884 



CURSORES. 



SECTION IX. 



FIFTH ORDER. RUNNERS. 



CURSORES, (Lat. cursor, a runner, from curso, to run 

 hither and thither.) 



This order contains a small number of species arranged in one 

 family, Struthionida. These species differ from each other con- 

 siderably, yet they all agree in having wings which are remark- 

 ably short, while the hind limbs are increased in size and strength 

 of muscle, proportioned to the decrease of those in front. The 

 pectoral muscles are small and slender, and the breast bone ex- 

 hibits a uniform convex surface, like that of a shield, but not 

 keeled, as in the Swallows and Humming Birds. 



The Runners are all birds of large size, most of them equal- 

 ing, if not surpassing the average height and bulk of the Mam- 

 malia, to which class they approach nearer than any of the other 

 feathered tribes. They are found in the immense plains of the 

 Southern Hemisphere. Most of them are remarkable for the pe- 

 culiarity of their incubation. Many females occupy one nest in 

 which a great number of eggs are laid, to be incubated chiefly 

 by the male ; when disturbed, he feigns lameness, as is common 

 with birds that nestle on the ground. The hind toe is wanting 

 in all these, except that singular one, the Apteryx, or Kivi-Kivi, 

 of New Zealand, where it is found in the form of a small rudi- 

 ment. 



The OSTRICH FAMILY. 



Struthionida, (Gr. argovOos, strouthos, an ostrich.) Genus 

 Strulhio. 



This family includes the true Ostrich, the American Ostrich, 

 (Rhea,) the Cassowary, the Australian Cassowary, or Emu, and 

 the Kivi-Kivi, or Apteryx, (for which see chart.) 



These birds are very large, and the neck and legs of great 

 length. Their plumage is loose and flexible; the thighs short 

 and muscular. The toes vary, the Ostrich having but two, (and 

 only one of these furnished with a nail somewhat resembling a 

 hoof;) the Cassowary and Emu, three ; the Apteryx, (including 

 the rudimentary hind toe,) has four. (See Chart.) 



The Ostrich, Struthio camelus, or Camel Bird, is so called 

 from its resemblance to the Camel, which is very striking. Both 

 " are furnished with callous protuberances on the chest and ab- 



