1909] Beebe: Ecology of the Hoatzin. 47 



of the feathers when devoured relieve the Gallic sickness, acting 

 in a wonderful manner. 



"The bird lives in warm regions, such as Yauhtepeceusis, 

 generally establishing itself in trees growing along the banks of 

 the streams, where we, having observed it, captured it, and 

 making a drawing of it, kept it alive." 



With the exception of the description, which is fairly ac- 

 curate, this quotation is interesting chiefly because of its char- 

 acteristically medieval superstition. 



One hundred years after the account of Hernandez, Brisson 

 (11) wrote a vague and plagiarized description of the New World 

 bird which he called Le Hocco Brun de Mexique (Crax fuscus 

 mexicanus) . He said: 



"It is nearly as large as a female Turkey. Its head bears a 

 crest composed of feathers which are yellowish- white above and 

 black below. The sides of the head, the upper part of the neck 

 and back are reddish-brown. The breast is yellowish-white. 

 The wings and tail are varied with white and yellow, and that 

 by spots of a thumb's length. The feet are brown ; and the claws 

 black. It feeds on serpents. It is found in Mexico, and chiefly 

 in the hottest parts. It perches on the trees which are found 

 along the rivers." 



The final sentence is admirable; but as the bird is a vege- 

 tarian and is not found in Mexico, and as Brisson seemed rather 

 color blind, little can be said as to the remainder of the quotation, 

 which I offer merely from the interest attaching to very early 

 accounts. 



As in the above instance, the inaccuracies of the pioneer 

 ornithologist Hernandez have been repeated, and, indeed, en- 

 larged upon by succeeding authors. Thus Latham (26) twenty- 

 three years later, informs us that the "Crested Pheasant" in- 

 habits "Mexico and parts adjacent, where it feeds on snakes; 

 makes a howling kind of noise, and is found in trees near rivers ; 

 is accounted an unlucky bird. . Met with chiefly in the autumn, 

 and is said to pronounce a sound not unlike the word 'Hoactzin.' 

 We learn from others that it may be domesticated, and is seen 

 in that state among the natives; and further that it feeds on 

 ants, worms and other insects, as well as snakes." 



In 1819, about sixty years after Brisson's account, Stephens 

 (47) vouchsafes the following information concerning the 

 "Hoatzin Serpent-Eater" : 



"It inhabits Guiana, and is found on trees near rivers; its 

 food consists of grains and seeds; it will also eat insects and 

 serpents ; it has a howling, disagreeable note ; its flesh has a very 



