SETTLEMENTS ON THE DEMERARY, &C. 245 



except the belly, which is white, is covered with shining 

 black feathers. On the crown of the head is an erect tuft of 

 black, feathers, mixed with white near the points, about an 

 inch and a half in height ; its bill is convex and about an inch 

 and a half long, of a yellow colour, but blue at the point ; 

 the upper mandible is arched, and extends further than the 

 lower. This bird is common along the Essequebo and Dema- 

 rary. Its flesh may easily be taken for that of a turkey. 



The marrodee is about the size of a pullet, and covered 

 with very dark brown feathers; the bill is of a dark brown, 

 and the legs, which are longer than those of a chicken, are 

 grey. It is found in great numbers ; the flesh is like that 

 of a chicken, but not so delicate. 



The harmaquau is somewhat like the marrodee. Its make 

 is more slender, and its feathers black. The names of these 

 two birds are given them by the natives from their cry, which 

 has a like articulation. 



The mocking bird is about the size of a black bird. Its 

 body is covered with feathers of a shining black, excepting its 

 breast and the upper edges of its wings, which, with the crown 

 of its head, are crimson. Its bill is conical, gibbous, and flesh 

 coloured. The nests, which are about fourteen inches in length, 

 and about eight in circumference, hang from the branches 



