The TSCHAKURU (_Nystalus Chacuru_) is of a reddish brown on the top of the
head, back, and wings, striped with a blackish shade, the under side is
white, a band around the head and the broad cheek-stripes are pure white,
the region of the cheek is black, the quills greyish brown, those at the
exterior edged and spotted with rust-red; the blackish brown tail-feathers
are marked with small, yellowish red spots at the edge. The eye is
chestnut-brown, the beak dull cinnabar-red, with deep yellowish base, and
greyish black culmen and tip; the foot is greyish brown. This species is
eight (according to Ratterer nine) inches and a half long, and eleven
inches and three-quarters broad; the wing measures three inches, and the
tail two inches and three-quarters.
The Tschakuru frequents tracts covered with a slight growth of trees or
bushes; on these it may be seen perching for hours together, perfectly
undisturbed by the close observation of the traveller, and is frequently
only roused from its state of apparent lethargy by violently shaking the
surrounding branches. Insects constitute its means of subsistence, and
these are obtained either whilst perching or at a few paces from its
favourite seat. Azara informs us that the name of Tschakuru is supposed
by the natives to represent its cry; but neither the Prince von Wied nor
Burmeister ever heard it utter a sound. According to the latter, the
numerous white eggs that form a brood are deposited in the hole of a tree.
* * * * *
The TRAPPISTS (_Monasta_) are distinguishable from the above groups by
their small, slightly-curved beak, with thin, delicate tip, slender legs,
long, pointed wings, and moderate-sized tail, formed of narrow feathers.
The plumage is soft, and somewhat woolly in texture; the eye is surrounded
by a bare circle.