4 BIRD GALLERY. 



X. A pair of Hoatzins {Opisthocovius hoazin) with their nest and egg», 

 exhibited in one of the central cases. 



XI. Sun-Bittern {Eurypyga major) mounted with outspread wings in an 

 attitude the bird is fond of assuming. 



XII. t'ig. 1. The Cariama (Cariama cristata), a South American bird 

 whose position in the Avian System has given rise to much 

 discussion. Some authors have placed it in tlie Accipitres near the 

 Secretary-Bird {Ser^pentarius serpentarius), Fig. 2, which it closely 

 resembles in general appearance and in some of its habits ; but 

 many consider that its proper position ia with the Cranes. 



XIII. The Australian plumed Egret {Mesoplioyx plumifera), in breeding- 



dress, shewing the " dorsal train " of feathers used as ornamental 

 plumes and known among dealers as " Ospreys." 



XIV. Little Bitterns (Ardetta minuta), one of which is mounted to shew 



the immature bird in a protective attitude with the body drawn 

 up to its fullest extent to imitate the surrounding reeds. 



XV. Represents a very old male of Steller's Sea-Eagle {Haliaetns 

 pelagicus), exhibited in the Group of these birds presented by 

 Mr. Henry Seebohm. 



XVI. A female Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) with her young. 

 Taken from Group No. libb, illustrating the Nesting-Series of 

 British Birds ; the male is not included in the Plate. The bird 

 beneath the foot of the female is a Golden Plover in summer- 

 plumage. 



XVII. Fig. 1. The Kaka Parrot (JS^estor meridionulis) from New Zealand, 

 which is closely allied to the Kea {N. notahilis). The latter is 

 notorious on account of its habit of attacking living sheep and 

 tearing open their backs to devour the kidney-fat. 

 Fig. 2. A male of the Pennant-winged Nightjar {Cosmetomis vexil- 

 larius) which has the ninth primary quill enormously lengthened. 

 The bird is well known to most travellers in Troj)ical Africa, and 

 presents a remarkable appearance when on the wing. 



XVIII. Taken from the Group, No. 99, illustrating the breeding-place of the 

 Common Kingfisher {Alcedo ispida), Nesting-Series of British 

 Birds, The birds perched outside the entrance formed part of the 

 brood and were respectively six and seven weeks old. The parent 

 bird and remaining young can be seen in the Case, part of the bank 

 having been removed to shew the internal construction of the 

 burrow. 



