CLUCKING-HEN. 355 



FAM. RALLIim (The Rails.) 



CLUCKING-HEN* 

 Arami< scolopaceits. 



Ardea scolopacea, GMEL. Aud. pi. 377. 



Railus ardedictes, SPIX. 



Rallus gigaS) BONAP. 



Aramus scolopaceus, VJEILL. 



THIS curious bird, which, from its anomalous 

 formation, has been a subject of considerable in- 

 terest to ornithologists, seems to be much better 

 known by its form and plumage, than by its habits. 

 I am glad to be able to give some particulars 

 of its history from my own observation, as well 

 as from that of my friend, Mr. Hill. 



The Clucking-hen derives its provincial name 

 from its ordinary voice, when ranging its moun- 

 tain solitudes. One day in August, I was col- 



* Length 25 inches, expanse 39, flexure 13, tail 5, rictus 3^, bare 

 part of tibia 2, tarsus 4-^-, mid die- toe 3-^j-. 



Irides hazel ; feet dull grey, front of tarsi and toes blackish, polished ; 

 beak grey, blackish at tip, tinged with flesh-colour at base ; tongue end- 

 ing in a long horny point; no naked skin on head. General plumage 

 brown, each feather marked through the centre with a pointed pencil of 

 pure white. On the crown the hue is dusky, the centres being merely 

 paler; on the neck the centres are large, and give the prevailing hue ; 

 it is on the fore-back and wing-coverts that the centres assume their beau- 

 tiful form and distinctness. The quills, greater coverts, loins, rump, and 

 tail, are destitute of white centres. On the inner wing-coverts, the 

 breast, belly, and thighs, the brown is dull, and the centres large and well 



