History of All Animals. 15

ne, specifically in Norway and neighboring regions, where he wrote that they dwell, hiding under the snow for two or three months without food—perhaps in the manner depicted in the illustration above—and are thus easily captured by hunters during that time.

If the reader considers these points carefully, they will undoubtedly conclude that these birds differ from those that the most distinguished Aldrovandi described in the passage cited.

According to the Ornithologist, these birds are not unlike those mentioned in the book of wonders attributed to Aristotle, which states: "In Pontus, certain birds are found during winter that neither excrete nor feel it if their feathers are plucked, nor even if they are pierced with a roasting spit; they only react when they have been warmed by a fire, as if revived." Although some may find this hard to believe, they will surely find it more credible once we discuss the "little bird of epilepsy" and its properties later on.

# On Indian Birds Called Pheasants

The mountain bird known as the *Tepetototl* is called a pheasant by the Spanish inhabitants. It is the size of a goose, with shimmering black plumage, though some feathers are white beneath the tail and at the tips of the wings. Its legs and feet are ash-colored, and its curved beak is part grey and part yellow, appearing somewhat swollen at the base. It possesses a folding crest and black eyes. It feeds on cereal grains, whether raw, as dough, or baked into bread, and other similar foods. Its meat is edible and pleasant to the palate. Furthermore, the bird is extremely tame and fond of humans; it often grabs the cloaks of members of the household with its beak to beg for food, and will even knock on a closed door with its beak. It follows people if given free access and greets those returning home with displays of affection. From this, the reader may gather that this bird is not at all surpassed by the fawning and companionship of dogs.

Similar birds are found in Tartary, called *Seyferach*, which rival the pheasant in size and plumage and dwell on a certain plain called Monga. Since companies of soldiers are stationed for guard duty in a nearby place called Ciba to block the passage of any enemies, they have learned to observe these birds. When the birds take flight and form a single line as they flee, the soldiers understand that an enemy is approaching and immediately arm themselves for defense.

# On Partridges

Partridges on the island of Saint Helena grow so large that they equal a common hen in thickness. They are ash-colored and so tame that they will simply watch people approaching them rather than flying away. They hide in burrows in great numbers, so that sometimes twenty or more may be found lurking in a single hollow.