Monasa (monasa)

[NL. (Vieillot, 1816) an error for Monacha: see Monacha.] Agenus of South American barbets or puff-birds, of the family Bucconida; the nun-birds or monases. There are seven species, of comparatively large size, with somber blackish plumage usually relieved with white on the face or wings, and coral-red bills, as M. nigra, M. morpheus, and M. nigrifrons. Also Monasta, Monastes, Monacha, Lypornix, and Scotocharis. See cut at nun - bird. Monascidiæ (mon-a-sid'i-ē), n. pl. [NL.,