THE CUCKOOS (_Cuculidæ_) constitute a very numerous family, characterised
by a slender body, wings of moderate length, a long, graduated tail,
composed of from eight to twelve feathers, a slightly-curved, short, or
medium-sized beak, with sharp margins, and comparatively long, powerful
feet furnished with short toes. The coloration of the plumage is too
various to admit of any general description.
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The HONEY GUIDES (_Indicator_) are a group of the above birds recognisable
by their comparative compactness of build, long wings, short tail, and
strong beak. The beak, which does not equal the head in length, is almost
straight, and compressed at its hooked tip; the small powerful legs have
the tarsi shorter than the outermost of the strong toes; the long and
pointed wing, in which the third quill exceeds the rest in length, is
usually of considerable breadth; the tail, composed of twelve feathers, is
rounded at its sides, and slightly incised at its centre. The plumage is
thick and smooth.
The members of this family are for the most part of African origin, only
two species being met with elsewhere, namely, in Southern Asia. Everywhere
the Honey Guides occupy woodland districts, and live either in pairs or
small flocks, which fill the air with their loud and pleasing cries, as
they flutter from tree to tree. According to Heuglin, the most peculiar
characteristic of these birds is their strange habit of endeavouring
to attract the attention either of man or of some of their formidable
four-footed neighbours, whenever they have the luck to discover an
attractive object, such as a piece of carrion, teeming with a rich supply
of insects, or a swarm of bees busy at their work. They are particularly
fond of honey, though they frequently pay dearly for their venturesome
attempts to rob the combs, being often stung to death by the angry swarm.
When this fate attends a marauder, the bees cover the body with a vault
of wax, and thus prevent any annoyance from its presence. The flight of
the Honey Guides is heavy, and only capable of being sustained for a short
distance, but they run upon the trunks and branches of trees with the
utmost facility. Like the Cuckoo, the members of this group build no nest,
but introduce their eggs into that of some Woodpecker or Oriole.