158 THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



Sun -BITTERNS [E^irypygidce). 



Diagnosis. — Wading-birds, with long rail-like beak, 

 small hind-toe and large tail. 



Size. — About that of a crow. 



Form. — Bill like a long-billed rail's, with central 

 nostrils, and corner of mouth half-way to eye ; 

 legs bare above hock, with long shanks and four 

 toes, the two inner front ones united at base by 

 a small web, the hind-toe small but touching the 

 ground ; wings large, broad and rounded ; tail 

 large and broad. Neck very slender, body light. 



Plumage and Colouration. — Feathering powdery, 

 barred and mottled with black, brown, and buff. 

 Wing and tail quills beautifully banded with chest- 

 nut and ochre- yellow, these colours concealed in 

 repose. No sex-difference or seasonal change ; 

 young in first plumage like adults. 



Young. — Clothed in variegated down like a young 

 snipe ; it does not leave the nest, but does not 

 gape, pecking the food from the parent's bill. 



Nest. — An open platform of mud and sticks, etc., placed 

 on a tree. 



Eggs. — Several ; spotted; 



Incubation. — Twenty-seven days. 



Courtship. — Probably the expansion of the beautiful 

 wings and tail, a common gesture, is that used 

 in courtship. 



Food. — Insects, small fish, etc. 



Gait. — A slow stealthy-looking walk. 



Flight. — Very light and butterfly-like. 



Disposition and Habits. — A quiet, harmless, but un- 

 sociable bird. 



Note. — A metallic whistle, or a grating hiss when 

 alarmed. 



Economic Qualities. — These birds are useful insect 

 destroyers. 



