THE CAPE TURTLE.* 



This pretty species measures six inches, but the great length of tlie tail gives it an 

 appearance of bulk which it does not really jwssess, as the body scarcely exceeds in size 

 that of the common lark. Its wings are moderately long, and roach, when closed, to 

 about the third of the length of tlie tail ; the second quill-feather rather exceeds the first, 

 and is the longest in the wing. The tail, like that of the passengi'r turtle, consists of 

 twelve feathers, the tips of which are rounded, except the two middle ones, which are 

 generally worn to a point. The bill is very slender, without emargination, and the upper 

 mandible very gently deflected towards the tip. Tlie tarsi and (oes are sliort, the claws 

 Ijlunt and but little hooked, showing it to be partly ambulatory in its habits. 



As the name given to this bird iniijlics, it is common around the Cape of Good Hope, 

 and it is also met with in Senegal, Senegambia, and Nubia. Of its habits and manners 

 wc have no detailed account, except tluit it makes its nest in low trees and shrubs, and 

 lays two white, pellucid-looking eggs, very fragile and easily broken. The male, of 

 which we give an engiaving, has the forehead, the region around the base of the bill, the 

 chin, throat, and part of the bi'cast, intense black. Tlie colours of the female are more 

 sordid. 



• Coluiiilia Capciinis. — Auct. 



