SHORT-WINGED CURSORIAL BIRDS. 305 



wonderful rapidity of movement, which no one would suppose possible from their quiet gait and 

 manner at other times. Even in the very tame state of these birds, I have seen sufficient of them 

 to know that, if they were loose in a wood it would be impossible to catch them, and almost as 

 difficult to shoot them. One day, when apparently frightened at something that occurred, I saw one 

 of them scour round the yard at a swift pace, and speedily disappear under the archway so rapidly 

 that the eye could hardly follow it, upsetting in its progress all the poultry that could not get out 

 of the way. The lower half of the stable door, about four feet high, was kept shut to prevent them 

 going in, but this proved no obstacle, as it was easily leaped over. They never appeared to take 

 any notice of, or to be frightened at the Jabiru, or Gigantic Crane, which was in the same yard, 

 although that sedate, stately bird was not pleased at their intrusion. Having had these birds for 

 a considerable time in my possession," continues Dr. Bennett, " I had ample opportunity of hearing 

 all their cries. I never heard them utter a sound like ' Mooruk,' and am inclined to consider that 

 the name signifies in the native language 'swift,' resembling closely the Malay term 'amuck,' 

 or mad career, and the extraordinarily rapid motions of these birds rather confirm my idea on 

 this subject. 



" The chirping sounds of the Mooruk are very peculiar, being modulated according to the 

 urgency of their wants and desires. Sometimes these notes are varied, as if speaking— at one time 

 they are mild, at another very vehement, then rising to a higher and more rapid chirp as if scolding, 

 afterwards becoming plaintive, as if beseeching for something ; again loud and rapid, as if impatient 

 at delay ; indeed, at a little distance, this modulation of the chirping notes seems as if the birds 

 were holding a conversation, and has a very singular effect. One morning I observed the female 

 Mooruk rolling in the yard upon its back with the feet uppennost, when it suddenly started up, 

 leaping and racing round the enclosure, chirping all the while, kicking the trees and posts, elongating 

 and drawing itself up to its greatest height, then running round the trees and often coming with 

 such violence against them, and kicking so high mth both its legs at the same time as to tumble 

 on its back, so that I feared it was seriously hurt, but it rose again and ran about, not having received 

 the least injury. She thus continued kicking and running, all the while keeping in an erect position, 

 until she was apparently exhausted, and then, with open bill and panting, very quietly resumed her 

 tranquil walk about the yard, picking about as usual, as if nothing had happened to disturb her 

 former tranquillity. On the afternoon of the same day the male bird had one of these running and 

 kicking freaks, racing about the yard and attacking any person or fowl who ran away from him ; he 

 had a chase after a consequential Bantam Cock, and endeavoured to trample the poor thing under- 

 foot, much to the dismay and horror of this important bird ; but I remarked that although he rushed 

 and kicked violently against the trees and had many falls, yet he had a method in his actions — 

 judging from the care he took not to come in contact with the Jabiru, of whom he appeared to 

 entertain a very wholesome dread. Whether he had a natural respect for the bird on account of his 

 serious deportment, or whether it was the formidable, sword-like beak he dreaded, I know not, but 

 when in his most rapid and mad career he approached the Jabiru, he always contrived to avoid him. 

 He seemed to select the fowls, and dispersed them in all directions over the yard. All these wild 

 actions would continue for about half an hour, when he would commence pecking about, and remain 

 as quiet as before. 



" One morning when the male bird was in one of these racing humours, some strange fowls 

 wandered into the yard ; he inunediately attacked them, and did not cease until he had fairly kicked 

 them out, trying also to trample them under foot, and uttering at the same time a peculiar, blowing, 

 snorting, and hissing sound, which I observe is only expressed when he is serious in his attacks. It 

 is curious that he appeared to know our fowls ; for although he chased them, he ne\'er tried to drive 



VOL III. — 118 



