tup: razor-billed curassows. 213 



ciimstancc is tl^at when one of tlic hens commenced sitting 

 the bird would drive her off tlie nest and take her place ; this 

 I witnessed myself; the attempt at incubation, however, was 

 not of long duration, for the Curassow destroyed the eggs, as I 

 was informed afterwards by the owner. 



" I ascertained that the bird came from the Rio Pastaza ; 

 and I believe it is not uncommon on that river and thoughout 

 the dense forests on the north-west bank of the Amazons. 



"I have often heard this bird in the middle of the night near 

 Nauta. 



"The Peruvians called it the ' Monte Piyu.' 



"The habits of this bird render it most difficult to obtain, 

 from its living in holes or burrows in the ground. The Indians 

 remain in the forest all night at the place where it is heard. I 

 was informed by the Peruvians, whose word I could rely upon, 

 that these birds come out at night, and ascend to the top 

 branches of the lofty trees in search of food. The Indians are 

 on the look-out, and shoot them just before sunrise as they are 

 descending to return to their places of concealment, where they 

 pass the day." 



THE RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOWS. GENUS MITUA. 



Mitu^ Lesson, Traite d'Orn. p. 485 (1831). 

 Mitua, Strickl. Ann. Mag. N. H. vii. p. 36 (1841). 



Type, M. miiu (Linn.). 



Upper mandible much elevated, the height being greater than 

 the width. 



Crest moderate or v;ell-developed, not curled at the ex- 

 tremity. 



Lores thickly feathered. 



Tail composed of twelve feathers. 



Leg (metatarsus) longer than the middle toe and claw. 



Sexes similar in plumage. 



