THE TRUE GAME-BIRDS. 



25 



THE TRUE GAME-BIRDS. ORDER GALLIN^E. 



This Order includes the great bulk of the species commonly 

 known as " Game "-Birds, and may be recognised by the follow- 

 ing characters. 



The nasals are holorhinal (Fig. 5) and true basipter ygoid 

 processes are absent, but represented by sessile facets {sf) 

 situated far forward on the sphenoidal rostrum (Fig. 6). The 



^-'f 



Fig. 5,— Skull of Red Grouse. Fig. 6.— Skull of Red Grouse. 



episternal process of the sternum is perforated to receive a pro- 

 cess from the base of the coracoids (Fig. 7, A), and there are 

 two deep notches on each side of the posterior margin of the 

 sternum (Fig. 7, B). 



The bill is short and stout, the upper mandible being 

 arched and overhanging the lower. 



The hind-toe is always present, but varies in size and posi- 

 tion. 



The feathers covering the body are provided with well- 

 developed after- shafts. 



The nestlings are born covered with down, and able to run 

 a few hours after beincf hatched. 



