162 BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. 
zard, whicli in many other species is so hard and muscular, in this is 
extremely lax and soft, capable of great distension ; and, what is re- 
markable, is covered with a growth of fine down or hair, of a light fawn 
color. It is difficult to ascertain the particular purpose which nature 
intends by this excrescence ; perhaps it may serve to shield the tender 
parts from the irritating effects produced by the hairs of certain cater- 
pillars, some of which are said to be almost equal to the sting of a 
nettle. 
Species IL CVCULUS ERYTHROPETHALMUS. 
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. 
[Plate XXVIII. Fig. 2.] 
This Cuckoo is nearly as numerous as the former ; but has hitherto 
escaped the notice of European naturalists ; or from its general resem- 
blance has been confounded with the preceding. Its particular mark- 
ings, however, and some of its habits, sufficiently characterize it as a 
distinct species. Its general color above is nearly that of the former, 
inclining more to a pale ash on the cheeks and front ; it is about an inch 
less in length ; the tail is of a uniform dark silky drab, except at the tip, 
where each feather is marked with a spot of wliite, bordered above with 
a sliglit touch of dull black ; the bill is wholly black, and much smaller 
than that of the preceding ; and it wants the bright cinnamon on the 
wings. But what constitutes its most distinguishing trait is a bare 
wrinkled skin, of a deep red color, that surrounds the eye. The female 
differs little in external appearance from the male. 
The Black-billed Cuckoo is particularly fond of the sides of creeks, 
feeding on small shell-fish, snails, &c. I have also often found broken 
pieces of oyster-shells in its gizzard, which, like that of the other, is 
covered with fine downy hair. 
The nest of this bird is most commonly built in a cedar, much in the 
same manner, and of nearly the same materials, as that of the other ; 
but the eggs are smaller, usually four or five in number, and of a rather 
deeper greenish blue. 
This bird is likewise found in the state of Georgia, and has not escaped 
the notice of Mr. Abbot, who is satisfied of its being a distinct species 
from the preceding. 
