84 



CHAPARRAL-COCK 



Scythrops, and as *S'. novx-hollancUx it has been almost always recog- 

 nized ever since, though its systematic position has often been 

 disputed — its large and curiously grooved bill inducing some to 

 refer it to the BucerotidiV (Hornbill), while its zygodactyl feet 

 caused others to place it among the Blmmphastidx (Toucan). It is 

 now generally allowed to belong to the Cuculidse (CucKOw). 



CHAPAREAL-COCK, so called from the chaparral or dwarf 

 forest which it frequents, the name commonly given by English- 

 speaking settlers in the south-western dis- 

 tricts of North America to a curious form 

 of CuCKOW, Geococcyx, of which there 

 are two species. The first, described by 

 Hernandez {Hist Anlm. Nov. Hispan. p. 

 25, cap. lii.) under the name of Hoitlal- 

 lotl, and then identified by Buffon with 

 the Faraka of Barrere (France Equinox. 

 p. 140), was mistaken by Latham for 

 the Farraqua figured by Bajon in 1777 

 (Mdm. pour I'hist de Cayenne, i. p. 374, pi. 

 i.), and became the Fhasicomis mexicarms 

 of Gmelin. This, being the southern 

 form, is presumably that which is 

 usually called G. affiiiis. The second, a 

 larger bird, inhabits New Mexico and the 

 adjacent part of the United States of 

 America, and, under the name of Sauro- 

 fhera calif oi'niana, was described by 

 Lesson (Compl. Buffon, vi. p. 420) as one 

 of the most interesting discoveries of 

 modern times. The habits of both seem 

 to be very similar and very remarkable. 

 They have short wings, and seldom fly 

 unless suddenly surprised, but run with 

 great speed, bearing their long tail erect. 

 Like others of their Family in the New 

 World they liuild their own nests, though 

 clumsily, and lay therein from two to 

 four white eggs. When tamed, as these 

 birds often are, they become expert 

 mousers, but are so mischievous, says 

 Mr. Dresser {Ibis, 1865, p. 467), as hardly to be suffered in a 

 house. The name Falsano (countryman) by Avhich this species is 

 known in some districts is said to be a corruption of Faisan 

 (Pheasant). " Eoad-runner " is another name frequently given to 

 it. The osteology of the species has been minutely described by 



Chaparral-cock. (.\fterSwaiiisoii.) 



