162 BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. 



zard, which in many other species is so hard and muscular, in this is 

 extremely lax and soft, capable of great distension ; and, what is re- 

 markable, is covered with a growth of fine down or hair, of a light fawn 

 color. It is difficult to ascertain the particular purpose which nature 

 intends by this excrescence ; perhaps it may serve to shield the tender 

 parts from the irritating effects produced by the hairs of certain cater- 

 pillars, some of which are said to be almost equal to the sting of a 

 nettle. 



Species II. CVCULUS ERYTEROPHTHALMUS. 



BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. 



[Plate XXVIII. Fig. 2.] 



This Cuckoo is nearly as numerous as the former ; but has hitherto 

 escaped the notice of European naturalists ; or from its general resem- 

 blance has been confounded wnth the preceding. Its particular mark- 

 ings, however, and some of its habits, sufficiently characterize it as a 

 distinct species. Its general color above is nearly that of the former, 

 inclining more to a pale ash on the cheeks and front ; it is about an inch 

 less in length ; the tail is of a uniform dark silky drab, except at the tip, 

 where each feather is marked with a spot of white, bordered above with 

 a slight touch of dull black ; the bill is wholly black, and much smaller 

 than that of the preceding ; and it wants the bright cinnamon on the 

 wings. But what constitutes its most distinguishing trait is a bare 

 wrinkled skin, of a deep red color, that surrounds the eye. The female 

 differs little in external appearance from the male. 



The Black-billed Cuckoo is particularly fond of the sides of creeks, 

 feeding on small shell-fish, snails, &c. I have also often found broken 

 pieces of oyster-shells in its gizzard, which, like that of the other, is 

 covered with fine downy hair. 



The nest of this bird is most commonly built in a cedar, much in the 

 same manner, and of nearly the same materials, as that of the other ; 

 but the eggs are smaller, usually four or five in number, and of a rather 

 deeper greenish blue. 



This bird is likewise found in the state of Georgia, and has not escaped 

 the notice of Mr. Abbot, who is satisfied of its being a distinct species 

 from the preceding. 



