58 



BIRD QALLERV. 



Family TV. Cariamid^. Cariamas. (PL XII. fig. 1.) 



[Case 31.] The position of these birds in the Avian system has given rise to much 

 discussion. Some authors have placed them in the Accipitres, near the 

 Secretary-bird, which they resemble in general appearance and in 

 certain habits ; but the most recent work of anatomists seems to show 

 that their proper position is with the Cranes. The Brazilian Cariama 

 (Canama cristata) (596) is a native of South-eastern Brazil^ living on 

 the ground among the high grasses of the campos, where its loud 

 screaming cry may frequently be heard. The nest is placed on low 

 bushes, and the eggs are rounded and spotted like those of Cranes and 

 Rails. Like the Secretary-birds, it kills its prey, such as rats, by 

 striking down on them with its feet and reducing them to pulp. 



Family V. Psophiid^. Trumpeters. 



[Case 31.] The Trumpeters, an example of which will be found in the common 

 form {Psophia crepitans) (596), include about half a dozen species, all 

 confined to South America. Their popular name is derived from their 

 curious trumpet-like call, which is probably produced by means of the 

 enormously developed trachea. Their favouiite haunts are the moist 

 forests, where, being extremely sociable birds, they are generally met 

 with in flocks. The powers of flight are small, and being easily tamed, 

 they are often to be seen in the settlements of the Indians in a domes- 

 ticated condition. The nest is placed on the ground, and the eggs, 

 utdike those of the other members of the Order, are white. 



Family VI. GRUiDiE. Cranes. 



[Cases The true Cranes are long-necked, long-legged, stately birds, generally 

 31, 32.] ^ij.|^ bright patches of colour on the head, and with the inner secondary 

 flight-feathers developed into drooping ornamental plumes. They are 

 found in all parts of the world except South x^merica. The character- 

 istic cry is a very loud trumpeting sound, uttered with the head thrown 

 back and the bill open, and produced by a peculiar convolution of the 

 windpipe within the hollow keel of the breast-bone. The length and 

 development of these convolutions depend on age, and they are entirely 

 absent in very young birds. In the Crowned Cranes [Balearica] the 

 windpipe is simple and does not enter the breast-bone. 



Cranes are gregarious, and during their migrations travel in single 

 file or in V-shaped array, after the manner of wild Geese ; they frequent 

 marshes and plains, and are specially fond of the neighbourhood of 

 lagoons and fields of rice and corn. Their peculiar habit of dancing 

 and going through various graceful antics may be witnessed any day at 



