THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 173 



Gait. — A walk or run ; they are active birds, and can 

 run long distances, and swim in case of need. 

 They perch freely. 



Flight. — Weak and not protracted far. 



Habits and Disposition. — They are sociable, coura- 

 geous, intelligent birds, living in flocks. They 

 bathe freely. 



Note. — A very curious, inward, prolonged, rumbling 

 sound. 



Economic Qualities. — ^They are sometimes used to 

 protect and look after poultry. 



Captivity. — In this state they live well, and get so 

 tame as not to need confinement in any way, fol- 

 lowing their owners about. They fight or make 

 friends with other animals, and altogether show 

 an unusual amount of character. 



Distribution. — There are only about six species, 

 found in the forest regions of South America. All 

 are much alike, being distinguished chiefly by the 

 colour of the back. The most familiar is the 

 Common Trumpeter (Psophia crepitans), which is 

 usually on view at the Zoological Gardens. 



Whale-headed Stork {BalaenicipitidcB). 



Diagnosis. — A large stork-like bird, with short and very 

 bulky bill; 



Size. — About four feet high. 



Form. — Bill rather short, very broad and deep, boat- 

 shaped, in fact, and hooked at the tip ; corner of 

 mouth below eye ; legs long as in storks generally ; 

 feet with long toes, none webbed at the base ; wings 

 large, tail short. Head large, crested slightly at 

 back. 



Plumage and Colouration. — Plumage grey, with paler 



