Black-crowned Tityra (Tityra inquisitor)

tityrus, an aristocratic hooligan, ref. the

aggressive, bullying behaviour of the Neotropical tityras, likely

referring to their habits of taking over others nests. This is the

female with the rufous face. From La Selva Biological Station, Costa

Rica. Alexander Skutch wrote an interesting treatsie on these birds

which is at elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Auk/v063n03/p0327-p0362.pdf

He takes issue with their bullying behavior. Some of his comments:

"Finding the nests , and learning something of the breeding habits, of

these denizens of a world above and largely out of reach of our own,

is the ornithologists despair." "I have never seen a tityra on the

ground or even very near it" " The tityra's nest high in a rotting

trunk of uncertain strength is best left unvisited by a man with even

a moderate regard for the integrity of his bones. Once, when

enthusiasm overruled judgment, I did look into a tityra's nest; but I

should not repeat that climb, nor advise anyone else, not a member of

a suicide club, to attempt it." "Long acquaintance with the male

tityra has convinced me that he is a courteous and peaceloving

gentleman, a good father and a most devoted husband. He tries on all

occasions to be helpful to his wife; but the goodness of his heart is

frequently frustrated by the dullness of his wits"

Done