The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 3 of 5] : $b Birds — John Shaqi
The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 3 of 5] : $b BirdsGould, John
Science
The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 3 of 5] : $b Birds
Gould, John
Beagle Expedition (1831-1836); Birds; Zoology
This species appears to have nearly the same range with the _P. Tarnii_:
its southern limit certainly extends as far as 47° south, but northward,
where the forests cease, near Concepcion, I was unable to ascertain that
this bird is ever met with, and Kittlitz has made the same remark. In
Chiloe, where it is common, it is called by the Indian inhabitants the
“Cheucau.” It frequents the most gloomy and retired spots within the
damp forests. Sometimes, although the cry of the Cheucau is heard close
by, a person may watch attentively and yet in vain; at other times, if
he stands motionless, the red-breasted little bird will approach within
a few feet, in the most familiar manner. It then busily hops about the
entangled mass of rotting canes and branches, with its little tail
cocked upwards. I opened the gizzard of several specimens; it was very
muscular, and contained hard seeds, buds of plants, occasionally some
insects, and vegetable fibres mixed with small stones. The Cheucau is
held in superstitious fear by the Chilotans, on account of its strange
and varied cries. There are three very distinct kinds:—one is called
“chiduco,” and is an omen of good; another “huitreu,” which is extremely
unfavourable; and a third, which I have forgotten. These words are given
in imitation of its cries, and the natives are in some things absolutely
governed by them. I have already stated that I was informed by the
inhabitants that the Cheucau builds its nest amongst sticks close to the
ground.
5. PTEROPTOCHOS PARADOXUS. _G. R. Gray._
Troglodytes paradoxus, _Kittl._ Vog. von Chili, p. 12, pl. 5.—_Id._ Mem.
de l’Acad. St. Peters. 1833, i. pl. 5.
Malacorhynchus Chilensis, _Kittl._ Mem. de l’Acad. St. Peters. 1835, p.
527.
Leptonyx paradoxus, _D’Orb._ Voy. de l’Amer. Mer. Av. p. 197.
This species differs in a small degree from all the others of the genus:
its claws are longer, tarsi shorter, and bill flattened at the top: in
these, and some other respects, it approaches to Scytalopus. I may add,
that from a greater degree of resemblance, especially in the feet, _P.
Tarnii_ and _megapodius_ may be ranked in one section, and _P.
albicollis_ and _rubecula_ in another.
I procured specimens of the _P. paradoxus_ both from Valdivia and
Chiloe; like the _P. Tarnii_ and _P. rubecula_ it is confined to the
regions of forest. Its habits are closely similar to those of the last
species. I opened the gizzard of one at Valdivia, and found it full of
large seeds and the remnants of insects. In Chiloe, where it is much
less common than the Cheucau, it is called by the inhabitants Cheuqui.
Kittlitz procured specimens from Concepcion. He describes the cry which
it utters over and over again, in the same high tone, as very singular,
and more like that of a frog than of a bird.
SCYTALOPUS MAGELLANICUS. _G. R. Gray._
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