which are accorded to 
other birds singly. Lightness, vivacity, speed, grace, 
and brilliant colours, have all been bestowed upon 
these tiny favourites. Every jewel sparkles in their 
plumage, plumage untarnished by the dust of earth, 
as, all their life long, they seldom touch the ground; 
they dwell evermore in the air, fluttering from flower to 
flower, the freshness and brightness whereof belong to 
