THIS P0DARGU8. 



The genus jwdargus differs from that of caprimiilgus in some important respects. 

 The beak is hirger and longer, having a wider gape, the liead is considerably larger, and 

 the whole bird is of superior size. Thus the horned podargus of Sumatra* might, 

 from the shape of the head, the large staring eyes, and the plumelets into which the 

 ear-coverts are elongated, be easily mistaken for an owl, especially also, as its nocturnal 

 habits would countenance and confirm the presumption. The podarffiis cincreus of 

 Yieillot is a good illustration of the genus. It is found chiefly in New Holland and 

 Tasmania. It is nocturnal in its habits, finding its haunts in the forest retreats, where, 

 seated on the lower branches of a tree, not far from the trunk, and with its feathers 

 raised, it passes the day. So profound is its immoveability and apparent insensibility, 

 that it may almost be taken by the hand ; but as soon as the twilight of evening returns, 

 it goes forth in pursuit of prey, which it continues till about two hours before sunrise the 



HEAD AND FOOT OF THE PODARGUS CINEREUS. 



following morning. The nest is roughly built of small sticks and grass, and the female 

 lays from two to four eggs. 



The iii/dibius f/nmdisf of Vieillot is a remarkable specimen of this race. Its plumage 

 is red, and is divided by oblique and irregular black bands, partially marked vnth white 

 marks ; the feet are flesh- colour. 



The stcafornes f:arij)en.mX was discovered in America by Humboldt and Bonpland, on 

 their excursion to the mountains of Caripe in Cimiana. Here they entered an immense 

 cavern, where a curious sight and still more strange sounds awaited them. We are 

 assured that it is indeed very difficult to form an adequate conception of the frightful 

 noise which smote upon their ears, from the thousands of birds who dwelt in this dark 

 abode, and as the soimds they uttered were re-echoed in the caverns around. The 

 Indians, who guided the visitors, fixed their torches at the end of long poles, and thus 

 showed the nests of the birds, which were fifteen or sixteen feet overhead. The noise of 

 the terrified inmates increased as the intruders advanced ; and when at length it ceased 

 for some minutes arovmd the travellers, the same doleful cries might be heard sounding 



* Podargus Coruutus. 



t Nyctibius Grandis. — Vieill. 



X Humboldt. 



