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Show 1876.] MR. W. H. HUDSON ON THE HABITS OF RAILS. 107 hurriedly repair to the customary spot. In a few moments, and almost simultaneously, the birds appear, emerging from the reeds and running into the open space, where they all immediately whirl about and begin the exhibition. Whilst screaming they rush from side to side as if possessed with frenzy, the wings spread and agitated, the beak wide open and raised vertically. I never observed them fight or manifest anger towards each other duriug these performances; and, knowing the pugnacious spirit of the Ipicahas, and how ready they are to seek a quarrel with birds of other species, this at first surprised m e ; for I was then under the mistaken impression that these gatherings were in some way related to the sexual instinct. Whilst watching them I also remarked another circumstance. When concealing myself amongst the rushes I have been compelled to place myself so disadvantageously, owing to the wet ground, that any single bird straying accidentally into the open space would have discovered m y presence immediately ; yet the birds have entered and finished their performance without seeing m e ; so carried away are they by the emotion that possesses them during these moments. But no sooner has the wild chorus ended than, aware of m y presence, they have fled precipitately into the reeds. How could this curious habit I have described, and which cannot be considered advantageous, have originated ? It is simply that this species has a somewhat singular way of giving expression to an instinctive feeling common to all creatures. Many birds and mammals have social gatherings, peaceful like those of the Ipicaha; and if seen to fight, these are but playful engagements ; for the emotion that calls them together is a joyous one. It manifests itself so variously in different species that a person might easily be led to believe that the displays he observes are, in many instances, inspired by the sexual passion. The Ibis melanotis, the Glossy Ibis, the Black-collared Himantopus, and the Spurred-winged Lapwing also hold similar exhibitions. The last-named species has a far more remarkable performance on the ground, aptly called " dancing " by the Argentine peasants ; for the birds, in twos and threes, run and whirl about and stand bowing till their beaks touch the ground, all the time regulating their movements to drumming rhythmic notes. The Chimangos (Milvago) frequently have meeting-places where they circle about, sportively quarrelling in the air, then rest, each one on his separate perch; and at intervals one bird utters a long and song-like cry, followed by a succession of short notes, in which all the birds join as in a chorus. Males and females of many species in which the sexes are always faithful sing and scream together in a jubilant manner at intervals through the day. This habit is most remarkable in the Oven-bird (Furnarius) : these stand together facing each other, singing their shrill excited song, all the while beating their outspread wings in time with the notes, and each bird taking a part, so that the performance produces the effect of harmony. |