RAIN CUCKOOS. 



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out the year, feeding on seeds, small worms, and caterpillars ; 

 moreover, they are said to kill snakes, frogs, young rats, and small 

 birds. On the ground they move by leaps. Their flight is weak 

 and short, extending only from bush to bush. 



Some of these birds, separated from the rest as forming a dis- 

 tinct genus {Geococcyx), inhabit California and Mexico ; they 

 frequent dry places covered with bushes, under which they hide. 



Fig. 13S. — The Long-billed Rain Cuckoo {Sanrot/icra vetula). 



quickly disappearing as soon as they suspect the least danger. 

 From the weakness of their wings, they are rarely seen otherwise 

 than on the ground, upon which they run with great rapidity, 

 carrying their tails erect and presenting a very singular appear- 

 ance. They are said only to use their wings in assisting them to 

 leap over any obstacle they may meet in their progress. Their 

 food consists of small quadrupeds, reptiles, and insects. 

 The type of this sub-family — 



The Long-billed Rain Cuckoo {Sanrothera vetula), is common in 

 St. Domingo, where it is known by several familiar names, such as the " tacco," 

 after one of its cries, and the "pie," from another of its notes. It is generally 

 known as the " rain-bird," because it redoubles its noisy exclamations shortly 

 before rain. It has likewise acquired the cognomen of the " laugher," from 

 the resemblance of its tones to a hearty laugh as it pronounces the syllables. 



