THE OSTRICH-LIKE BIRDS 31 



recognised by ornithologists, these do not differ greatly in appearance 

 one from another. 



All the Ostrich-like birds so far described agree in that the nest- 

 lings are striped with broad bands of white and black, or brown, 

 which run from head to tail. This striping is, however, not equally 

 well marked in all the species. It is best seen in the young of the 

 Emeu, and next of the Cassowary. In the young Rhea, as in the 

 young Cassowary, however, the neck is not striped. In the young 

 Ostrich the neck is striped, but the down of the body shows no stripes, 

 these being obscured by the fact that the tips of the down feathers 

 have become transformed into little horny curls, resembling dark, 

 narrow shavings ! 



Finally, we come to the Apteryx (Plate I. fig. 4) of New Zealand. 

 There are several different species of Apteryx, that shown in Plate I. 

 fig. 4, being known as Mantell's Apteryx. All, however, agree in 

 being soberly coloured. 



While the Apteryx is the smallest of the flightless Ostriches — not 

 exceeding a large domestic fowl in size — it loses nothing in any other 

 way by comparison with its relatives. 



Nocturnal in habits, the eyes of the Apteryx are exceedingly 

 small ; but deficient sight is amply compensated by a wonderfully 

 developed sense of smell, in which it exceeds all other living birds. 

 But besides this, the region of the face in front of the eyes is provided 

 with long hair-like feathers, which probably serve the purpose of 

 " feelers," like the ** whiskers " of the cat. This bird is also remark- 

 able for the fact that its nostrils are placed at the extreme tip of its 

 beak, and here again it differs from all other birds. This curious 

 position enables the bird to detect its prey, which consists largely of 

 worms. These are discovered by thrusting the beak down into the 

 soil, sniffing the while for traces of the whereabouts of the desired 

 dainties. 



The wings of the Apteryx are reduced to the merest vestiges, yet, 

 as in the case of the other Ostriches, a large claw is retained on the 

 tip of the only finger that remains. 



Though silent by day, the Apteryx is by no means so by night, being 

 able to give forth the most piercing squeals, which can be heard 

 for long distances. In this way, doubtless, it finds its mate. 



