P.ALLAS'S SAND GROUSE. 351 



that the eggs may often be seen through it from below. 

 The bird is a rather close sitter, makes no demonstration 

 when disturbed, and usually hides itself as soon as 

 possible amongst the nearest trees or bushes. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement: 

 The eggs of the Turtle-Dove are two in number, oval in 

 form, and almost as much pointed at one end as the 

 other, smooth in texture, and creamy-white in colour. 

 Average measurement, V2 inch in length, by -91 inch in 

 breadth. Incubation, performed by both sexes, lasts 

 about sixteen days. 



Diagnostic characters : The eggs of the Turtle- 

 Dove may be readily distinguished from those of all 

 other species breeding in our area by their size, form, 

 and creamy-white tint. 



Not the least interesting phase of the last great 

 irruption of Pallas's Sand Grouse {Syrrhaptcs para- 

 doxus) into the British Islands during 18S8, was the fact 

 of some of the individuals attempting to breed. There 

 is strong evidence that the eggs of this interesting bird 

 were taken or seen in Yorkshire and Norfolk, and on 

 the coast of the Moray Firth, whilst the nestlings were 

 both observed and captured in the latter district. There 

 can be little doubt however that the Sand Grouse will 

 never succeed in establishing itself in our islands, and its 

 nesting in them is thoroughly abnormal. The nest of 

 this Sand Grouse is merely a hollow in the sandy ground, 

 lined with a few bents or dead leaves. The eggs are 

 usually three, but exceptionally four, in number, very 

 oval and Pigeon-egg like in shape, and olive or brownish- 

 buff in ground colour, profusely spotted with dark brown, 

 and with underlying markings of violet-gray. Average 

 measurement, 17 inch in length, by ri inch in breadth. 

 Incubation, performed by the female, lasts about a 



