V EURYPYGIDAE 265 
siderable time in the nest, but this is by no means certain; those 
of Hurypyga do so, it is true, but those of Cranes and Rails do not. 
Immature specimens are more rufous, with black bars above. 
Though formerly the Kagu was not rare in its native island, 
it is now restricted to the wilder portions, where it is to be 
met with among the rocks of craggy ravines or near stagnant 
waters, sleeping throughout the day and issuing from its conceal- 
ment towards evening. It walks quickly, yet in a stately manner, 
often coming to a standstill or crouching, and remaining motion- 
less for a long period; but it can also run rapidly with the head 
and neck outstretched, and the body carried after the manner 
of a Rail. The habits in confinement, however, make it some- 
what doubtful whether the bird is as nocturnal as is asserted, for 
in the daytime it is quick and lively in its motions, chasing its 
fellow-captives, dancing round with the tip of its outspread wing 
or tail held fast in its bill, tossing about dry leaves or pieces of 
paper, spreading out its wings and thrusting its beak into the 
eround, kicking with its legs, and finally tumbling about as if in a 
fit. The note is guttural and rattling, or almost a scream; the 
food consists of molluscs, worms, and insects, sought for among the 
grass or in crannies, while the bill is often plunged into the soil, 
~and worms pulled out, shaken and swallowed. When in quest of 
food the bird often paws the earth with gentle strokes, and snails 
are usually beaten upon the ground to break the shell. It will 
bathe in captivity, and is said to like wet weather in its native 
haunts. The nest is unknown, but eggs laid at the Zoological 
Society’s Gardens in London are reddish-buff with brown and grey 
markings, and recall those of the Woodcock or Corncrake.’ 
Fam. VIII. Eurypygidae.—Two species of Hurypyga are 
comprehended herein, namely, /. elias of the countries from 
Venezuela to Bolivia and Central Brazil, and 2. major of Central 
America, Colombia, and Ecuador. These are, ike the Kagu, very 
ancient types, but whereas that bird shows some aftinity to Scopus, 
these trend rather towards Nycticorax, both being, however, essenti- 
ally Gruiform. The neck is long and thin, the bill rather slender, 
with grooves on the maxilla and mandible: the whole leg and 
foot are as in Rhinochetus, but shorter, weaker, and reticulated 
behind; the wings and tail are even more ample, while the number 
of primaries and rectrices are the same, but the secondaries are only 
' Layard, Jbis 1882, pp. 534-535; Bartlett, P.Z.S. 1862, pp. 218; 1868, pp. 114-116. 
