The DIDRIK, or GOLDEN CUCKOO (_Chrysococcyx auratus_), is of a dazzling
metallic green, shaded with copper-red over the entire mantle, the glowing
effect being heightened by a blueish effulgence at the tips of some of the
feathers. A white stripe passes behind the eye, and the brow is decorated
with a white spot; the entire under side is light brownish or yellowish
white, of so delicate a shade that exposure to the sun's rays soon renders
it almost white. The feathers on the sides, tail, and lower wing-covers
are greenish; the secondaries, exterior primaries, and outer tail-feathers
deep green, striped with white; the eye is deep yellowish brown (during
the breeding season that of the male is deep red), the eyelid coral-red,
the beak deep blue, and the foot light greyish blue. The male is seven
inches and a half long, and twelve inches and three-quarters across; the
wing measures four inches and one-sixth, and the tail three inches and a
quarter. The female has a spotted under side, and is somewhat smaller and
less gorgeous than her mate. In the young birds the lower parts of the
body are shaded with yellow, the breast and throat of a metallic green,
the feathers on the back edged and the quills spotted with reddish yellow.
[Illustration: THE DIDRIK, OR GOLDEN CUCKOO (_Chrysococcyx auratus_).]
According to Le Vaillant, the Didrik is numerously met with throughout
Southern Africa, where it inhabits the primitive forests, and frequents
the loftiest and most densely foliaged trees. Heuglin, who observed this
species near the White and Black Nile and in Abyssinia, tells us that
it often associates in small parties, and occasionally ventures down
upon the trees and hedges that surround the villages, making itself
very conspicuous by its loud, flute-like, piping cry and pugnacious
propensities. The snow-white eggs of the Golden Cuckoo are always
deposited in the nest of another bird.
* * * * *
The GIANT CUCKOOS (_Scythrops_), a group comprising the largest of all
Cuckoos, have derived their name from the formation of their beak, which
resembles that of the Toucans, being nearly as long as their head, thick,
strong, broad at its base, compressed at its sides, and hooked at the tip.
The tarsi are short, and toes powerful; the wing, in which the third quill
is the longest, extends almost to the middle of the comparatively short,
rounded tail; the latter is formed of ten feathers. The plumage somewhat
resembles that of the Common Cuckoo in its coloration; the cheek-stripes
and region of the eyes are bare.
[Illustration: THE GIANT CUCKOO, OR CHANNEL-BILL (_Scythrops Novæ
Hollandiæ_).]