GALLIN.^. 



ORDER IV. — THE GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



The general character of the Gallinaceous birds is sufficiently clear and distinct. They 

 are all granivorous, feeding- principall}', and almost exclusively, on vegetable diet. In 

 some sjiecies the yoimg are fed on the lurvoe of ants, in addition to grains or berries. 

 Some are exclusively terrestrial in their habits, being incapable of rising from the ground, 

 from the rudimentary condition of their wings. 



The body is stout, plump), and heav}', and, with some exceptions, the wings are round 

 and concave, rendering flight slow and laborious. The limbs are generally strong and 

 muscular, and the hind toe, instead of being placed on a level with the anterior portion of 

 the foot, as in the case with birds of the Insessorial order, is more or less elevated on 

 the tarsus, so tliat in many examples its point only touches the ground, and some- 

 times not even that ; while in others it is wanting entirely. In accordance with the 

 nature of the food, the beak is strong and horny ; but at its base, there is a space 

 covered with a tough membrane, and in which the nostrils are situated. 



From the muscularity of the limbs and the strength of the claws, the birds of this 

 group are, for the most part, capable of scratching up the surface of the ground in quest 

 of insects or grains. Many delight to throw the dust over their plumage, and wallow in 

 the dry gravel or sandy earth. Swampy, humid situations are their aversion, and a 

 continuation of heavy rains renders tliem dull and spiritless. In some, as in the grouse 

 tribe, the wings are pointed ; but even in these flight is not performed without consider- 

 able exertion, and a rapid vibration of the wings, accompanied b}^ a loud whirring. This 

 almost startling sound to an ordinary ear, is familiar to those who have " put up " 

 pheasants and coveys of partridges. 



One peculiarity appears in the internal structure of the present group of birds : it is a 

 strong muscular gizzard, lined with a tough leathery membrane. By the action of its two 

 muscular sides on each other, the seeds and grains, previously macerated in the crop, and 

 there softened by a peculiar secretion oozing from glandular pores, and then swallowed, 

 are ground up and triturated, in order that their digestion may take place. 



The Gallinaceous birds are very prolific, and most are polygamous. As a rule, the 

 nest is generally placed on the ground ; the young are hatched covered with down, and, 

 in a few hours, are capable of running about and following their parent. They pick up 

 the food to which the mother conducts them, without having to be fed like the young of 

 the finches and warblers in their snug nests, till they acquire the powci' of flitting alone. 

 At night they find repose huddled up beneatli tlicir mother's wing. 



The males of the species are extremely pugnacious, and will often fight till the doatli of 

 one of the rivals. The females are devoted to their broods, and lose all sense of personal 

 dano-er in their defence. Of none of the Gallinaceous birds is the flesh unfit for food. 



o 



That of many is a delicacy, and, at the same time, easily digestible and highly 

 nutritious. The qualities of pheasants, partridges, quails, and grouse certainly need no 

 recommondation. 



I'lif FiitsT Family of the present Order is that of the Pigeons.* 



• Columbida?. 



