The COLLARED EPIMACHUS (_Epimachus magnus_) represents another group of
the same family. The beak of this bird is long, arched, and slightly
rounded at the ridge; the wings are moderate, the tail long and
graduated, the foot powerful, but of no great size; the breast only
is adorned with tufts of feathers. This species is about three and a
quarter feet long, two feet of which measurement are included in the
tail. The head is decked with small, round, scale-like feathers of a
bronze green colour, but gleaming with a blue and golden light; the long
feathers growing upon the nape are black and velvety; the back is of
similar colour, but varied by the blueish green gloss of many long, broad
feathers. The lower part of the body is of a blackish violet, and the
long and graceful plumes that sprout from the sides shine with a glossy
splendour as they hang negligently over the wings; the beak and feet
are black. In the female the top of the head and nape are of a cinnamon
colour; the rest of her plumage resembles the male, but is rather paler.
This splendid creature is so mutilated during its preparation for sale
by the natives, that we believe no perfect specimen has as yet been
brought to Europe. Rosenberg tells us that it inhabits New Guinea, but is
never seen upon the surrounding islands.
* * * * *
Some naturalists place among the Birds of Paradise two species, of which
we know very little, that have been named the
MAGPIE BIRDS OF PARADISE (_Astrapioe_); others regard them as belonging
to the Thrushes, as they resemble these latter birds in the construction
of their beak, which is straight, and slightly flattened in front of
its apex; its base, moreover, is unfurnished either with bristles or
velvety feathers; the tail is long, and distinctly graduated; the wings
are of moderate size, and the legs powerful; both sides of the head
are adorned with a tuft of feathers which incline outwards. Lesson and
other naturalists say that it is impossible to describe the beauty and
brilliancy of these glorious creatures by any selection of words. The
plumage, which is purple black on the upper part of the body, gleams with
metallic splendour. The plumes upon the head are blueish red, tipped with
emerald green; the whole of the lower parts of the body are malachite
green; a reddish violet streak passes from the corner of the eyes in a
semicircle down to the throat; the legs and beak are black. When seen
in the full sunlight these gorgeous birds appear to gleam with every
conceivable effect and variety of the most brilliant colours; their
length is about two feet and a quarter. We learn from Rosenberg that the
Paradise Magpie is found exclusively upon the tolerably large island of
Obi, near Gilwick Bay, but he gives us no particulars as to its life and
habits, as he was unable either to observe it in the wild state or to
obtain a living specimen.
[Illustration: THE MAGPIE BIRD OF PARADISE (_Astrapia gularis_).]
THE RAVENS PROPER (_Coraces_).
This family comprehends some of the largest members of the order. In
these birds the beak is large, strong, curved towards the point, and
toothed on its cutting edge, the upper mandible being only occasionally
slightly hooked; the wings are of moderate size, and rounded at their
extremities, the fourth quill being larger than the rest; the tail is
formed by twelve feathers, which are either graduated or straight at the
extremity. The plumage is rich, and its feathers large, those at the base
of the beak usually resembling hairs or bristles; the rest are extremely
glossy. Both sexes are alike in colour, and the young differ but little
from the parent birds.
The Ravens inhabit every part of the globe, their mode of life and
appearance varying slightly, according to the climate in which they
live. Warm countries, however, appear more congenial to them than the
northern parts of the earth, where they are met with in comparatively
small numbers. By far the greater number are stationary, rarely, if ever,
leaving the place that gave them birth, except to make short excursions
in the neighbourhood, whilst others migrate to countries at no great
distance from their native land. If we except the power of song, the
Ravens combine in themselves every gift possessed by any members of the
order to which they belong. They move with ease upon the ground, fly
rapidly and lightly, and are remarkable for the very equal development of
all their faculties, including the sense of _smell_.
This family has been divided into many groups, all of which present very
marked peculiarities.
* * * * *
The MOUNTAIN CROWS, or CHOUGHS (_Fregili_) are recognised by their long,
slender bodies, long wings, and short tails; their beaks are slender and
pointed, slightly arched, and, like their feet, brightly coloured. Their
plumage is black and glossy. Europe has two species of these birds, and
several others inhabit India and Australia.