Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) 



ventriloquial cries and a prolonged cackle. Sun-bitterns are 

 small heron-like birds restricted to the banks of streams and 

 ponds in tropical forests; drab and undistinguished when at 

 rest, they are revealed as strikingly beautiful when their 

 wings and tails are spread in display. The cariamas of 

 southern South America comprise a relict family most 

 closely related to flightless, crane-like birds that are known 

 only from fossil remains. 



On display from across the world are examples of sev- 

 eral other remarkable families of this order. The mesites, 

 confined to Madagascar, are medium-sized, terrestrial birds 

 of the forest. Although their well-developed wings appear 

 functional, the birds lack clavicles and evidently are unable 

 to fly. The plain-wanderer of Australia resembles a small 

 quail but is more closely related to rails. As with phala- 

 ropes, the male is less brightly colored than the female, and 

 incubates the eggs and raises the young. Similarly, the 

 female bustardquail of Eurasia and Australia actively courts 

 the male, may have several mates, and becomes extremely 

 pugnacious during courtship although it is shy and secretive 

 at other times. The rare and little-known kagu of New 

 Caledonia has a most elaborate courtship display. As kagus 

 are almost flightless they are in danger of extinction because 

 of man and his predatory companions, the dog, cat, and pig. 



The several other bird families represented in the exhibit 

 are no less worthy of comment. But better than reading 

 about them is a visit to the Museum's Boardman Conover 

 Hall to enjoy the Synoptic Series in its entirety. This visual 

 survey of the world's avifauna in its infinite variety occupies 

 nine large cases that extend the length of Hall 21. The 



Black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) 



550 mounted specimens were carefully selected as most rep- 

 resentative of their respective families and of the 8,600 spe- 

 cies known to science. By means of this synopsis one can, 

 in a matter of minutes, view the full range of variability in 

 birds, be it of size, form, color, or pattern. Whatever his 

 interests, the perceptive visitor to the Museum and the 

 completed hall can hardly fail to gain a new and lasting in- 

 sight into the marvels of natural history and the world of 

 birds.  



DECEMBER Page 5 



