The American ostrich of authors has been frequently mentioned, but till of late years very imperfectly known; being blended by some with other genera, although forming of itself a distinct one, differing in many things from all others. The older writers, however, have kept it separate. It does not occur to us whether any author has figured this bird except Nieremberg, whose representation conveys no just idea, which is wonderful, as it is to be met with in sufficient plenty in various parts of South America; nor has the bird itself made its appearance in the cabinets of collectors, until the one now in the Leverian museum.

M. Bajon, in his Mem. sur Cayenne, gives a figure and description of the jabirus, and seems clear that this bird is no other than the ostrich of America. From this assertion, Mr Latham, in his Synopsis, leaves the matter undecided; but this author, in his Index Ornithol. from having met with the specimen above alluded to, and supported in an account of its manners given by Molina in his Hist. Nat. de Chilli, treats this matter on more certain grounds, so as to enable us to give the following description.

In size the American ostrich is very little inferior to the common one: the bill is sloped not unlike that of a goose, being flat on the top and rounded at the end: the eyes are black, and the lids furnished with hairs: the head is rounded, and covered with downy feathers: the neck is two feet eight inches long, and feathered also: from the tip of one wing to that of the other extended, the length is eight feet; but from the want of continuity of the web of the feathers, and their laxity of texture, the bird is unable to raise itself from the ground; it is, however, capable of greatly afflicting itself by their motion in running, which it does very swiftly: the legs are stout, bare of feathers above the knees, and furnished with three toes, all placed forwards, each having a straight and stout claw as in the cormorant; on the heel a callous knob, serving in place of a back toe: the general colour of plumage is dull grey mixed with white, inclining to the latter on the under parts: the tail is very short, and not conspicuous, being entirely covered with long loose and floating feathers, having origin from the lower part of the back and rump, and entirely covering it: the bill and legs are brown.

Molina observes that this bird varies; the body in some being white, in others black. In respect to manners, it is said to be a general feeder, but more fond of flies, which it catches with great dexterity, and will also, like the common ostrich, swallow bits of iron and any other trash offered to it. In common with the ostrich of the old world, it lays a number of eggs, from 40 to 60, in the sand, each of them holding a quart; but it differs from that bird in many particulars, especially in wanting the callosity on the sternum, and spars on the wing. With these last the common ostrich is known to defend itself; in defect of them, the one here treated of uses the feet with such address as to become at once a furious and dangerous antagonist. The female calls its young ones together with a kind of whistling note somewhat similar to that of a man; when young it is very tame, frequently following the first creature it meets with. The flesh of this bird is said to be very unpalatable. It is found in various parts of South America, from Patagonia to Guiana, and is known by the name of Cebuque. We are happy to be able to present our readers with an accurate drawing of the bird. See Plate CCCCXXXVII.