THE PLANTAIN EATERS (_Amphibolæ_) constitute a family of very remarkably
constructed species, whose habitat is confined exclusively to Africa.
Few members of the feathered tribe have given rise to so much difference
of opinion as has been occasioned by the desire to assign to these
birds their proper place. We have followed the classification adopted
by Reichenbach, and shall introduce them here as presenting many
characteristics in common with the Jackdaw. To avoid confusion, we have
subdivided this very varied group into sub-families or sections.
* * * * *
The TRUE PLANTAIN EATERS (_Musophagæ_) range from the size of a Raven
to that of a Jackdaw. Their body is elongated, the neck short, the head
of moderate size; the upper mandible is very decidedly curved, slightly
over-lapping the lower portion, and either indented or furnished at its
sides with tooth-like appendages; the wings are of moderate length, and
rounded, their fourth and fifth quills being longer than the rest; the
tail is rather long and rounded, the tarsi strong and comparatively high.
The foot is not constructed after the scansorial type--three of the toes
being placed in front and one behind; it is true that they can move the
exterior toes slightly backwards, but never so far as to pair with the
one behind, except when under the hands of the bird-stuffer. The plumage
is soft, in some species almost downy, and occasionally very brilliant in
its hues.
The Plantain Eaters inhabit the dense and extensive forests of Central
and Southern Africa, but are never found in the treeless districts of
that continent; their habits are social, and they usually live in small
parties, seldom consisting of more than fifteen birds. Some species
pass the day in flying noisily about, whilst others spend their time
in climbing with great activity amongst the trees, or in searching for
food upon the ground. The flight of these birds is light and easy, their
short wings enabling them to turn in the air with great facility; they
are not very remarkable for intelligence, but in some respects exhibit
considerable foresight and prudence, and though extremely timid in their
intercourse with man, associate freely with their feathered brethren.
They feed principally upon leaves, buds, fruit, berries, and corn,
and for this reason they usually inhabit such localities as are well
watered and rich in various kinds of trees. We are unacquainted with any
particulars of their incubation, except that the nest is usually built in
the hollow trunk of a tree, that the eggs are white, and that the young
remain for a considerable time under the care of their parents.