265 CUCKOOS. 



^'^Qua, qua, gua .'" or ^^ Cra, era, era/" — sounds which it frequently gives utter- 

 ance to when flying. In pronouncing its cry of '■'■ tacco," the first syllable is 

 loud and full, the second an octave lower. The tacco frequents indifferently 

 the cultivated lands or the broad savannahs, or it may be met with in bushes 

 or in forests. It feeds principally upon caterpillars and lizards, or gives chase 

 to young rats, snakes, frogs, or even small birds. Its nest is composed of dry 

 roots, moss, and leaves, and is generally constructed in the forked branch of 

 a tree. The eggs are four or five in number, of a dingy white colour spotted 

 with black. 



According to Mr. Gossc, the rain cuckoo is so inquisitive at the sight of 

 any new object, and so reckless of danger while gratifying its curiosity, that it 

 is often called by the name of " Tom Fool." Indeed, the first specimen which 

 he saw lost its life by a stone, while sitting on a bush only a few feet distant, 

 so occupied in watching the two "fcatherless bipeds" that were approaching 

 that it suffered itself to be struck from its perch by a missile that might have 

 been easily avoided. 



The voice of the rain-bird is a harsh cackle, something like the words 

 '''' ticky-ticky" pronounced with very great rapidity. 



Sub-Family III. 

 THE GROUND CUCKOOS. COCCYZIN/E.* 



General Characteristics.— Bill generally elevated at its base, with the culmen 

 arched and the sides much compressed to the tip, which is entire ; the gonys usually 

 long and straight; the nostrils basal, with the opening generally linear and partly 

 closed by as'-o'e; the wings moderate and more or less rounded; the tail long and 

 graduated ; tnt tarsi lengthened and covered with broad scales ; the toes unequal 

 and armed with variously-sized claws. 



These birds are found both in Central and North America, and 

 sometimes in Europe. They make their abode in the densest 

 woods, the borders of solitary swamps, and in orchards, seeking 

 the thickest foliage for concealment. Their food consists of cater- 

 pillars and insects, shell-fish, snails, and small frogs ; they feed 

 likewise on bcrries^and ruits, and are accused of sucking the eggs 

 of other birds. In their migrations northwards they move singly, 

 but when returning to warmer latitudes they appear to be grega- 

 rious, flying high in the air and in loose flocks. 



The best-known species is — 



The Carolina Ctickoo {Coceyzus Avierieanus). A stranger who visits 

 the United States for the purpose of examining their natural productions, and 



KOKKv^w, coccyzo, (0 cry like a cuckoo. 



