The DUSKY TRAPPIST, or BEARDED CUCKOO (_Monasta fusca_), is dark brown
on the head and back, and yellowish grey on the under side; the lower
throat is embellished by a long, pure white crescent, a broad, black
band beneath; the quills and tail-feathers are dark greyish brown, the
former edged with rust-red on the outer web. The eye is reddish, the beak
and foot black. The young are of a paler hue, and the crescent on the
breast is shaded with yellow. The length of the body is seven inches and
two-thirds, and its breadth twelve inches; the wing measures three inches
and one-third, and the tail three inches and one-sixth.
This bird, we learn from the Prince von Wied, is one of the commonest
inhabitants of the Brazilian forests. In the neighbourhood of Rio de
Janeiro it is also very frequently seen quietly perching beneath a shady
bush close to dwelling-houses, or hopping over the ground in pursuit of
insects. The "João Doido," or Stupid Jack, as this bird is called by
the natives, presents a most striking appearance as he sits perfectly
motionless, with his white head thrown into strong relief by the dark
foliage, his wide-open eyes alone indicating that he is not in a profound
sleep. We are without particulars respecting the incubation of this
species. Insects of various kinds compose its food; we found the remains
of a butterfly in the stomach of a specimen we examined.
* * * * *
The DREAMERS (_Chelidoptera_) are distinguished from the Bearded Cuckoos
by their short tail and compact plumage.