The CAPI (_Saltator cœrulescens_) is nearly of the same size as our
English Blackbird, being about eight inches long and twelve broad; the
wing measures four inches from the shoulder to the tip, and the tail
three and a half inches. The plumage upon the nape, back, and wings
is blueish grey, shaded with yellowish brown; the bridles and a line
over the eyes and throat are white, the latter being divided from the
chin by a black streak; the upper part of the breast is grey, and the
lower portion of the body of a paler shade; the wings and inner web of
the wings are a rusty yellow, spotted with grey; the tail a dark slate
colour, the beak brownish grey, and the feet a dusky black.
[Illustration: THE RARITA, OR RARA (_Phytotoma Rara_).]
These birds are found in considerable numbers in the southern parts
of Brazil, where they frequent the trees, avoiding deep forests, and
at times do considerable damage in the gardens; they are usually seen
in pairs or small parties, and are by no means afraid of man, in the
vicinity of whose dwellings they are constantly to be met with. They fly
slowly and with difficulty, rarely coming to the ground, on which their
movements are neither animated nor easy; their life is spent principally
in the midst of the trees or bushes, from whence they fly forth to
procure the seeds, buds, snails, or insects that constitute their
principal food, though they occasionally eat the strips of meat that
have been laid to dry in the fields. The song of the Capi is extremely
insignificant, and except during the breeding season scarcely deserves to
be called by that name. The nest is built about the month of November; it
is carelessly formed of moss, roots and twigs of various sizes, a high
thick branch affording the favourite locality for its construction. The
eggs, two or three in number, are greenish blue, marked at the broad end
with a variety of spots and lines. Little is known of the habits of these
birds beyond what we are told by Azara, who kept one of them caged for
some time in order to observe its conduct; it would take almost any food
that was given to it, but, strangely enough, ate like a quadruped, taking
large pieces into its beak and chewing them.
* * * * *
The PLANT CUTTERS (_Phytotoma_) are a very remarkable race of birds,
closely resembling the Habias in their general appearance and habits,
but differing from them in the construction of their beaks, which are
furnished at their edge with a saw-like apparatus, that enables them
to cut down the various plants upon which they feed. Most marvellous
tales have been told by early writers of the habits of these destroyers,
and although much has been proved to be fabulous, still there can be no
question that the damage done by them to the crops in their native land
is both extensive and serious, so that they are proportionably dreaded
and persecuted by its inhabitants.