SIX months' bird collecting in EGYPT. l8l 



of the head and neck. I could not reconcile them, and I 

 suspect that the recent subdivision of Turtur auritiis may 

 before long be followed by a subdivision of T. senegalensis. 



126. Singed Sand-Grouse, Ptcrodes exustus, Tern. ; 

 " Gutta." 



This species, which rejoices in the name of the Singed 

 Sand-Grouse, is better known to the English as the " Desert 

 Partridge." As a fine sporting bird and very fair eating, 

 it finds favour with the sportsman in a country where there 

 is so little game as Egypt. Unfortunately it is not very 

 common, and so local that it is quite a lucky chance to meet 

 with it ; yet by dint of working for them I succeeded in 

 shooting a good many at different places, notably at Beni- 

 souef, (close to the town) Gow-El-Kebir, Manfalout, and 

 Biba, and did not find them difficult to bring down if one 

 could get near them ; but besides being local, they have the 

 additional bad quality of being very shy, so that one is first 

 made aware of their presence by their oft repeated " gfittd 

 guftd," as they are scudding away far out of shot. I believe 

 this cry is never uttered on the ground. The specific name of 

 one of the Algerian Sandgrouse (much more beautiful than 

 either of the Egyptian) P. akJiata, is derived from the native 

 name which expresses the note. In the middle of April I 

 noticed that they had become much more silent. Doubt- 

 less they had to think of the important duty of incubation. 

 I apprehend that they continue to be gregarious when 

 nesting, as they were seen in flocks at the Faioum in 

 June. They are restless birds ; seldom still, and seldom 

 silent. We generally saw them in coveys of about fifteen, 

 flying very high and very straight, to or from the water in 

 the early morning. 



It is said that regularly at break of day they go to drink. 

 Afterwards they spend the noon, some in the desert, and 



