RUNNING BIRDS. 



447 



The Bustards ^Otis). This fine bird is almost extirpated, though 

 it is still seen in wide open plains. The last recorded to have been 

 killed in England was shot near the Lizard, in Cornwall, in 

 February, 1843. The male Bustard stands nearly four feet high. 



Fig. 



r4.— GREAT BUf^TABT). 



The second division of Cursorial Birds form the 

 family of Apteryx (Apteryzidas), so called because 

 they have the appearance of being entirely wingless. 

 Tliey resemble the Emeu in the general form of 

 tlieir body and in the nature of their plumage ; but 

 are at once distinguished from those ostrich -like 

 birds by the shortness of their legs, and the pre- 

 sence of a hind toe, armed with a strong claw on 

 each foot. A further distinction is afforded by the 

 form of the bill, which is elongated, nearly cylin- 

 drical, and slightly curved ; the nostrils are situated 

 quite at the tip of the upper mandible, and the wings 

 are so rudimentary as to be completely concealed 

 beneath the feathers of the body. 



