The WRINKLED-BEAKED TICK-EATER (_Crotophaga rugirostris_) is somewhat
larger than the Ani; its beak is also longer, and covered with four or
five wrinkles or ridges. The plumage is of a dull blueish black; the
feathers on the head, throat, and upper breast are edged with violet, and
those of the back and belly bordered with a rich metallic green. The eye
is greyish brown, the beak and feet are black. This species is fourteen
inches long, the wing measures six, and the tail seven inches.
* * * * *
The COUCALS, or SPURRED CUCKOOS (_Centropodes_), a family of strange birds
inhabiting Africa, the East Indies, New Holland, and the Malay Islands,
possess a very powerful, short, and much-curved beak, which is compressed
at its sides; the tarsi are high, and toes comparatively short; the hinder
toe is usually armed with a very long and almost straight spur-like claw;
the wings are short and rounded, and the tail (composed of ten feathers)
graduated, and either of moderate size or very long. The extremely harsh
plumage is similarly coloured in both sexes; the young differ in a
striking manner from their parents, and only acquire the same hues as the
adults in the third year.
The Coucals frequent thick brushwood, cane plantations, and pasture land,
and penetrate the densest masses of vegetation with surprising dexterity,
in pursuit of the scorpions, snakes, lizards, insects, and birds' eggs,
upon which they principally subsist. Their powers of flight are so limited
as only to be employed in cases of extreme danger. The voice consists
of various deep sounds, some of which seem produced by ventriloquism.
The nests built by this family are carelessly formed, and placed among
bushes or canes, or in long grass; in some instances, however, more care
is evident in their construction, the upper portion being provided with a
cover, and two entrances made in the side, the one for entrance and the
other for egress. The brood consists of from three to five white eggs,
which are hatched by the united efforts of both parents. The young, when
first produced, are remarkably ugly.