200 THE G LD BREASTED TRUMPETER. 



OF THE TRUMPETERS. 



THE bill is moderately long, having the upper mandible a little 

 convex. The nostrils are oblong, sunk, and pervious. The tongue is 

 cartilaginous, flat, and fringed at the tip. The legs are naked a little 

 above the knees ; and the toes are placed three before and one behind. 



This singular tribe, of which only two species have yet been discovered 

 stands arranged, even in Gmelin's edition of the Systema Naturae, 

 among the birds of the ensuing order, the Waders ; but both in ita 

 formation and habits it differs so materially from the whole of that 

 order, that I have not hesitated in placing it among the gallinaceous 

 birds. 



THE GOLD-BREASTED TRUMPETER, 



The length of this bird is about twenty-two inches ; and its legs are 

 five inches high, and completely covered with 

 small scales, which reach two inches above the 

 knee. Its general plumage is black : and the 

 feathers of the head and neck are very short 

 and downy ; those of the fore part of the neck, 

 and upper part of the breast, of a glossy gilded 

 green, with a reflection of blue in some lights. 

 The feathers between the shoulders are rust- 

 colored, changing into a pale ash-color as they 

 pass downward. They are loose and silky 

 Those of the scapulars are long, and hang ovei 

 the tail, which is very short, and consists of 

 twelve blackish feathers. The legs are green- 

 ish ; and the bill is yellowish green, having 



* OOUM.BlAi.TKD TRUMPET**. 



The most characteristic and remarkable property of the Gold- 

 breasted Trumpeters consists in the singular noise which they often 

 make either of their own accord, or when urged by their keepers. 

 To induce one of the birds to this, it is sometimes necessary to entice 

 it with a bit of bread to come near ; and then, making the same kind 

 of sound, which the keepers can well imitate, the bird will frequently 

 be disposed to repeat it The Gold-breasted Trumpeter, when tarnea, 

 distinguishes its master and benefactor with marks of affection. 

 "Having (says Vosmaer) reared one myself, I had an opportunity 

 of experiencing this. When I opened its cage in the morning, the 

 animal hopped round me, expanding his wings, and trumpeting, as if 

 to wish me good morning. He showed equal attention when I went 

 out and returned. No sooner did he perceive me at a distance, than 

 ho ran to meet me ; and even when I happened to be in a boat, and 

 set my foot on shore, he welcomed me with the same compliments^ 

 which he reserved for me alone, and never bestowed upon others. 



