69 
The Laughing Jackass or Giant Kingfisher {Dacelo gi- 
ganted) is the largest of the Kingfishers, and inhabits Australia. 
It differs somewhat in habits from most of the immediate 
group to which it belongs, living in the woods, frequently far 
from water; its diet is also more mixed than is customary 
with its kind, as it eats not only fish, but small quadrupeds, 
birds, and reptiles. 
Its common name is derived from its cry, which has a 
striking resemblance to a hoarse laugh. 
The common Kingfisher of our country, which is often 
seen sitting motionless on a branch over the water, watching 
intently for a small fish to pass within its reach, is the Belted 
Kingfisher i^Ceryle alcyoit). 
Quite a number of Cuckoos are in existence throughout 
the world, very few being natives of America. The Chap- 
PARAL Cock {^Geococcyx calif ornianus), also known as Road 
Runner, from the extraordinary speed with which it runs, 
and the Yellow-billed Cuckoo (^Coccyzus americanus), belong 
to this family. 
Among the Trogons are numbered some of the most beau- 
tiful and gorgeous birds of the American fauna. The Cuban 
Trogon (^Prionotelus tem^nnurus) , a richly and highly colored 
member of the family, will be found in the collection ; — it is 
a very rare bird, the difficulty of keeping them alive making 
them to be one of the most unusual birds met with in a col- 
lection. Ramon de la Sagra thus describes its habits in his 
Histoire de ITsle de Cuba” : — 
“.This Trogon, one of the most splendid members of its 
family, has as yet been met with only in the Island of Cuba, 
of which it is not the least beautiful ornament. Very com- 
mon in the woods, its favorite place of abode, its plaintive 
song may be heard there in the evening, but especially in the 
morning, repeated at lengthened intervals. The first portion 
of the note is highest and longest, and may most readily be 
imitated with a trumpet. It is this habit that has induced the 
Guaranis of Paraguay to say, speaking of another species, that 
it cries in the morning that the sun may rise, and in the even- 
ing because it is setting. Dwelling alone in the vast woods, 
it perches generally on the lower branches of the trees, and 
there remains immovable for hours at a time, apparently asleep. 
