THE PAPUAN PODARGUS. 



77 



GUACHAROS, OB OIL BIRD. 



aceite) of the Guachero. It is half liquid, transparent, without smell, 

 .and so pure that it may be kept above a year without becoming rancid. 

 At the convent of Caripe no other oil is used in the kitchen i of the 

 monks but that of the cavern, and we never observed that it gave the 

 aliments a disagreeable taste or smell." 



Funck, who also visited the cavern above described, states that the 

 Ouacheros leave their nests after darkness has completely closed in, and 

 that their harsh, raven-like cry may then be heard as they fly about in 

 quest of food. Fruit forms their usual nourishment, and this they will 

 swallow even if as large as a pigeon's egg; but the seeds and kernels 

 they reject as indigestible. The nest is constructed of clay, and 'the 

 brood consists of from two to four eggs. Grosz also gives an account 

 very similar to that of Humboldt respecting another stronghold of the 

 oil birds called the Ravine of the Iconongo that he visited in New Gra- 

 nada. This extensive nesting-place is about half a mile long, and from 

 thirty to forty feet broad, and had to be entered by means of a rope let 

 down from above. Grosz fortunately succeeded in obtaining many 

 Guacheros, both dead and alive, and made valuable observations rela- 

 tive to their demeanor and habits. 



