The DWARF NANDU (_Rhea Darwinii_) is smaller than the preceding; its
plumage is principally of a light brownish grey, each feather being
enlivened by a whitish edge. This species, which is named after Mr.
Darwin, was first heard of by him in North Patagonia, where it is called
the _avestruy petise_. The eggs were well known to the Indians, who
described them as being a little smaller than those of the Common Rhea,
but of a slightly different form, and of a blue tinge. Several of these
birds were met with at Santa Cruz in parties of four or five, or in pairs.
Unlike the more northern species, they did not spread their wings when
starting at full speed.
* * * * *
[Illustration: THE EMU (_Dromæus Novæ Hollandiæ_).]
The EMUS (_Dromæus_), a group of strange and interesting birds inhabiting
Australia, form as it were the connecting link between the Ostrich and the
Cassowary, nearly resembling the former in their general appearance, but
differing from it in the comparative shortness of their legs and neck,
and the less prominent development of the hinder parts of the body. The
beak is straight, compressed at its sides, round at its extremity, and
furnished with a ridge at its culmen; the large nostrils are covered with
a skin and situated in the centre of the bill. The wings and tail are
but slightly developed, the strong legs are covered with scales, and the
foot furnished with three toes armed with powerful claws. At a distance
the plumage somewhat resembles hair, the webs of the feathers being all
loose and separate; as is the case with the Ostrich, they take their
origin by pairs from the same shaft. The wings are clothed with feathers
exactly resembling those of the back, which divide from a middle line
and fall gracefully over on either side. The entire plumage is of a dull
brown, mottled with dirty grey; the feathers on the head and neck becoming
gradually shorter, and so thinly placed, that the purplish hue of the
skin of the throat and a patch round the ears is perfectly visible. The
sexes differ but little in size, and are alike in colour. We have to thank
Dr. Bennett for the first full account of these remarkable birds, drawn
from observation of several kept about his own house. With their life in
a wild state we are unfortunately but little acquainted, except that they
frequent the open plains in large flocks, and are especially numerous
about Botany Bay and Port Jackson.