Zoological Illustrations Series II/Plate 23



The Ant Thrushes, as originally defined by us, constitute a natural group of Birds peculiar to, and very abundant in, the tropical regions of the New World. They are found only in the deep shades of forests, seeking their nourishment on the ground, from ants and other terrestrial insects. Beyond such retreats they never venture, and thus their natural love for seclusion has prevented us from knowing more of their economy.

The species are numerous: our own cabinet contains fifteen: but nearly double that number are among the rich and surpassing treasures of the Royal Museum at Paris. Of that here figured, we have never seen a second specimen.

In the form of the bill, and the elongated lax plumage of the back, Drymophila bears a close resemblance to the smaller species of Bush Shrikes (Thamnophilus), but the construction of the feet—adapted in one for perching, and in the other for walking—will sufficiently distinguish these groups.

The specific name of grallaria, engraved on the plate, was inadvertently changed for that of longipes in the published account. The figure represents the natural size.