le creature expand its beautiful
feathers, which it readily does when excited. The crest is something
like that of a harpy eagle. It is known also as the hawk-headed parrot.

MARIANNA PARROT.

There is also a beautiful black-headed species--the macai of the
Indians--known as the marianna. It has a white breast, orange neck and
thighs. It is a remarkably lively little bird, and when tamed, shows
its playful and inquisitive disposition.

Wallace describes one which he had on board his canoe, which used to
climb into every crack and cranny, diving into all the baskets, pans,
and pots it could discover, and tasting everything they contained. It
was a most omnivorous feeder, eating rice, farina, every kind of flesh,
fish, and vegetables; and drinking coffee too. As soon as it saw him,
basin in hand, it would climb up to the edge, and not be quiet without
having a share; which it would lick up with the greatest satisfaction,
stopping now and then to look knowingly round,--as much as to say, "This
coffee is very good,"--and then sipping again with increased gusto.

It has a pretty, clear whistle, which the Indians imitate, making it
reply, and stare about in a vain search for its companions.

TROGONS.

Among the smaller birds in these forests, the trogons--a genus of
scansorial birds--are the most beautiful, surpassing their relatives
found in other parts of the world. There are numerous varieties,
differing in size--from the trogon viridis, scarcely larger than a
sparrow, to the beautiful trogon, with its handsome tail, the size of a
rook. Often they are to be seen in the depths of the forest, sitting
motionless for hours together, simply moving their heads, watching
apparently for insects, or sometimes scanning the neighbouring trees for
fruit. Having selected a ripe one, they dart off now and then at long
intervals to secure it, returning always to the same perch.

Their wings are feeble, and they are of a dull, inactive temperament.
They have long spreading tails, and a dense plumage, which makes them
appear larger than they are in reality. They are solitary birds, and
may be seen sitting singly, or in pairs--some species on the taller
trees, and others but a few feet above the ground--occasionally uttering
a mournful note, which sounds like _curucua_,--the name which the
Indians give to them. "This would betray them to the hunter," says
Edwards; "but they are great ventriloquists, and it is often impossi