CEKTHIAD.TC. 



119 



SUB-FAMILY IL 

 Syxallaxin.e.* The SluirptaiU. 



Gen. Chakac. — Toes moderate and strong, with the lateral toes unequal, the 

 outer one the longest and united to near the first joint, and the inner slightly 

 united at the base, the hind toe strong and long ; the claws strong, com- 

 pressed, and curved. 





Fig. 46 —the Chilian syxallaxis 

 {Srjaallaxis rujicapiUa.) 



The birds composing tliis sub-family are likeAvise 

 peculiar to South America. They are usually found 

 in pairs, but sometimes in little flocks of twelve or 

 fourteen, on the borders of lakes and rivers, or on 

 rushy inundated places, where they may be seen 

 Hitting from reed to reed, upon which they run up 

 and down in search of minute insects. They 

 usually carry their heads erect, and utter, at in- 

 tervals, a shrill note, quickly repeated. Their flight 

 is jerking, and they walk on the ground with con- 



* avvaWaaait)^ synallasso, to associate together. 



