250 BIRDS OF DAMARA LAND. 



hood of temporary rain-pools and periodical water- 

 courses; here they run about with great celerity, and, 

 when hard pressed, lie so close as almost to allow them- 

 selves to be trodden on before they take wing, after 

 which it is nearly impossible to flush them a second 

 time. They feed on insects and seeds. 



The iris is lemon-coloured ; the bill blue, with the tip 

 of the upper mandible dark horn-colour ; the tarsi and 

 feet flesh-coloured white. 



Measurements of a male : — 



in. liu. 



Entire length 5 8 



Length of folded wing 2 10 



„ tarsus 10 



„ middle toe 



„ tail 15 



bill 8 



