The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1896-04-22
SHEPHERD BIRD.
A Venezuelan Crane That Herds
Domestic Animals.
II Strikes Absurd Attitudes and
Dances Fantastic Waltzes.

"
to care Tor their poultry, and also, in
the place Of collies or shepherd dogs,
used by North Americans and Euro
peans, to guard and herd their domes-
tic animals.
This remarkable bird,which tho In
dinns call yakamik and ornithologists
Psophia crepitaus, is found in wild
state in the great forests that lie be-
tween the northern coasts OF South
America and the Amazon river, par-
ticularly In Venezuela and British
Guiana. The birds never leave
the forest unless shot or cap.
tured. They travel about in
nocks of from 100 TO 200. in search
of the berries, fruits aud insects upon
which they subsist. Their usual
gait is n slow aud stately march, but
they enliven themselves from time to
time by leaping up into the air, ex-
ecuting eccentric and fantastic
waltzes, aud striking the most absurd
and preposterou' attitudes III pur-
sued they endenvor to save themselves
by running, for their flight is so weak,
according to Schomburgk, that when
they attempt to fly over body Of
water OF any considerable width they
are often obliged TO drop upon it
and save themselves by swimming
When alarmed they utter the peculiar
cry which has obtained for them their
name of trumpeters. The sound is
something like that produced by n
person cndenvoring to shout the
syllables "tow, tow, tow; tow, tow,
tow" with his mouth shut, or the
doeful noise made by children on New
years with their trumpets. Tho yaka-
miks usually deposit their eggs in n
hollow in the ground, often at the
foot of tree.
A nest generally contains ten eggs,
of pale green color. Tho young
birds follow their mothers as soon as
they are Matched, but do not lose their
pretty downy covering until several
weeks old. The yakamiks are very
readily tanned, and prove valuable
servants to tho Indians, who domesti-
cate them, md as they are courageous
aud will protect animals intrusted to
their care Mt every risk to themselves,
oven dogs are obliged to yield to tn cir
authority. They may be trusted with
the care of flock of sheep or domes-
tic fowls, aud every morning will
drive the ducks and poultry to their
feeding places and, carefully collect
ing any stragglors, bring them safely
home at night A yakamik soon learns
to know and to obey the voice of its
master, follows him, when permitted,
wherever he goes, and appears de-
lighted at receiving his caresses. II
repines at his absence and welcomes
his return, and is extremely jealous OF
any rival. Should any dog or cat
approach, it flies at it with the utmost
fury, and attacking it with wings and
beak drives it away.
1t presents itself regularly during
meals, from which 1t chases all domes-
tic animals, and even the Africans who
wait on the table, if it is not we'll ac-
quainted with them, and only asks for
share OF the eatales after it has
driven away all who might aspire to q
favorable notice from the family. II
appreciates favors in the same proper.
ton as it is jealous of sharing them
with others, and manifests Joy and
affection by the most exravagant ca.
pers and gesticulations. When the
animals OF which it has charge are
shut up for the night, the yakamii
roosts upon some shed or tree near al
hand to be ready to take its place al
keeper as soon as they are let out il
the morning. One quality that makes
it valuable is its sense of location
which is perfect; however far it may
wander with the focks or herds i
guards, it never fails to find its way
home at night, driving before it all thu
creatures intrusted to its care.
It is strange that several species o
South American birds OF differen
genera should share with the yakamil
its instinct of guarding and taking
care of domestic animals. One o
these is the crested screamer, anothe
the horned chauna, which is oftel
domesticated as poultry keeper b.
the natives. Popular Science News