TheHawkeye 0. and O. 19 



all other birds, roaming over the barren plains and hills in search 

 of lizards, snakes and ether reptiles np m winch it preys. It is 

 almost always seen upon the ground, seldom in trees, unless pur- 

 sued very closely, when it has been seen to spring from the 

 ground to the branches, a height of from ten to fifteen feet, in a 

 singie bound; but it prefers running along a road or path, from 

 which habit it derives its name. 



When discovered it instantly runs off, with remarkable fleet- 

 ness, to the nearest thicket or hill, where it generally escapes its 

 pursuers, either by hiding or in sailing from one hill to another. 

 It is very (j nick in its motions — active and vigilant; indeed its 

 reinackabk' swiftness enables it to outstrip a horse. 



The most remarkable feature about it is its feet, these being 

 more like the feet of clinging birds, such as the Woodpecker or 

 Par'-ot^having two toes before and two behind, armed with 

 sharp claws. Its legs are strong and muscular, making it well 

 adapted to running. 



Its plumage is rather coarse and rough, of a dusky hue, marked 

 with white and brownish specks on the neck and upper parts, 

 while underneath it is of a dirty white. Its tail is long; the bill 

 strong and slightly curved; eye of greyish brown, the pupil en- 

 circled by ajight colored ring. A bare space extends from the 

 eye to the back of the neck, of a pale bluish color, tinged with 

 red. The body is about twenty-three inches in length from tip 

 or bill to tip of tail, the tail being eleven and one-quarter, and 

 the bill two and one-half inches long." 



I have frequency met this bird in my travels over the coun- 

 try, and have never seen it in company with any bird, either of 

 its own or any other kind. It is excessively shy and solitary, 

 inhabiting the wildest and most unfrequented places. 



It has no song to cheer its solitude. At times it utters a 

 harsh note, not unlike the sudden twirl of a watchman's rattle. 



It is exceedingly ravenous, and, like all birds of that class, 

 has a disagreeable odor; and should be placed in the order of 

 rapacious birds. 



