GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 28$' 



The Inambu is a constant object of pursuit to the sportsman, and to this fact is no doubt attributable 

 the shyness it exhibits at the approach of danger ; if alarmed it at once seeks shelter in the grass, and 

 only has recourse to its wings if sorely pressed. Occasionally, but rarely, these birds are met with 

 associated in considerable numbers. According to Burmeister they fly about during the twilight 

 hours, and make their nest in a thick bush. The eggs, from six to eight in number, are of a very 

 glossy dark grey colour shaded with violet. 



The AMERICAN QUAILS {Nothurd) are a race of small birds that nearly resemble the 

 European Quail in their general appearance, and like it make their homes in the long grass of open 

 pastures. The plumage of this group is thick, composed of long narrow feathers, and the beak 

 is short and much hooked at its extremity. The first wing-quill is very short, the second comparatively 

 large, and the fourth longer than the rest. The tail-feathers, which in some species are of remarkable 

 size, are soft in texture ; the foot is strong, and the hind toe moderately developed. These timid 

 birds inhabit South America, frequenting both the open grassy plains that border the large rivers, 

 and the barren tracts of the warmer portions of the continent. If alarmed they conceal themselves 

 in bushes, or crouch close to the ground and do not readily have recourse to their wings. Insects 

 and small fruits constitute their means of subsistence. 



THE LESSER MEXICAN QUAIL. 



The Lesser Mexican Quail {Nothtira nana) has the plumage on the back of a greyish yellow ; 

 the breast whitish yellow, and the throat pure white. The feathers on the back are striped wth black 

 and edged with pale grey at the sides ; the head and nape are spotted in stripes, and the side and 

 belly transversely striped. The tail-covers of the male bird are covered with long, downy feathers, 

 which form a flowing train. This species is six inches long and nine inches and half broad. The 

 female is about an inch shorter than her mate. 



This Quail inhabits the grassy -plains of Paraguay, and is by no means so rare as has been 



supposed. Owing to the shyness of its habits, it is frequently overlooked by sportsmen, as, if alarmed, 



it lies concealed in the long grass, only rises on the wing when danger is close at hand, and flying 



to a short distance, again seeks shelter ; if once more disturbed we are told it does not again quit 



its hiding-place ; and, according to Azara, will even allow itself to be taken \vith the hand rather 



than leave its cover. As the breeding season approaches it becomes more lively, and utters a 



penetrating cry. 



THE MACUCA. 



The Macuca {Trachypelmus Bj-asiliensis) represents a division of the Crypturida possessing well- 

 developed tail-feathers. The characteristics of this gi'oup are powerful bodies ; short thin necks ; small 

 heads ; strong, arched, and much-rounded wings, in which the fifth quill exceeds the rest in length ; 

 a moderately short, slightly-rounded tail, which is entirely concealed beneath the feathers of the upper 

 covers ; and strong feet, furnished with short, slightly-rounded toes. The hinder toe is very small, and 

 placed high. Upon the back the plumage is reddish brown, marked with undulatory black lines ; the 

 breast and belly are yellowish grey ; the leg-feathers have dark markings, and each side of the throat 

 is decorated with a reddish yellow line. The plumage of the Macuca is reddish brown, broadly 

 marked with black upon the back ; the belly and breast are of paler hue, and more delicately striped ; 

 the throat is whitish, and the sides of the neck mottled with black and white. The eye is greyish 

 brown ; the beak dark brown above, light grey at its sides ; and the foot lead-colour. This species is 

 eighteen inches and two-thirds long, and thirty-one inches broad ; the wing measures seven, and the 

 tail four inches. 



