| PLATE Xt 
called there Adarch Cocks. ‘They are fuppofed to come from 4frica, 
and to be on their paflage north to fome other place, as they only ftay 
a few hours to reft themfelves: and it is net uncommon to fee five or 
fix flocks ina week, during the time of their pailage. He did not ob- 
ferve them to have any note; but that they had a dipping kind of flight 
not unlike a Woodpecker. I have obferved this Bird to be among 
paintings both from China and India; it is therefore no doubt com+ 
mon to both thofe parts.”” Lath. Gen. Syn. 
In Sweden the appearance of this Bird is regarded as a prefage of 
war ; and in England its vifits were formerly confidered as ominous by 
the vulgar. - 
In Turkey it is called Tir Chaous, or the Meffenger Bird from the 
refemblance its creft has to. the plumes worn by the Chacus, or Turkifh 
COUriIers. 
‘ Latham fays, the female is like the male, and lays. from two to feven 
eges; but for ihe moft part four or five. Thefe are fomewhat lefs 
than thofe of a Partridge, but longer and afh~-coloured. ‘This Bird is 
faid to have two or three broods in a year, and to lay the eggs in the 
holes of trees, like the Woodpecker, but in general to make no neft: 
notwithftanding which, Buffou obferved, that two out of fix nefits, 
which were brought to him for infpection, had a foft lining of mofs» 
wool, leaves, feathers, and the like; and he is ef opinion, that when 
this is the cafe, the bird has made ufe of the old neft of fome other 
bird. It will alfo‘lay, and hatch the -young in holes of walls, and even 
on the ground. ‘The food of this bird is infeCts; and it is the exuvise 
of the large beetles, and fuch like, with which the neft is crouded, that 
caufe the neft to flink fo’horribly; infomuch that former writers 
afferted the neft to be made of excrement. 
2 -_ [ hy In 
