TETRAONID.K. 



387 



SUB-FAMILY VI. 

 Tteroclin.e. The Sand Grouse. 



Gek. Charac. — Bill short, with the culmen curved to the tip, and the sides 

 compressed ; the wings and tail lengthened and pointed ; the tarsi longer 

 than the middle toe, robust, and more or less covered with feathers ; the 

 toes moderate and robust, the lateral toes more or less united to the middle 

 one, and the hind toe rudimental. 



Fig. 156.— the paradoxical saxd-gkouse. 

 Sij rrh a pies paradoxus.) 



These singular-looking birds inhabit Southern 

 Europe^ Africa^ and Asia^ living* in diy^ sandy 

 deserts^ bare or rocky plains^ or bushy and woody 

 grounds^ especially in the neighbourhood of low 

 hills. They are usually found singly or in pairs^ 

 except when those of the desert resort to water, 

 which they do in flocks. When flushed, they 

 rise with a low chuckling call, take a short flight. 



