204 GRUIFORMES CHAP. 
strong; the bill is Heron-like, but somewhat flat above, with a 
wide nasal groove. The sternum is weak and narrow, having no 
posterior notch; the furcula is U-shaped ; the legs are moderately 
long and slender, the toes Rail-like, with curved claws; the tibia 
is half bare, the metatarsus scutellated, with smaller scales behind. 
The wings are moderate, broad, and rounded, though less developed 
than in Hurypyga, the primaries being ten in number, and the 
secondaries—of which the inner exceed the primaries—thirteen; 
Fic. 55.—Kagu. Rhinochetus jubatus. x 4. 
the tail is fairly long and ample, with twelve rectrices. The 
aftershaft is large; the nostrils are impervious, contrary to 
the rule in the Order, being severally overhung by a peculiar 
rolled-up membrane, said to protect them when the beak is thrust 
into the soil; the tongue is lanceolate. Powder-down patches 
are profusely distributed over the whole body, except towards 
the remiges and rectrices. The plumage is slaty-grey, with 
indistinct dark bars on the wings and tail; but when the former 
are expanded, rufous and white bands appear, varied by black 
markings; while a long, erectile whitish-grey crest adorns the 
occiput and nape. The bill and feet are orange-red. In adults 
down covers the whole surface. Possibly the chicks remain a con- 
