PSOPHINiE. 
Cariama  Briss.* 
Bill  moderate  and  strong,  with  the  apical  portion  vaulted  and  curved  to  the  tip,  which  is  hooked  over 
the  lower  mandible,  and  obtuse  ; the  sides  gradually  compressed  from  the  base  ; the  nostrils  placed  m ^ 
membranous  and  plumed  groove,  with  the  opening  small  and  anterior.  Wings  moderate,  with  the  firs* 
quill  very  short ; and  the  fifth,  sixth,  and  seventh  the  longest.  Tail  long,  broad,  and  graduated. 
very  long,  rather  slender,  and  covered  with  transverse  scales.  Toes  very  short  and  thick,  with  the 
outer  toe  rather  longer  than  the  inner,  and  both  united  at  their  bases,  especially  the  outer ; the  hind  toe 
very  short  and  elevated : the  claws  moderate,  compressed,  curved,  and  acute. 
The  typical  species  of  tliis  genus  is  found  in  the  warmer  parts  of  South  America.  It  frequents,  in  pairs  or  in  small 
flocks,  the  margins  of  forests,  but  more  especially  the  inundated  places,  where  it  feeds  on  lizards,  frogs,  and  insects.  Then" 
cry  is  sharp,  loud,  and  capable  of  being  heard  at  some  distance. 
C.  cristata  (Linn.)  Latk.  Hist,  of  Birds,  ix.  pi.  142.,  Ann.  du  237 Microdactylus  Marcgravii  Geoffr.-,  Lophorhynchus  sauro- 
Mus.  d’Hist.  Nat.  xiii.  t.  26.,  Vieill.  Gal.  des  Ois.  t.  259-,  Ft  col.  phagus  Vieill. 
* Established  by  Brisson  in  1760.  Microdactylus  of  Geoft'roy  (1808),  Dicholophus  of  llliger  (1811),  and  Lophorhynchus  of 
(1816)  are  synonymous  with  the  name  employed. 
Vieilk* 
October,  1 846. 
