580 
THE HORNED SCREAMER, OR KAMICHL 
tiie forehead. From the bill a dark streak passes through the eye and down the side of the 
neck, and above that is another streak of buffy orange. The throat and under parts are white, 
and a broad collar of dark brown encircles the junction of the neck and breast. 
The sub-family of the Screamers is here represented by two very curious birds, both of 
them being large birds, having their wings armed with formidable claws capable of being used 
with much effect as weapons of offence. 
The Horned Screamer, or Kamichi, is a native of Central America, and is found in the 
Vast swamps and morasses of that hot and moist country, where the vegetation springs up in 
HORNED SCREAMER.— Palamedea cornuta. 
gigantic luxuriance and the miasmatic morasses give birth to reptiles and creeping things 
innumerable. The large spurs on the wings are valuable to the bird in repelling the attacks of 
the numerous snakes, and guarding itself and young from their rapacity. In size the Horned 
Screamer nearly equals a common turkey, so that a blow from its armed wing can be struck 
with considerable force. The bird is not, however, fond of using its weapons, and unless 
attacked, is quiet and harmless. 
The food of the Horned Screamer consists chiefly of vegetable substances, such as the 
leaves and seeds of aquatic plants, in search of which it wades through the reptile-haunted 
morasses. Its flight is strong and easy, its walk is erect and bold, and its mien lofty like that 
of the eagle. Upon the head of the present species is a curious horn-like appendage, from 
three to four inches in length, and about as large as a goose-quill. The use of this horn is 
quite unknown. The voice of the Horned Screamer is loud and shrill, and is uttered suddenly 
and with such vehemence that it has a very startling effect. 
