The THREE-WATTLED BELL BIRD, or HAMMERER (_Chasmarhynchus
tricarunculatus_), is furnished with three fleshy lappets, one of which
grows above the base of the beak, whilst the two others appear as
prolongations of the corners of the mouth. The colour of these lappets,
as also of the bill and feet, is blackish; that of the eye, light
brownish red. The head and throat of the male are bright chestnut-brown,
and the nape and upper part of the breast pure white. The female, whose
plumage is olive-green, streaked with a lighter shade on the under side,
is entirely without the appendages that distinguish her mate. The young
resemble the mother. The length of this species is twelve inches; the
wing measures six and a half, and the tail four inches; the lappet on
the upper part of the beak is from two inches and a half to three inches
long, and those at the corners of the mouth about two inches and a half.
In the young the fleshy appendages are mere rudiments.
All the different kinds of Bell Birds above described belong to South
America. The Blacksmith inhabits the Brazilian forests, the Araponga is
met with in the northern portions of the continent, whilst the True Bell
Bird is found in Guiana, and the Hammerer in Costa Rica. As far as is at
present ascertained, it would appear that in their habits and mode of
life these different species closely resemble each other. The Blacksmith,
we are told by the Prince von Wied, is one of the most attractive and
beautiful of the many strange occupants of the magnificent forests of
Brazil; the dazzling whiteness of its plumage affording a striking
contrast to the rich deep hues of the leafy retreats it usually prefers.
Its loud clear note is distinctly heard to a very considerable distance,
as it rings, bell-like, at regular intervals, through the surrounding
silence, or is rapidly repeated with a force and peculiarity of tone
that strongly resembles the blows made by a smith upon his anvil. No
sooner does one bird commence than all the rest of a party follow suit,
and combine their efforts to produce such a concert as must be heard to
be appreciated. The Blacksmith also frequently perches upon the very
topmost bough of one of the giant trees of the forest, at such a height
as to be out of the sportsman's reach, who is thus often compelled to
content himself with admiring its snowy plumage, as the bird stands in
bold relief against a background of deep blue sky, and ever and anon
sounds its metallic note, as though to call attention to its conspicuous
position. Waterton speaks with equal enthusiasm of the True Bell Bird,
whose voice, he tells us, is heard throughout the entire day, but most
frequently at early morning or after sunset. Each tone is followed by a
considerable pause, lasting, after the first three notes, for the space
of six or eight minutes, when the strange performance recommences, with
not more than one minute's interval between the sweet, bell-like sounds,
which are often audible at a distance of three miles. As long as the
bird is in repose, the fleshy lappets we have described hang downwards,
but they are raised and turned in all directions at the instant that
the cry is uttered; and, on its cessation, drop at once to their former
position. The females generally perch on the lowest branches, but are not
easily discovered, owing to their silence, and the greenish hue of their
feathers, which enables them to hide securely amid the foliage. Fruits
and berries constitute the principal food of this group, and, according
to Schomburghk, they also occasionally eat insects. The Bell Birds make
their appearance in Demerara and Berbice about May or June, from whence
they spread over the face of the country, rarely occupying wooded heights
at more than from 1,200 to 1,500 feet above the sea, and never visiting
the immediate neighbourhood of the coast. Strange to say, notwithstanding
the interest excited in these strange and beautiful occupants of the
South American forests, we are still entirely without any particulars as
to their breeding, nidification, or powers of enduring life in a cage.
* * * * *
The THRUSHES (_Turdidæ_) constitute a group that comprises some of the
larger birds of the order. Their body is powerful, their neck short, and
head large; the bill is straight, compressed at its sides, and slightly
incised at the tip of the upper mandible, which curves downwards over the
lower portion of the beak. The tarsi are high, and covered with large
plates; the toes moderate, armed with very decidedly hooked claws; the
wing is of medium length, and contains ten primary quills, of which the
third is the longest; the formation of the tail varies considerably;
in some cases it is short and rounded, in others long and graduated;
but, generally, it is of moderate size, and more or less straight at
its extremity; the plumage is thick, usually of some dusky hue, but
occasionally brightly coloured.
* * * * *
The GROUND SINGERS (_Humicolæ_), as the most gifted of the above family
have been named, include some of the smaller species of Thrushes, and
are recognisable by their comparatively slender bodies short wings,
moderate-sized tail, high tarsi, pointed beaks, glossy dark plumage, and
expressive eyes. The Ground Singers are entirely confined within the
limits of the eastern hemisphere, and make their appearance in Europe
with the commencement of spring, leaving again for warmer latitudes
at the approach of autumn. They usually prefer woodland regions, more
especially such as are well watered, as they there find an abundance of
the larvæ, worms, and berries, upon which they mainly subsist. Unlike
the groups above described, they glean their food principally from the
ground, as they hop over the surface of the soil with the utmost agility,
and rarely seek their insect fare upon the trees, from which, however,
they pluck ripe berries with much adroitness. From every point of view
we must recognise in these birds a very high degree of intelligence, all
the senses being well developed, and their sight and hearing particularly
good. When upon the wing, their motions are rapid and easy, and as
regards their wondrous vocal gifts we need only allude to one member of
the group, the Nightingale, the "Queen of Song," to convince our readers
that their musical powers are unequalled in the whole feathered creation.
In disposition they are vigilant, acute, and lively, ever on the alert
against danger, and daring and prompt in encountering a foe. The nests
built by the Ground Singers are large, thick, and usually placed in
holes among the projecting roots, or in the hollow trunks of trees, also
in hedges or other similar situations, but they vary considerably in
appearance, according to the species of the builder. The brood consists
of from four to seven eggs, which are either of one uniform colour or
marked with faint spots. The cares of incubation are undertaken by both
parents. The young are at first clad in a speckled plumage, but resemble
the adult birds before the end of the first autumn. Most of the members
of this delightful group are eminently suited for life in a cage, and
become attached to those who rear them.
[Illustration: THE NIGHTINGALE (_Luscinia Philomela_).]
* * * * *
The NIGHTINGALES (_Luscinia_) are recognisable by their slender body,
strong legs, high tarsi, moderately long wings and tail, the latter of
which is rounded at the extremity. The beak is almost straight, and
pointed at its tip; the close thick plumage in both sexes is of a reddish
grey.