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The feet of the Maleo are not nearly so large or strong in proportion as in these birds, while its claws are short and straight instead of being long and much curved. We may also, I think, see in the peculiar organization of the entire family of the Megapodidae or Brush Turkeys, a reason why they depart so widely from the usual habits of the Class of birds.
They are allied to the "Maleo" of Celebes, of which an account has already been given, but they differ in habits, most of these birds frequenting the scrubby jungles along the sea-shore, where the soil is sandy, and there is a considerable quantity of debris, consisting of sticks, shells, seaweed, leaves, &c.
Here, too, were quite a flock of the maleo birds, scratching and searching for food, after the fashion of fowl; but as the boat stopped they took alarm, and seemed to skim over the sand, their feet striking the ground so rapidly as to become invisible. "They can run," said the mate; "but we seem to have learned their secret. What's that?" All listened, but there was no sound.
By the way, Mark, show them how to shoot these maleo birds. You will not run after them again as we did." "No; I shall know better now," he replied; and, after another glance round at the arms, they were just setting off when an idea struck the lad. "I say, father," he exclaimed; "it's going to be a very hot day, and all along by the side of those trees and rocks you get hardly a breath of air."
"This here's just what I like, mates," said Billy Widgeon, as he sat on the sand in the full light of the blazing fire with his fellow-sailor opposite to him, and a large piece of palm-leaf for a table-cloth. Jack was on his right munching fruit, and Bruff on his left, sitting up, patiently attentive, waiting for bones from the hissing, hot maleo bird that had been kept for the sailors' dinner.
On the whole, though sorry that his mother and the O'Hallorans should have been alarmed, he was rather pleased to find that he had been right in his belief that from time to time he could hear the roaring. Maleo bird roasted the repast being made off those that were first shot was excellent; so was the acid fruit squeezed over it fruit picked by Mrs O'Halloran while the others cooked.
Curious-looking things, with a sort of helmet on their heads." "I think I know them," said the captain, "a sort of brush-turkey, I expect, the maleo birds I think they are called, and they are splendid eating. I don't think we shall starve, my lad." "Day!" said Mark eagerly, pointing to a faint gleam away to his right. "Yes; the first touch of dawn. I think we may prepare to go now.
"I suppose not," said the captain drily. "And after a time the guns get very heavy to carry." "Very," said the captain. "And the maleo birds are regular lumps, if we shoot any." "So I suppose, my boy. There, don't beat about the bush. We can find our way, of course. You are tired with yesterday's exertions, so why don't you frankly say that you would rather stay?"
Providence, therefore, has so arranged that they should return to the districts where they can find their food; whilst the young ones, not requiring so much, are able to make their way as their strength will allow in the same direction." We had a full-grown stuffed maleo on board. Its claws were sharp and straight, and very different from those of the megapodi.
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