The RED-BEAKED OX-BITER (_Buphaga erythrorhyncha_) is about the same size
as the species last described. Upon the back this bird is of a greyish
brown, the lower parts of the body are pale yellow; the beak is light
red, the feet greyish brown, and the eyes and eyelids of a golden colour.
Both the species alluded to above are found spread over a large extent
of country--the former inhabiting South Africa, whilst the home of the
latter is confined to the central regions of that continent; occasionally
both are found inhabiting the same district, but under no circumstances
do the two species--though their mode of life has so much in common--ever
join company. They are usually seen flying in little flocks of from six
to eight, following herds of cattle, camels, elephants, or rhinoceroses
about the country, the whole party frequently settling upon the backs
of these animals in search of the flies or bots by which they are much
infested. These birds are much disliked by the natives, owing to an idea
very prevalent in Abyssinia, that the Ox-biter prevents the sores upon
the cattle from healing; but this is far from being the case, as the
beasts themselves seem to be fully aware, for they will stand with the
greatest patience and allow the birds to extract the maggots from their
skin or clear away the flies that have been attracted to any wounded
part, never so much as attempting to frighten away their little friends,
whose sharp probing beaks are rendering them efficient relief at the
expense of a few moments of pain. Only such beasts as are unacquainted
with the happy results attendant on this operation ever resent it, but
these will occasionally testify excitement almost approaching to frenzy
when they find themselves taken possession of by such unbidden guests.
Ehrenberg tells us that the manner in which the Ox-biters carry on their
work is most amusing, and describes their movements over the bodies of
the huge beasts they favour as resembling those of the Woodpecker when
climbing about the trunk and branches of a tree; no portion of the animal
escapes scrutiny, and in prosecuting their search they will even hang
head downwards from the ears or limbs, in order more perfectly to carry
out their minute investigations. It is a strange sight to see the perfect
confidence with which both quadrupeds and birds seem to regard each
other, though the latter are so afraid of man that on the first sight of
a stranger they scramble together upon the very top of the back of the
ox or camel whose skin they are examining, and, should the traveller
attempt to approach nearer, seek safety in flight, rising into the air
with wings full spread, and, after describing a large circle, descend to
resume their labours;--should danger still impend, they take refuge upon
some high stone or piece of rock; but they never frequent trees for this
purpose. Gordon Cumming tells us that the cattle are often warned of the
approach of some of their numerous enemies by the acute perceptions of
these watchful servants; but neither he nor any other traveller has given
us any information as to the manner in which the Ox-biters build their
nests, or carry on the work of incubation.
[Illustration: THE RED-BEAKED OX-BITER (_Buphaga erythrorhyncha_.)]
The tropical regions of Africa, and some part of Asia, are inhabited by a
group of birds which seem to form a connecting link between the Starlings
and the Birds of Paradise, and are distinguished by such splendour of
colour and satin-like brilliancy of plumage, as to have obtained the name
of
* * * * *
The GLOSSY STARLINGS (_Lamprotornithes_). All parts of the countries
to which they belong are enlivened by the presence of these brilliant
creatures, but they principally take up their residence in rocky
districts, wooded valleys, or even in the immediate vicinity of man,
though they prefer to disport themselves amidst the woods, to which they
lend an embellishment that travellers are never weary of extolling. The
various members of this group are without exception lively, bold, and
noisy in their demeanour; they are usually met with in large flocks,
and in many cases do not withdraw from the society of their companions,
even during the breeding season; this sociable disposition is, however,
by no means manifested towards other birds, with many of whom they live
in a constant state of active warfare. Fruit, seeds, snails, worms, and
insects of various kinds constitute their principal food, but they will
occasionally eat carrion, and, like the Ox-biter, they often render
good service to the cattle by clearing them from various parasites.
Their movements are light and active, in all respects resembling those
of other Starlings, and their disposition exceedingly sagacious and
intelligent. Some species have very discordant voices, while others are
not without some slight pretensions to song, inasmuch as their call-note
is agreeable, and often composed of more than one syllable. Such trifling
peculiarities as distinguish the various members of the group are most
strikingly observable in the difference of their habits during the
breeding season: some species separating from the rest of the flock while
busied with the cares of a family; others, on the contrary, remaining
with their companions even at that period of the year. The formation of
their nests varies considerably, according to the situations in which
they are placed--such as are built among the rocks being nothing better
than a mere heap of twigs or grass, whilst those placed in the trees
are necessarily substantial, and more artistic in their construction.
The brood usually consists of five or six eggs, of a green colour, and
marked with either red, brown, blueish, or black spots; some species
breed twice within the year. It is at present doubtful whether any of
these birds ever migrate; for the most part they seem to spend their time
in wandering over a limited tract of country, appearing in certain parts
only for a short time, and then as suddenly taking their departure. The
Glossy Starlings are seldom caught by the natives of the regions they
frequent, and are, therefore, very rarely seen in our part of the world,
though their great beauty, and the ease with which they may be reared,
eminently point them out as adapted for life in a cage.
[Illustration: THE SUPERB GLOSSY STARLING (_Notauges superbus_).]
We have divided this group into several divisions, the first of which
contains
* * * * *
The TRUE GLOSSY STARLINGS (_Lamprocolii_). In their general conformation
these birds resemble our Common Starling; the beak, which is of moderate
size, slightly curves towards its tip, and the upper mandible reaches a
little beyond the lower. The wings extend about half way down the rather
short tail, which is straight at its extremity. The feet are short and
powerful, the toes large, and the claws with which they are furnished
of moderate proportions. All the members of this group are decked in
the most gorgeous apparel, of which a metallic green is usually the
predominating tint, and all have a more or less satin-like gloss upon
their plumage.