TRUMPETERS. 349 



Sub-Fmiiily I. 

 THE TRUMPETERS. PSOPHIX/E.'P 



General Characteristics. — Bill moderate, with the culmen compressed at the base, 

 vaulted at the apical portion, and curved to the tip, which overhangs the lower man- 

 dible and is obtuse ; the nostrils placed in a membranous groove, with the frontal 

 plumes advancing to the opening ; the toes moderate or short, and the two outer 

 ones united at their bases, the hind toe short and rather elevated above the base of 

 the anterior toes. 



These remarkable birds inhabit the tropical forests of South 

 America, where they search for grain and fruits. They are usually 

 discovered by their peculiar noisy cry, which has procured them 

 the name of " Trumpeter." If disturbed, they seek safety by 

 running with expanded wings. The nest is usually formed on the 

 ground at the foot of a tree ; the eggs are two in number. 



The typical species — 



The Gold-breasted Trumpeter {Psophia crepitans), called also the 

 Agami, is an inhabitant of the Antilles and of the tropical parts of South 

 America. In its wild state it inhabits the densest recesses of the forests, far 

 remote from all human habitations : here it resides in small flocks, consisting 

 of ten or twelve individuals, and feeds upon wild fruits and seeds. It walks 

 and runs much better than it can fly ; indeed, its flight is so heavy that it seldom 

 rises more than a few feet from tlie ground. Like the stork, it sleeps while 

 standing upon one leg, keeping its head drawn back between its shoulders. 

 When suddenly surprised, it runs away with great swiftness, uttering a sharp 

 cry resembling that of a turkey. Its most striking characteristic, however, is 

 the loud and trumpet-like sound which it sometimes produces, six or seven 

 times in succession, without opening its beak — a sound so deep and sonorous 

 that it seems to proceed from its whole body. This noise results, according 

 to Pallas, from a peculiar construction of the wind-pipe, which is at first as 

 thick as a swan's quill, but becomes more slender as it enters the chest, when 

 it gives off two membranous semicircular sacs, or air-bags, of which that on 

 the right is the more extensive, and divided into three or four cells. The 

 hollow internal drumming, preceded by a wild cry, is evidently produced by 

 the vibration of the air forced into these air-bags from the lungs by the action 

 of the muscles of the chest and back. During the performance the chest 

 heaves, as in birds when singing. 



The agami, when under the protection of man, soon becomes exceedingly 

 tame and familiar; indeed, it seems to have an instinctive love for human 

 society. It represents among the feathered races what the dog is amongst 

 quadrupeds, and appears equally susceptible of affectionate attachment. It 

 obeys the voice of its master, follows hiin wherever he goes, and appears 

 delighted at receiving his caresses; it welcomes his return with alacrity, and 

 seems to repine at his absence. In the same proportion it appreciates the 



* Tp6(pos, psophos, a noise. 



