The TAPACOLO (_Pteroptochus megapodius_) represents another group of
South American Ant Thrushes, in many respects resembling the Australian
Lyre Birds, and particularly characterised by the very unusual
development of the feet. Their body is elongate, their wing short, their
tail rounded and of medium size; the beak is powerful, and compressed at
the sides; the tarsus is robust, and of moderate height; the toes are
slender, and armed with slightly-curved spur-like claws of great length.
The TAPACOLO or TUALO of Chili is of a brownish olive on the upper part
of the body; the breast is reddish brown, and the rump of a reddish brown
hue, striped with white; the belly whitish, with dark markings; the
throat, sides of the neck, and a line over the eyes are white; the quills
bordered with reddish brown, and the tail-feathers entirely brown.
"The _Pteroptochus megapodius_," says Mr. Darwin, "called by the Chilians
'el Turco,' is as large as a Fieldfare, to which bird it has some
alliance; but its legs are much longer, tail shorter, and beak stronger;
its colour is a reddish brown. The Turco is not uncommon. It lives on the
ground, sheltered among the thickets which are scattered over the dry
and sterile hills. With its tail erect, and stilt-like legs, it may be
seen every now and then popping from one bush to another with uncommon
celerity. It really requires little imagination to believe the bird is
ashamed of itself, and aware of its most ridiculous figure. On first
seeing it one is tempted to exclaim, 'A vilely-stuffed specimen has
escaped from some museum, and has come to life again.' It cannot be made
to take flight without the greatest trouble, nor does it run, but only
hops. The various loud cries which it utters when concealed amongst the
bushes are as strange as its whole appearance. It is said to build its
nest in a deep hole beneath the ground. I dissected several specimens;
the gizzard, which was very muscular, contained beetles, vegetable
fibre, and pebbles. From this character, and from the length of its
legs, scratching feet, membraneous covering to the nostrils, and short
and arched wing, this bird seems, to a certain extent, to connect the
Thrushes with the gallinaceous order.
"The Tapacolo," continues the same writer, "is very crafty. When
frightened by any person, it will remain motionless at the bottom of
a bush, and will then, after a little while, try, with much address,
to crawl away on the opposite side. It is also an active bird, and
continually making a noise. These noises are very various and strangely
odd; some are like the cooing of Doves, others like the bubbling of
water, and many defy all similes. The country people say it changes
its cry five times in the year; according to some change of season, I
suppose."
[Illustration: THE TAPACOLO (_Pteroptochus megapodius_).]