TINAMUS 155 



again alighting ; but if they be scattered, each individual 

 on being alarmed flies up to some branch of a tree near 

 by, where it utters its call-note almost incessantly, so as 

 not to be separated from the other members of the flock 

 to which it belongs. A wild rush into the midst of the 

 flock, if it be a large one, is the best way to scare and 

 divide the birds, when they can be killed singly. In this 

 manner it is possible to secure a good many of the birds 

 before they unite and get away. The flesh of the Grulla 

 is very tough, almost as tough as that of an old parrot ; 

 but this did not prevent the Indians from eating these 

 birds whenever I killed any. The tinamus, of which 

 there appear to be two or three varieties in this part of 

 South America, are also in the habit of frequenting the 

 bejucales. Although these birds are far from being rare, 

 we obtained but few specimens. Living entirely on the 

 ground, and at the least suspicion of danger hiding in the 

 dense undergrowth, it is easy to understand why this bird 

 is rarely seen. If surprised at close quarters the tinamu 

 rises with a loud whirr, uttering a few quick notes of 

 alarm. At times these birds rise from almost under one's 

 feet, and they make so much noise that one cannot help 

 being startled. A glimpse of a large dark bird as it 

 disappears in the dense foliage is all that the hunter gets, 

 and before he has had time to recover from his surprise 

 the tinamu has vanished for ever. Although there is 

 considerable difference in the size and markings of the 

 members of this family, there is a great deal of similarity 

 in their habits. Early in the morning and late in the 

 afternoon the long-drawn plaintive notes of the tinamus 

 can be heard. Towards sunset, on a gloomy rainy day, 

 these birds appear to utter their call more frequently than 

 at any other time. The flesh of all the tinamus is tender 



