The GREEN JACAMAR (_Galbula viridis_) is of a magnificent golden-green
on the breast and mantle, the remainder of the under side is rust-red;
the throat of the male is white, that of the female yellowish red; the
exterior tail-feathers are rust-red, tipped with green; the eye is brown;
the long, thin beak, the cheek-stripe, and a bare circle round the eye,
are black; the feet a brownish flesh-colour.
The Jacamar is numerously met with in the forests along the entire coast
of Brazil, where, like its congeners, it leads an indolent and monotonous
existence among the branches of the most retired parts of the woods, or
perches on a shady bush overhanging a piece of water. Should an insect
approach, it is instantly seized, and the bird at once returns to its
resting-place, and relapses into its usual condition of quiet indifference
to everything around, often remaining almost motionless for whole hours
at a time. The loud, clear voice of the Jacamar consists of but one note,
which is frequently repeated. The eggs are deposited, like those of the
Kingfisher, in holes in an overhanging bank.
* * * * *
The BUCCOS (_Buccones_) constitute a group of equally indolent birds,
inhabiting South America, and are recognisable by their slightly-curved
beak, slender legs (with two of the toes turned backwards), moderate-sized
wings, and a short tail composed of twelve feathers. The remarkably lax,
soft plumage is of a sombre hue, and replaced by bristles about the region
of the beak.
[Illustration: _Plate 24. Cassell's Book of Birds_