KALKOENTJE 475 
the physiognomy of an Owl to justify the generic name bestowed 
upon it. Of its internal structure little has been described, and 
that not always correctly. Its 
furcula has been said (Proce. 
Zool. Soc. 1874, p. 594) to be 
“ Jost,’ whereas the clavicles, 
which in most birds unite to 
form that bone, are present, 
though they do not meet, while 
in like manner the bird has 
been declared (op. cit. 1867, p. 
624, note) to furnish among 
the Carinatz “the only appar- 
ent exception to the presence 
of a keel” to the sternum. 
The keel, however, is undoubtedly there, as remarked by MM. 
Blanchard (4nn. Nat. Sc. Zoologie, ser. 4, xi. p. 83) and A. Milne- 
Edwards (Ois. Foss. de la France, ii. p. 516), and, though much reduced 
in size, is nearly as much developed as in the Dopo and the WEKA. 
The aborted condition of this process can hardly be regarded but in 
connexion with the incapacity of the bird for flight, and may very 
likely be, as some have supposed, the result of disuse. There can be 
scarcely any doubt as to the propriety of considering this genus the 
type of a separate Family of Psittaci ; but whether it stands alone, or 
some other forms (Pezoporus or Geopsittacus, for example,t which in 
coloration and habits present some curious analogies) should be 
placed with it, must await future determination. In captivity the 
Kakapo is said to shew much intelligence, as well as an affectionate 
and playful disposition, soon attaching itself to its master and taking 
pleasure in caressing him and being caressed in turn. Unfortunately 
it does not seem to share the longevity characteristic of most 
Parrots, and none that have been held in confinement appear to 
have long survived, while many succumb speedily. For further 
details the reader may be referred to Gould’s Birds of Australia (ii. 
p. 247) and Handbook (ii. p. 539), Dr. Finsch’s Die Papageien (i. p. 
241), but especially to Sir W. Buller’s Birds of New Zealand (p. 26, 
ed. 2, i. p. 176), in which last work nearly all the information 
hitherto recorded is to be found. 
KALKOENTJE (Little Turkey), the Dutch name in South 
Africa for the Alauda capensis of Linneeus, the type of Swainson’s 
genus Macronyz, which recent authors suppose to be allied to Anthus 
(Pipir), and refer to the Family Motacillidx, a position that may be 
open to doubt. It is common throughout the open country, and 
Kaxkapo. (From Buller.) 
1 Dr. Reichenow (Journ. fiir Orn. 1881, pp. 18-16) boldly unites them in a 
single Family, but in that case it should bear the name of Pezoporide. 
