GRUIDiE. 



319 



were omitted in the proper place. It is in length 

 about twenty-two inches ; and its legs are five inches 

 high, and completely covered with smal} scales, which 

 reach two inches above the knee : the prevailing 

 colour of its plumage is black : the feathers of the 

 head and neck are very short and downy : those of 

 the fore part of the neck and upper part of the breast 

 are of a splendid glossy golden-green, with a re- 

 flection of blue in some lights : those between the 

 shoulders are rust-coloured, changing to a pale ash- 

 colour as they proceed downwards : they are all loose 

 and silky : the scapulary feathers are very long, and 

 those of the tail are short, and are twelve in number: 

 the legs are greenish : the beak is yellowish-green. 



This bird inhabits the arid mountains and upland 

 forests of South America ; never visiting the cleared 

 grounds, nor the settlements : it associates in nu- 

 merous flocks : it walks and runs, rather than flies, 

 since it never rises more than a few feet from the 

 ground, and then only to reach some short distance, 

 or to gain some lower branches: it feeds on wild 

 fruits, and when surprised in its haunts, makes its 

 escape by the swiftness of its feet, at the same time 

 emitting a shrill cry not unlike that of a Turkey. 



The most characteristic and remarkable property 

 of these birds consists in the wonderful noise which 

 they often make, either of their own accord, or when 

 urged by their keepers. This noise, which somewhat 

 resembles the moan of Pigeons, is at times preceded 

 by a savage cry, interrupted by a sound approaching 

 that of sherky sherk: in this way the bird utters 

 five, six, or seven times, with precipitation, a hollow 



