100 DIVISION I. VERTEBRAL ANIMALS.—CLASS II. AVES. 
without being discovered. Several species of hawks hover around, making 
an occasional swoop among the young; and the bald eagle himself has been 
seen reconnvitring near the spot, probably with the same design.” 
Famity Psopuipm. THe TruMPerers. 
The species of this group are found in the tropical parts of South Amer- 
ica, inhabiting the forests, where they search for grain and fruits. They are 
usually discovered by their peculiar trumpet-like note, which has procured 
for them their local name. “If disturbed, they seck safety by running, 
which is performed quickly, and is much assisted by means of expanding 
their wings. The nest is on the ground, near the base of a tree. The 
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female deposits two eges.’ 
Famwity PALAMEDEIDE. Ture SCREAMERS. 
These singular birds are contined to Central and South America. The 
Chaja (Chauna Chavaria), and the Horned Screamer are the best known. 
Of the former bird, D’Azara gives many interesting particulars. Its sharp, 
clarion-like cry is exerted not only during the day, but also in the night, if 
it hears any noise. The note of the male is expressed by the word ehaja, 
and that of the female, by the word chajal?. They are seen sometimes 
singly, sometimes in pairs, and, at other times, in numerous flocks. They 
ordinarily frequent marshes. They do not swim, but enter the water like 
herons, but not, like them, in search of fish or frogs, but for the leaves and 
seeds of aquatic plants, on which they subsist. 
D’Azara saw them brought up among the domestic poultry at country 
houses, and they were as tame as fowls. The Indians of Carthagena rear 
them among their geese and other poultry, under the idea that they serve as - 
guards, the Chaja being so courageous as to attack and drive away a vul- 
ture. The nests are stated to be spacious, and formed of small branches, on 
bushes surrounded with water. The eggs are two; the young follow their 
parents, though clothed only with down. 
Fammty Ratupzz. THe Rats. 
In this group are comprehended the Rails proper, the Coots, the Galli- 
nules, the Water-hens, Crakes, &c. They are distributed, generally, in both 
hemispheres, and their species are numerous and varied. They conceal 
themselves among the reeds and grasses in marshy places, and run with great 
facility in such localities, preferring to escape in this manner from pursuit, 
rather than to take wing. Their food consists of a variety of seeds, small 
erustacea, insects, &e. They do not probe in the mud, but pick up their food 
from the surface. Some species are very numerous, and when their homes 
