BIRDS OF INDIA. 



Ord. RASOEES. 



Syn. Gallincs, Linn. — Gallinacei, YieiWot—Pulveratnces of some 

 — Gallinaceous birds — Game birds. 



Bill short, vaulted, more or less bent down at the tip ; nostrils 

 pierced in a membrane covering the base of the bill, and pro- 

 tected by a cartilaginous scale ; wings usually short and rounded, 

 but ample ; tail very variable, both in length and form, of from 

 twelve to eighteen feathers; legs and feet strong, feathered to 

 the tarsus, which is frequently spurred in the male ; three toes 

 before and one behind, the posterior one typically short, and 

 articulated above the plane of the anterior toes, wanting in a 

 few ; nails strong, blunt, and but slightly curved. 



The Gallinaceous birds, of which the domestic fowl may be 

 taken as the type, comprise the most important and useful mem- 

 bers of the whole class. The name of the order which I have 

 adopted, as being in conformity with those of the other orders, 

 and, moreover, in general use by English Ornithologists, is taken 

 from their habit of scraping in the ground to procure their food. 

 Unlike the last order, it contains a considerable variety of distinct 

 types. 



Taking them generally, they may be said to be birds of 

 moderate or rather large size, heavy form, with a strong, short, 

 and arched bill ; very stout legs and feet, w^ith the hind toe 

 usually small and raised, and the shank furnished, in many, with 

 a spur. In two of the families, however, the hind toe is on the 

 same plane as the anterior ones, and in one family often absent 

 entirely. The front toes are usually joined at their base by a 

 short connecting web. In all cases, they seek their food on the 

 ground ; and this consists of grain, seeds, roots, buds, and insects. 

 Many are polygamous, and in these, the male bird is larger, and 

 adorned with much richer plumage than the female ; and many are 

 furnished with crests of various forms. The hen is usually more 

 prolific than in any previous tribe. They are often social, in 

 some groups even gregarious ; they do not wash, but roll 

 themselves in the dust, and almost all nestle on the ground. The 



