THE SCREAMERS. 305 
with which this bird is provided, assert that it attacks small reptiles 
and destroys them. ‘This is now acknowledged to be an error. 
These birds live isolated, in pairs; they are mild and peaceful in 
their nature, the breeding season is the only time when they seem at 
all disposed to use their weapons. At this period the cocks engage 
in deadly conflict to gain possession of some favourite mate. The 
union once formed, it is indissoluble, and only terminates with the 
death of one of them. It is even asserted that the survivor, deprived 
of its mate, exhibits signs of great affliction, lingering for days near 
the spot where cruel fate had severed him by death from his loved 
partner. 
The Screamer has many points of resemblance to the Gallinaceous 
order in its comparatively short and thick tarsi, general make and 
gait, habits of life, and inoffensive nature. They are frequently 
domesticated, and in that state are useful assistants to man. 
The Horned Screamer (Pa/amedea cornuta, Fig. 117) is thus 
named on account of having on its head a horn-like excrescence, 
which is straight, thin, and movable, about three inches long. 
The Crested Screamers (P. chavaria, Fig. 118) has, instead of 
the horn, a crest of feathers arranged in a circle on the back of 
its head. It is easily tamed, and becomes very friendly with 
man, proving itself an active, intelligent, and devoted servant. It 
becomes at once the companion and protector of the other denizens 
of the poultry-yard—so much so, that in Brazil and Paraguay, where 
it is known solely as the Chaja, the inhabitants confide to its 
charge the care of their flocks of poultry, which it accompanies to 
the fields in the morning, and at nightfall conducts them back to 
their roosting-places. Shoulda bird of prey come near, the guardian 
spreads out its broad wings, darts upon the intruder, and soon makes 
it feel what a love of justice can do when aided by four stout spurs. 
LONGIROSTRES, 
The Birds composing this family are characterised by a long and 
flexible bill, which is well adapted for boring in mud and soft 
ground. They are indifferently shore or marsh birds. Among 
them are comprised the Sandpipers, Turnstones, Ruffs, Knots, God- 
wits, Woodcocks, Snipes, Curlews, and Ibis. 
The Sandpipers (Zofanus) have a long, straight, thin bill, flexible 
_ at the base, but firmer towards the point; the tarsi are slender and 
elongated ; the wings very pointed; the feet half webbed, the back 
toe short, and touching the ground with the point only. They live in 
