NO. 1247. BIRDS OF VENEZUELA— ROBINSON AND RICHMOND. 165 
8. ACTITIS MACULARIA (Linnaeus). 
SPOTTED SANDPIPER. 
Mr. Lyon obtiiiiiod a female at Macuto August 4. 
Famil}^ CRACID^. 
9. CRAX DAUBENTONI Gray. 
DAUBENTON'S CURASSOW. 
Local name: Pauxi. 
None of these were seen in a wild state, l)ut three were purchased 
at La Guaira and brought back to the Zoological Park in Washington. 
In two of these the beak was solid black, but the third had the base 
clear light yellow. They were said to be quite common about 5 miles 
east of San Julian. They have the habit of erecting and throwing for- 
ward their tine, recurved crest. In captivity the}- are a uuich quieter 
bird than the guacharaca, their principal note being a long, descending 
whistle, almost exactl}^ like the sound made when the air brakes on a 
train are released. 
While at San Julian the natives several times reported that they had 
seen some "camates,"a bird described as midwa}^ in size between a 
pauxi and a guacharaca. 
lo. ORTALIS RUFICAUDA Jardine. 
GUACHARACA. 
A few very shy individuals were seen up the ravine east of La 
Guaira. At San Julian they were plentiful on the wooded slopes 
around the valley. Plight were secured here, of which five were pre- 
served, and in addition six of various ages were purchased and brought 
back alive. At San Julian they uttered their characteristic noisy cries 
at day])reak and at sunset. They usually go in pairs. When they 
are appi-oached they keep up an incessant call of alarm, yet all the 
time conceal themselves in the tree tops with great cunning, and it is 
not at all easy to get within range. 
It is difficult to convey an idea of the resonant, vibrant, and trumpet- 
like (luality of their notes. The tone is somewhat like that of a g-uinea- 
fowl, l)ut much more voluminous. The call note is uttered by the male, 
who is aided b}- a peculiar development of the windpipe. This, ])efore 
passing into the thorax, runs down between the skin and fiesh of the 
breast to the lower end of the steriuun. thence back to the neck. 
As far as was observed they kept strictly to the branches of the 
trees. The stomachs of those killed were filled with the buds and 
blossoms of a small but very ])r(^tty white and yellow passion flower. 
They also feed on plantains and othei- fruit. They are much hunted 
