580 



THE HORNED SCREAMER, OR EAMICHl. 



the forehead. From the bill a dark streak passes through the eye and down the side of the 

 neck, and above that is another streak of huffy orange. The throat and under parts are white, 

 and a broad collar of dark brown encircles the junction of the neck and breast. 



The sub-family of the Screamers is here represented by two very curious birds, both of 

 them being large birds, having their wings armed with formidable claws cajiable of being used 

 with much effect as weapons of offence. 



The Horned Screamer, or Kamichi, is a native of Central America, and is found in the 

 vast swamps and morasses of that hot and moist country, where the vegetation springs up in 



f^^^. 



HORNED SCREAMER.— i'utamerfea mrnuta. 



gigantic hixuriance and the miasmatic morasses give birth to reptiles and creeping things 

 innumerable. The large spurs on the wings are valuable to the bird in reijelling the attacks of 

 the numerous snakes, and guarding itself and young from their rapacity. In size the Horned 

 Screamer nearly equals a common turkey, so that a blow from its armed wing can be struck 

 with considerable force. The bird is not, however, fond of using its weapons, and unless 

 attacked, is quiet and harmless. 



The food of the Horned Screamer consists chiefly of vegetable substances, such as the 

 leaves and seeds of aquatic plants, in search of which it wades through the reptile-haunted 

 morasses. Its flight is strong and easy, its walk is erect and bold, and its mien lofty like that 

 of the eagle. U]ion the head of the present species is a curious horn-like appendage, from 

 three to four inches in length, and about as large as a goose-quill. The use of this horn is 

 quite unknown. The voice of the Horned Screamer is loud and shrill, and is uttered suddenly 

 and with such vehemence that it has a very startling effect. 



