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All the members of this group occupy forests, where they live either alone or in pairs; but rarely associating even in small parties, and still more rarely venturing near the dwelling-place of man. Like the Jacamars, these birds are remarkable for their indolence, and the quietude of their manner of life, as they obtain their insect-prey without even leaving the branch on which they are perched. The eggs of some species are deposited in holes excavated by the parents; but, beyond this fact, we are without particulars as to their mode of incubation.

The SLEEPERS (Nystalus) possess a powerful, straight beak—almost as long as the large, thick head—compressed at its sides, and slightly hooked at the projecting upper mandible. The short, thick foot and backs of the toes (the latter not placed in pairs) are covered with large, smooth scales; the wings are short and slender, the tail of medium length, and composed of narrow feathers of almost equal size, if we except the short exterior pair.

THE GREEN JACAMAR (Galbula viridis).

THE TSCHAKURU.

The TSCHAKURU (Nystalus Chacuru) is of a reddish brown on the top of the head, back, and wings, striped with a blackish shade, the under side is white, a band around the head and the broad cheek-stripes are pure white, the region of the cheek is black, the quills greyish brown, those at the exterior edged and spotted with rust-red; the blackish brown tail-feathers are marked with small, yellowish red spots at the edge. The eye is chestnut-brown, the beak dull cinnabar-red, with deep yellowish base, and greyish black culmen and tip; the foot is greyish brown. This species is eight (according to Ratterer nine) inches and a half long, and eleven inches and three-quarters broad; the wing measures three inches, and the tail two inches and three-quarters.

The Tschakuru frequents tracts covered with a slight growth of trees or bushes; on these it may be seen perching for hours together, perfectly undisturbed by the close observation of the traveller, and is frequently only roused from its state of apparent lethargy by violently shaking the surrounding branches. Insects constitute its means of subsistence, and these are obtained either whilst perching or at a few paces from its favourite seat. Azara informs us that the name of Tschakuru is supposed by the natives to represent its cry; but neither the Prince von Wied nor Burmeister ever heard it utter a sound. According to the latter, the numerous white eggs that form a brood are deposited in the hole of a tree.