HORNED SCREAMER.— /'ti?a)Hcdca cortiuta. 



CRESTED SCREAMER.— C7iaM)ia chavdria. 



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. Upon 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. 



The general colour of this bird is blackish brown above ; the head and upper part of 

 the neck are covered with downy feathers of blackish brown sprinkled with white. 



Another well-known example, the Crested Screamer, or Ciiaja, is a finer-looking 

 bird than the preceding species, thoiigli its head is without the singular appendage that 

 gives the horned Screamer so unique an aspect. The name of Chaja is given to this 

 bird on account of its cry, that of the male bird being "chaja" and of tlie female "chajali." 



It is a native of -Brazil and Paraguay, and is generally found near the banks of rivers. 

 It is a shy and generally solitary bird, being mostly seen singly, sometimes in pairs, and 

 now and then in small flocks. Like the horned Screamer, the Chaja is armed with two 

 spurs on each wing, an(;l can employ them to such purpose, that it can drive away even a 



