Fig. 268.—King Fly-catcher (Eurylaimus serilophus, Sw.).
The Fly-catcher proper feeds on insects, which it catches on the wing with a vivacity and agility which are extraordinary. It sometimes adds to its fare caterpillars and ants, and it never settles on the ground except when in pursuit of prey. They are birds of taciturn and solitary habits, frequenting alone the depths of forests, or the margin of sluggish streams. They are silent even during the pairing season, and are rather negligent in their mode of building, taking no care to hide their nests from the view of their enemies. According to the species, they build either on trees and bushes, or in the crevices of walls, rocks, or under the eaves of roofs. The hen bird lays from three to six eggs once a year in Europe, but more frequently in other parts of the world.
Fig. 269.—The Long-tailed Tyrant (Milvulu, Sw.).
The Fly-catchers are not larger than the Warblers. They are birds of passage, and various species of them are spread over the whole surface of the globe. Some are natives of Europe, among which we will name the Spotted Fly-catcher ([Fig. 267]), and the Pied Fly-catcher. The latter bird is very fond of fruit, and in the South of France it is killed for the delicacy of its flesh. The common name there given it, Bec-figue, is also applied to a species of the Warbler genus.
The Fan-tailed Fly-catchers (Rhipidura flabellifera, Latham) are birds of the same size and with the same habits as the Fly-catchers proper. They differ in nothing but their plumage, which is much more brilliant, their more fully developed tail, and the beautiful tufts which adorn the heads of some species. They are natives of Africa, India, Polynesia, and America. The species which may serve as a type is the Eurylaimus serilophus ([Fig. 268]), on account of a magnificent red tuft, edged with black, which spreads out round its head, and resembles a splendid diadem. It is a native of South America, and is a very rare bird in collections.
Fig. 270.—Cephalopterus ornatus (Coracina cephaloptera, Vieill.).
The Tyrants ([Fig. 269]) owe their name to their courageous, audacious, and quarrelsome character, which leads them to attack birds more powerful than themselves, such as some of the smaller birds of prey, and even the White-headed Eagle. It must be added, too, that they more often than not succeed in forcing these robbers to quit the neighbourhood in which the Tyrant's young brood is reposing. They feed on insects, small reptiles, and some times very small fish. They are found in South America only, and principally in Brazil and Guiana.