SAUROTHERIN.E. 
and rounded ; with the fifth, sixth, and seventh quills equal and longest. Tail lengthened, broad, and 
graduated. Tarsi longer than the outer anterior toe, strong, and covered in front with broad scales. 
Toes unequal, the anterior outer longer than the posterior outer toe ; the claws moderate, curved, and 
acute. 
The species inhabit California and Mexico ; they frequent dry places covered with bushes, under which they hide, 
and quickly disappear as soon as they perceive the least danger. From the weakness of their wings they arc rarely 
seen otherwise than on the ground, upon which they run with great rapidity, carrying their tails erect, which 
gives them a singular appearance : they are said only to use their wings in assisting theni to leap over any obstacle 
they may meet with in their progress. The food of these birds consists of reptiles, insects, and small quadrupeds. 
]. G. viatica (Licht.) — Diplopterus viaticus Boie, Isis, 1831. 
p. 54. ; Geococcyx variegata, Wagl. Isis, 1831. p. 524. ; Sau- 
rothera marginata Wagl. Isis, 1832. 991. t. 26. ; S. Botta; Blainv. ; 
S. califorriiana Less. Ann. du Mus. 1835. t. Q. ; Leptostoma lon- 
gicauda Swains. 
2. G. affinis Hartl. Rev. Zool. 1844. p. 215. 
3. G. velox Karwinski, Munch. Gel. Anzeig. iii. 1836. p. 95. 
4. G. mexicanus (Gmel.) Strickl. 
Maj^, 1847. 
