84 CHAPARRAL-COGK 
Scythrops, and as S. nove-hollandiz it has been almost always recog- 
nized ever since, though its systematic position has often been 
disputed —its large and curiously grooved bill inducing some to 
refer it to the bucerotide (HORNBILL), while its zygodactyl feet 
caused others to place it among the Rhamphastide (Toucan). It is 
now generally allowed to belong to the Cuculidex (Cuckow). 
CHAPARRAL-COCK, so called from the chaparral or dwarf 
forest which it frequents, the name commonly given by English- 
speaking settlers in the south-western dis- 
tricts of North America to a curious form 
of Cuckow, Geococcyx, of which there 
are two species. The first, described by 
Hernandez (Hist. Anim. Nov. Hispan. p. 
25, cap. lii.) under the. name of Hoitlal- 
lotl, and then identified by Buffon with 
the Paraka of Barrere (France Equinoz. 
p. 140), was mistaken by Latham for 
the Parraqua figured by Bajon in 1777 
(Mém. pour Phist de Cayenne, i. p. 374, pl. 
i.), and became the Phasianus mexicanus 
of Gmelin. This, being the southern 
form, is presumably that which is 
usually called G. affinis. The second, a 
larger bird, inhabits New Mexico and the 
adjacent part of the United States of 
America, and, under the name of Sauro- 
thera californiana, was described by 
Lesson (Compl. Buffon, vi. p. 420) as one 
of the most interesting discoveries of 
modern times. The habits of both seem 
to be very similar and very remarkable. 
They have short wings, and seldom fly 
unless suddenly surprised, but run with 
great speed, bearing their long tail erect. 
Like others of their Family in the New 
World they build their own nests, though 
clumsily, and lay therein from two to 
four white eggs. When tamed, as these 
CHAPARRAL-cock. (After Swainson.) birds often are, they become expert 
mousers, but are so mischievous, says 
Mr. Dresser (bis, 1865, p. 467), as hardly to be suffered in a 
house. The name Paisano (countryman) by which this species is 
known in some districts is said to be a corruption of Faisan 
(Pheasant). “ Road-runner” is another name frequently given to 
it. The osteology of the species has been minutely described by 
