84 



ZOOl.OCRAL CJARDKNS. 



specimen appears to be between two and three years 

 old, the red colour having spread over nearly the 

 whole of the body, but not having yet assumed its 

 full intensity. 



This beautiful species is a native of the tropical 

 regions of America, and frequents the sea-shores and 

 mouths of the larger rivers in large bands, feeding upon 

 insects, shell-fish, and the smaller fish. It generally 

 lies concealed during the heat of the day and in the 

 night; and seeks its food only in the morning and 

 evening. Its nest is built among the thickets, and is 

 of the most simple construction. When taken young- 

 it is easily tamed, and submits to domestication without 

 repining. According to De Laet it has been pro])agated 

 in captivity ; and M. Delaborde gives the hist<jiy of an 

 individual which he kept for upwards of two years, 

 feeding it on bread, raw or cooked meat, and fish. It 

 was fond of hvniting in the ground for earth-worms, 

 and followed in quest of this food the labours of the 

 gardener. It would loost at night upon the highest 

 perch of the poultry house, and fly abroad early in the 

 morning, sometimes to a great distance from home. 



Our climate is yjrobably too changeabl(> and too cold 

 for so delicate a bird ; otherwise it would form a splen- 

 did, and it is said a savoury, addition to our stock of 

 domesticated fowls. 



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