Cassell's book of birds; vol. 3Brehm, Alfred Edmund
Science
Cassell's book of birds; vol. 3
Brehm, Alfred Edmund
Birds
"This species," says the prince, "is called 'Capueira' by the Brazilians.
Its habits and mode of life are very similar to those of the Hazel Grouse,
or Gelinotte (_Bonasia sylvestris_). It never frequents the open country,
but confines itself entirely to the thick woods. In the early part of the
year the 'Capueira' lives in pairs, and after the breeding season the
families remain in coveys of from ten to sixteen or more in number. These
birds run very quickly, and procure their food among the dry leaves on
the ground in the midst of the extensive woods. The stomachs of such as I
examined contained fruits, berries, insects, small stones, and a little
sand. The part of the country in which I met with them is the eastern
portion of Southern Brazil, from Rio de Janeiro to 13° south latitude;
by Spix they appear to have been found still farther north. In the vast
forests bordering the rivers Mucuri, Alcobaça, Belmonte, and Ilheo they
were very common, and we frequently killed them for the sake of their
flesh, which is excellent. Their loud and remarkable voice is heard only
in the forests, where it reverberates to a great distance. Azara states
that the cry is uttered by both sexes, but I believe it is emitted by the
male bird only. Like the Domestic Cock in Europe, it frequently aroused us
at the break of day, bidding us, as it were, continue our researches among
the grand but almost impenetrable forests of that magnificent country.
They commenced calling before daybreak, thus affording us ample time for
breakfasting, and enabling us to start by the dawn of the young day."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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