PENELOPE, TOM. ViCill. MELEAGRIS, Lin. GUAM.
Bill smooth at the base, middle-sized, broader than high, the tip compressed and arched ; nostrils lateral, ovate, half-covered, but open in front; checks naked; the throat, with a longitudinal wattle, carunculated in the middle; feet four-toed, smooth, the tarsi reticulated ; wings short.
On account of the great variations of plumage which these birds undergo at different periods, it becomes very difficult to ascertain the respective species with accuracy. Their flight is low, horizontal, and of short duration. They inhabit the most extensive and dense forests of Southern America, from Guiana to the river La Plata, perching on the inclined branches of trees, and running SO quickly, by aid of their short wings, that a man cannot overtake them. They pass the day concealed in thickets ; but they are astir in the morning and evening, when they resort to the outskirts of the forests, without, however, entering into the open plains, or other exposed situations. They are easily reconciled to domestication ; and they sub sist on grains, fruits, Exc. like the other gallinaceous fowls; but, when they swallow Indian corn, they seem not to di gest the grains, but void them entire. They may be reared with profit in the poultry-yard, for their Ilesh is ex cellent ; hut they are averse to close confinement, and should be allowed to be much in the open air. They utter the sound of pee, in a shrill, but subdued and nasal tone. They construct their nest of small branches, and
place it in a thicklv-clothed tree. The number of eggs rarely exceeds eight. In their sleeping attitude, their breast rests on their folded legs. They live in pairs, and in families, and appear to be much attached to one another, six or eight of them being often shot, in succession, on the same tree.
P. cristata, Gmel. Ecc. Meleagris cristata, Lin. Crest ed Guan, Guan, or Quern. Body black-green ; back brown ; rump and abdomen chesnut colour ; neck and breast spotted with white ; temples naked and violet ; throat and longitudinal membrane red and hairy. About two feet seven inches in length. The feathers of the head and of the occiput are elongated into a tufted crest, capa ble of being erected at the will of the bird. The female differs in having a rufous reflexion on the plumage, and a shorter crest. This species frequently utters a sound, ex pressed by jacco, yacoo, or yahoocoo, which is feebly pro nounced, and is supposed to intimate feelings of want or pain. It has likewise a still more feeble cry, which has been compared to that of the turkey. It is of very gentle dispositions, easily tamed, and, when domesticated, is apt to roost, during the night, on the tops of houses. It is in much request for the table. Its native abodes are Brazil, the forests which confine on the Bay of Campeachy, the Isthmus of Panama, Guiana, SCC.