The BLACK-CAP MANAKIN (_Pipra-Chiromachæris-Manacus_) is the
representative of a group known as the _Chiromachæris_, recognisable by
their high tarsi, the sickle-shaped form of the first primary quill, and
the beard-like development of the plumage in the region of the chin. In
the Black-cap Manakin the top of the head, back, wings, and tail are
black; the rump grey; the neck, throat, breast, and belly white. The
plumage of the female is entirely green. The eyes of both sexes are
grey, their beaks lead-coloured, and whitish on the lower mandible; the
feet are pale yellowish flesh-colour. "This beautiful bird," says the
Prince von Wied, "is found extensively throughout South America, and
is particularly numerous in Guiana, living, except during the breeding
season, in small parties and flocks, that keep either quite close to the
ground, or at no great distance from its surface. When in flight they
move from spot to spot with astonishing celerity, the rapid action of
their wings occasioning a strange loud sound, not much unlike the drone
of a spinning-wheel." The voice of the Black-cap Manakin is likewise
described by travellers as very remarkable. It is, we are told, capable
of uttering two entirely dissimilar notes, the first of which resembles
the sharp, cracking noise produced by breaking a nut, followed by a bass
note so deep as to lead travellers to suppose it to be rather the growl
of a large quadruped than the cry of a small bird. The food of this
species consists of insects and berries. The nest is similar to that of
its congeners. In Brazil the Black-cap Manakin is called the "Mono," or
"Monk," from the faculty it has of inflating the feathers upon its throat
in such a manner as to resemble a beard.
* * * * *
The PANTHER BIRDS (_Pardalotus_) constitute a group of small Australian
species, very nearly allied to the Manakins, but possessing short thick
beaks, very broad at the base, and deeply indented behind the hooked
tip of the upper mandible. Their feet and tarsi are long and thin, the
exterior and centre toe being partially united; the wings are pointed,
the tail short. The plumage is conspicuous for its elegant markings.