The LONG-TAILED CUCKOO (_Pyrrhococcyx Cayanus_), a well-known member of
the above group, is of a light reddish brown over the mantle, and from the
breast downwards of a deep grey; the tail-feathers are dark reddish brown
above, and black beneath, with white tips. The length of this species is
from eighteen to twenty-two inches, according to the size of the tail; the
span of the pinions is seventeen inches, their length from five inches and
a half to six inches and a half, and the tail from ten to fourteen inches.
This Cuckoo, according to Burmeister, is spread over all the warm portions
of America; and in Brazil, where it is very common, comes constantly
down into the fields and gardens. Its flight, despite the shortness of
the wings, is free and easy; its disposition brisk and active; and its
call-note an oft-repeated, penetrating cry. These birds usually live in
pairs, but frequently associate in parties while in pursuit of their
insect prey. We have no reliable information as to the breeding of this
species.
* * * * *
The TICK-EATERS (_Crotophagæ_), a small but remarkable family, inhabiting
Southern and Central America, possess a slender body and very decidedly
arched beak, powerful feet, with the toes placed in pairs, moderate-sized
wings, and a long, broad, rounded tail, composed of eight feathers. The
thick, small-feathered plumage is of sombre hue, and takes the form of
bristles in the region of the beak; the cheek-stripes and region of the
eyes are bare.
"These birds," says Brown, in his "History of Jamaica," "prefer cultivated
places, and more especially land in the neighbourhood of pastures or low
shrubberies and swamps. They easily make their way amongst the thickest
foliage or grass, by means of their sharp-edged bills, with which they
scatter the herbage on each side, in search of grasshoppers and other
insects. They have been seen on the dead carcase of a sheep, but whether
attracted by the flesh or by the larvæ of insects is uncertain. In the
daytime they often associate in flocks of twenty or thirty individuals
near small rivulets, seeking for tadpoles, which they greedily devour. At
other times they may be seen flying from shrub to shrub, uttering their
peculiar note. They live chiefly upon ticks and other small vermin, and
constantly jump about cows and oxen in the fields, and the cattle will
frequently lie down to benefit by their good offices, if much infested by
ticks; but if the beast appear heedless of their proffered attentions,
they hop once or twice around it, looking it very earnestly in the face
every time they pass, as if they knew it was only necessary for them to
be seen to be indulged. They are very noisy birds, and very common in
all the pastures of Jamaica. The nests of the Tick-eaters are built in
the fork of a tree, or in a bush covered with mistletoe, and made rudely
of some coarse materials, chiefly small sticks, totally destitute of any
soft lining. The eggs are from five to seven or more in number. The young
evince much activity in hopping from branch to branch; long before they
are able to fly they leave their nests, and may be seen perched on the
top of a shrub or thicket of vines, in company with a congregation of
adult birds. When the parents escape from an intruder by taking flight,
the young, by long and rapid leaps, reach the ground, and run off very
quickly."
* * * * *
The TRUE TICK-EATERS (_Crotophaga_) have a slender body, small head, short
wings, long tail, and high tarsi. The high, much-raised beak is sharp at
its margin, and very decidedly hooked at its tip. The outer toe of the
high, powerful foot is twice as long as the innermost, whilst the toe that
turns backwards is of equal size with the real hinder toe.