THE



317



Bxucultural /Iftagasme,


BEING THE JOURNAL OF THE


AVICU LTURAL SOCIETY.



New Series. — VOL. I. — NO. 10. — All rights reserved. AUGUST, 1903.



ON THE BREEDING IN CAPTIVITY OF


TURNIX TANK I,


WITH SOME NOTES ON THE HABITS OF THE


SI JlES.


By D. Seth-Smith, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.


The genus Turnix, which appears to occupy a position

between the true Gallinaceous birds and the Rails, comprises

about twenty species, popularly known as “ Hemipodes,”

“ Bustard-Quails,” or “ Button-Quails.” They range from Spain

and Sicily, through Africa, Madagascar, the Indian Archipelago,

China and Australia.


The Hemipodes are characterized by the entire absence of

a hind toe, and by the female being, in most cases at least,

decidedly larger and more brightly coloured than the male ;

and it is from a comparison of the females , not the males, that

specific distinction can be ascertained.


As regards the nesting habits of these small birds, very

little has been observed in a wild state, but it has been supposed,

and in the case of one species at least, proved, that the incuba¬

tion is performed by the male.


Regarding the one species whose nesting habits have been

observed—the Black-tliroated, or Common Bustard-Quail (T.

taigoor), Mr. Hume gives the following very interesting

notes:—


“ The most remarkable point in the life history of these

Bustard-Quails is the extraordinary fashion in which amongst



