nydus/Contributions to the Theory of Natural SelectionPublic
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Table of Contents
VII. A THEORY OF BIRDS’ NESTS; Showing the relation of certain differences of colour in Female Birds, to their mode of Nidification.
Hornbills (Bucerotidæ). These large birds have enormous coloured
bills, which are generally quite as well coloured and conspicuous in the
females. Their nests are always in hollow trees, where the female is
entirely concealed.
Barbets (Capitonidæ). These birds are all very gaily-coloured, and,
what is remarkable, the most brilliant patches of colour are disposed
about the head and
neck, and are very conspicuous. The sexes are exactly alike, and the
nest is in a hole of a tree.
Toucans (Rhamphastidæ). These fine birds are coloured in the most
conspicuous parts of their body, especially on the large bill, and on
the upper and lower tail coverts, which are crimson, white, or yellow.
The sexes are exactly alike, and they always build in a hollow tree.
Plaintain-eaters (Musophagidæ). Here again the head and bill are most
brilliantly coloured in both sexes, and the nest is in a hole of a tree.
Ground cuckoos (Centropus). These birds are often of conspicuous
colours, and are alike in both sexes. They build a domed nest.
Woodpeckers (Picidæ). In this family the females often differ from
the males, in having a yellow or white, instead of a crimson crest, but
are almost as conspicuous. They all nest in holes in trees.
Parrots (Psittaci). In this great tribe, adorned with the most brilliant and varied colours, the rule is, that the sexes are precisely alike, and this is the case in the most gorgeous families, the lories, the cockatoos, and the macaws; but in some there is a sexual difference of colour to a slight extent. All build in holes, mostly