CRANES. 57 
the Storks and Herons, but structurally they are very different lor 
instance, the nostrils in all Cranes (except the aberrant Kagu) are 
pervious, communicating freely with one another and not separated by 
a bony partition (see p. 208), and the palate is schizognathous—thai is 
to say, the maxillo-palatine bones are not united with one another or 
with the vomer (p. 209). The young are hatched covered with down, 
and are able to take care of themselves soon after leaving the egg. 
Family I. Aramipx. LiweKins. 
The Limpkins (598), including two American species, variously 
known as the Clucking Hen, Caran, Courlan, Lamenting Bird, or 
Crazy Widow, on account of their oft-repeated piercing cry, are large 
long-billed birds forming a link between the Cranes and Rails. Osteo- 
logically they are most nearly related to the former, but in their 
external appearance, flight, and mode of life they resemble the latter. 
The South-American Limpkin (4ramus scolopaceus) (598) ranges over 
a large part of that continent, frequenting the beds of streams and 
marshes. 'The nest, which is placed among the rushes, contains ten or 
twelve Rail-like eggs. 
Family II. Ruinocunripa. Kacus. 
The only representative of this family is the Kagu (Rhinochetus 
jubatus) (600), a native of New Caledonia. The shape of the bill and 
crest give the bird a Heron-like appearance, which is emphasised by 
the grey-coloured plumage. In a wild state its habits are said to be 
nocturnal; but in captivity it is active enough during the daytime, and 
exhibits considerable Crane-like dancing-powers. 
Family II]. Euryryerp®. Sun-Birrerns. (Plate XI.) 
These remarkable Rail-like birds are confined to Central and South 
America. They resemble the Kagus in many points of structure and 
in being provided with powder-down patches. Only two species are 
known, and both possess remarkably handsome and variegated plumage. 
The species exhibited (Eurypyga major) (699) is a native of Central 
America and Colombia. It is mounted, with outspread wings, in a 
position the bird is fond of assuming. The nest is placed in a tree, and 
the nestlings, though covered with down, have to be fed by the parents 
for some time before they can leave the nest. 
[Case 31.] 
[Case 31.] 
[Case 31.] 
