THE TURKEYS, III 



Habits. — The only notes on the habits of this fine species are 

 the following, furnished by Mr.F. Gaumer : — "The Spanish name 

 for this bird is Pavo del Monte. It is occasionally seen within 

 five leagues of Merida, but cannot be said to be common west 

 of Espita. East of Espita it is often seen in the corn-fields in 

 small fiocks of from six to ten. I have discovered a locality 

 ten leagues to the north and east of Valladolid, where it may be 

 said to be common. This is the region depopulated since the 

 emigration of the Indians nearly half a century ago ; no one 

 lives there now, and the Meleagris is the proud ruler of the 

 forest. It is one of the wildest and shyest of birds, extremely 

 cautious in its movements, and ever on the alert for a hidden 

 enemy ; it flies with the greatest rapidity at the sight of man, 

 regardless of distance. When met with in open land it takes 

 flight, rising with a heavy flutter peculiar to the family, and 

 after mounting a few yards sails away with set wings to such a 

 distance that the hunter never cares to follow. During the 

 breeding-season, which is in May and June, the male makes a 

 peculiar drumming noise, very deep and sonorous ; after this 

 he utters his peculiar song, which resembles the rapid pecking 

 of a distant Woodpecker or the song of the great Bull Toad. 

 On discovering a dreaded object, he utters a peculiar cluck 

 and ghdes away with a proud movement, which seems to defy 

 the world; and if the object moves, he darts away with head- 

 long speed. The natives believe that this bird sees the image of 

 its enemies in its plumage even before they are visible to the 

 eye of the bird. However this may be, it is a bird of extra- 

 ordinary caution and vision. Its flesh is held in the highest 

 esteem by the natives, who hunt it unceasingly on this 

 account. In Merida a specimen sells at from $i to $2 

 dressed; and from $8 to $10 when alive. It is not easily 

 domesticated, and rarely lives more than a few months.^' 



Eggs. — Perfectly similar to those of the Common Turkey, 

 but rather smaller. Measurements, 2*4 by i-8 inches. 



