372 



GRALLATOKES, OE WADING BIEDS. 



of the Trumpet Bird, and has caused some to ascribe to it the talent 

 of ventriloquism. It makes its nest on the ground, in a hole 

 scratched out at the root of a tree, and feeds on grasses, seeds, and 

 small insects. Shyness is not one of its qualities, and it will sub- 

 mit to captivity without repugnance ; it forms an attachment to 



Tig. 144. Crowned Crane (Ardea pavonina, Linn.). 



its master, and solicits his caresses, just like a pet dog. The latter 

 comparison is all the more just, as the bird renders very much the 

 same service to man as the animal. This bird is intrusted with 

 the care of the flocks out of doors, and in the evening brings them 

 back to the farm, where his activity finds plenty of scope in the 

 poultry- yard. 



In its wild state the Agami inhabits the forests of South 

 America. Its flesh is agreeable in flavour, and is often eaten. 

 It is easily domesticated, and attaches itself to man, following 

 its master about. 



The CAURALE (Fig. 145), which forms a genus in the order we are 



