PSOPHIN^ 
CARIAMA  liriss.* 
Hill  moderate  and  strong,  with  the  apical  portion  vaulted  and  curved  to  the  tip,  which  is  hooked  over 
the  lower  mandible,  and  obtuse  ;  the  sides  gradually  compressed  from  the  base  ;  the  nostrils  placed  in  a 
membranous  and  plumed  groove,  with  the  opening  small  and  anterior.  Wings  moderate,  with  the  first 
quill  very  short  ;  and  the  fifth,  sixth,  and  seventh  the  longest.  Tail  long,  broad,  and  graduated.  Tarsi 
very  Ion-,  rather  slender,  and  covered  with  transverse  scales.  Toes  very  short  and  thick,  with  the 
outer  toe  rather  Longer  than  the  inner,  and  both  united  at  their  bases,  especially  the  outer;  the  hind  toe 
von  short  and  elevated  :  the  claws  moderate;  compressed,  curved,  and  acute. 
Tlie  typical  -pel 'ies  of  this  genus  is  found  in  the  wanner  parts  of  South  America.  It  frequents,  in  pairs  or  in  small 
flocks,  the  margins  of  forests,  hut  more  especially  the  inundated  places,  where  it  feeds  on  lizards,  frogs,  and  insects.  Their 
ci  v  is  sharp,  loud,  and  capable  of  being  heard  at  some  distance. 
C.  orittata  (Linn.)    Lath.  Hist,  of  Birds,  ix.  pi.  142.,  Ann.  clu  I  237  Microdactylus  Marcgravii  Geqffr.;  Lophorhynchus  sauro- 
Mus.  (l'Hist.  Nat.  xiii.  t.  2o\,   Vicill.  Gal.  ties  Ois.  t.  250.,   PI.  col.  |  phagus  Vieill. 
•  Established  by  Brisson  in  17o'().  Microdactylus  of  GeofVroy  (1808),  Dichnlophus  of  Uliger  (1811),  and  Lophorhynchus  of  Vieillot 
(18  Hi)  are  synonymous  with  the  name  employed. 
October,  1846. 
