326 CLASS AVES. 



As far as can be judged by the exterior, it is here 

 that we should place 



Cariama, Lath. Cariama, Briss. Microdactylus, 

 Geoff. DicHOLOPHus, lUiger.* 



Have the bill longer, more bent, and cleft to under 

 the eyes, which gives them something of the appear- 

 ance and character of the birds of prey, and ap- 

 proximates them in some degree to the herons. 

 Their legs, shielded and very high, are terminated by 

 extremely short toes, slightly webbed at their base, 

 and by a thumb which cannot touch the ground. 

 Only one species is known — of South America. 



Brazilian Cariama, Lath. H. t. 142. Microd. Cris- 

 tatus, Geoff. Palamedea Cristatay Gm. Saria, 

 D'Azara, n. 340, Ann. du Mus. d'Hist. Nat. XII. 

 pi. 26, Col. 237, and Vieill. Gal. 259. 



This surpasses the heron in size, and feeds on 

 lizards and insects, which it hunts in elevated places, 

 or on the side^ of the forests. Its plumage is grey- 

 yellow, dashed with brown ; some thin feathers, 

 placed at the base of the bill, form a slight crest, 

 which falls forward. It flies seldom, and badly. Its 

 voice is strong, and resembles that of a young turkey. 

 As its flesh is esteemed, it has been domesticated in 

 several places. 



* Microdactt/lus, short-fingered; — Dicholophus, crest in two rows; — 

 Hcematopus, blood-colouied feet. M. Vicillot has preferred the barbarous 

 name Cariam, which should be pronounced Cariama. 



