ARAMIDES YPECAHA. 153 



fowl. It issues from the reeds, and is a note of invitation quickly 

 responded to by other birds on every hand as they all hurriedly repair 

 to the customary spot. In a few moments, and almost simultaneously, 

 the birds appear, emerging from the reeds and running into the open 

 space, where they all immediately whirl about and begin the exhibition. 



Whilst screaming they rush from side to side as if possessed with 

 frenzy, the wings spread and agitated, the beak wide open and raised 

 vertically. I never observed them fight or manifest anger towards each 

 other during these performances ; and, knowing the pugnacious spirit 

 of the Ypecahas, and how ready they are to seek a quarrel with birds of 

 other species, this at first surprised me, for I was then under the 

 mistaken impression that these gatherings were in some way related to 

 the sexual instinct. 



Whilst watching them I also remarked another circumstance. When 

 concealing myself amongst the rushes I have been compelled to place 

 myself so disadvantageously, owing to the wet ground, that any single 

 bird straying accidentally into the open space would have discovered my 

 presence immediately ; yet the birds have entered and finished their 

 performance without seeing me, so carried away are they by the emotion 

 that possesses them during these moments. But no sooner has the wild 

 chorus ended than, aware of my presence, they have fled precipitately 

 into the reeds. 



We frequently speak of our familiarity with the habits of the species 

 we have long and carefully observed in a state of nature ; yet the know- 

 ledge so gained must necessarily be exceedingly imperfect, for with 

 many shy vigilant birds it is next to impossible to see them without being 

 seen ; and no bird, conscious of being watched, will act unconstrainedly 

 any more than a human being with clouded reputation will comport 

 himself naturally with the eyes of a detective on him. While we are 

 observing the bird, the bird watches us : of all its curious doings when 

 we are out of its sight and mind we see nothing. The only way to learn 

 the habits of a species like the Ypecaha wary, intelligent, and passing 

 its life behind a screen of rushes is to domesticate it ; for although in 

 this state some instincts are blunted and others remain in abeyance, they 

 are not obliterated. It might surprise some that I speak of the Ypecaha 

 as an intelligent bird, since it is a member of the ( ' stupid family/' as 

 Professor Parker has called the Rails ; but in spite of the very profound 

 admiration I feel for that illustrious anatomist, I believe he is wrong 

 about these birds : there is, to my mind, very much more stupidity in 

 the Anserine and Limicoline families, while the Ypecaha has always 

 seemed to me a singularly intelligent bird. 



Fortunately Azara was able to give an account of one of these birds 



