The PEARL BIRD (_Trachyphonus margaritatus_) represents an African group,
possessing a moderate-sized and slender beak, which is slightly arched,
and compressed at its tip; the comparatively high feet have the tarsi
longer than the centre toe; the fourth quill of the moderately long wing
exceeds the rest in length; the tail is of medium length, and rounded at
its extremity. The plumage of the back is brown, spotted and marked with
white, that of the under side bright glossy yellow, shading into red on
the breast; the brow, crown of the head, and, in the male bird, a chain
of spots upon the breast, are black; the rump and vent are deep bright
red. The eye is dark red, the beak light red, and the foot lead-grey. This
species is seven inches long, the wing measures three inches and a half.
[Illustration: THE PEARL BIRD (_Trachyphonus margaritatus_).]
We have frequently met with these beautiful birds in most parts of
North-eastern Africa, where they constantly visit the fields and gardens
near the settlements, making themselves particularly conspicuous during
the early morning and in the evening, by flying around the tops of the
loftiest trees, or by pouring forth their deep but lively notes with an
animation that gives the performance almost the effect of a pleasing
song. The food of this species consists of seeds, fruit, and insects,
in pursuit of which it displays but little skill while climbing about
the branches; its flight consists of a hovering, whirring motion, and is
seldom long sustained. The oval, pure white eggs obtained by Heuglin, on
the 26th of September, were found in holes situated in the side of a bank
of earth; in one instance the interior had no lining of any description,
and in the other a mere bed of reeds, on which the eggs were deposited. We
are unable to state whether these holes are excavated by the parent birds.