The RED-BEAKED TREE HOOPOE (_Irrisor erythrorhyncus_). The prevailing
colour of this species is a beautiful metallic blue, shimmering with dark
green and purple. The inner web of the first three quills is decorated by
a single white spot, whilst the six next in order have two white spots.
The three first tail-feathers are similarly adorned, and are also marked
with white near the tip. The eye is brown, and the beak and foot bright
red. The female is smaller, and her plumage less glossy. The young are
deep green, nearly black, and almost lustreless. This species is from
seventeen to eighteen inches long, and eighteen inches and a half broad.
The wing measures six, and the tail nine inches.
According to our own observations these beautiful birds principally
inhabit the forests of North-eastern Africa, and are usually met with
hopping or climbing incessantly from tree to tree, or bough to bough,
in parties of from four to ten. These parties exhibit extraordinary
unanimity in their manner of proceeding, and in all their movements seem
to be playing an active game of follow-my-leader. Should one member of
the little society suspend itself from a branch, all the rest immediately
do the same; and even when uttering their cry as they rise into the
air, the sounds are often so simultaneous that it is almost impossible
to distinguish the individual voices. Ants and, according to some
authorities, various kinds of insects, constitute their principal food.
Few birds exhibit such strong attachment to their companions as we have
frequently observed amongst groups of Tree Hoopoes; it is not uncommon for
them to remain close together as though for mutual defence until repeated
shots from the hunter's gun have brought one of the party to the ground,
when the rest come rushing down, flapping their wings and uttering loud
cries as they settle on the branches depending over the spot on which the
victim lies. Despite the shortness of their legs, they run over the ground
with tolerable ease. Their flight alternates between a gentle gliding
motion and a series of rapid strokes with the pinions. Le Vaillant tells
us that the female deposits her bluish green eggs, from four to six in
number, at the bottom of a hole in a tree, and is assisted in the labour
of incubation by her mate.
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The TREE-CLIMBERS (_Anabata_) constitute a family of South American
birds, with slender bodies, short wings, and long tails. Their straight
or but slightly curved beak is strong, and of the same length as the
head. The tarsi are of medium height; the toes small, armed with short
and slightly-curved claws. The fourth quill of the wings is the longest.
The very decidedly graduated tail is composed of twelve short feathers.
All the members of this family inhabit forest or woodland districts,
and but rarely venture forth into the open country. Insects form almost
exclusively their means of subsistence; and in search of these they climb
the branches with an agility fully equalling that of the Titmouse. Many
species are remarkable for the peculiarity and loudness of their cry.
Their nests, which are usually suspended from the trees, and closed above,
are frequently very striking in appearance.
[Illustration: THE HOOPOE (_Upupa epops_).]
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The BUNDLE-NESTS (_Phacellodomus_) are recognisable by their short, almost
straight beak, which is much compressed, and very slightly hooked towards
its tip. The tarsi are high and strong; the wings rounded; and the broad
tail formed of narrow, soft feathers.