AVES. 377 



sive organization for walking. About thirty birds are included in this 

 family. 



Sub-jam. 1. Slruthionince, or Ostriches. Bill broad, flattened, somewhat 

 rounded ; wings and tail very short ; tarsi very long and robust ; toes two 

 or three in number, and all directed forwards. Size large. 



The ostrich, Struthio camelus {pi. M,fig. 1), which is the largest of all 

 birds now known to be living, is arranged here. It inhabits the open plains 

 of Africa, where it is sometimes observed in large flocks, especially v/hen 

 the herbage is abundant, as that forms its chief food. When alarmed, it 

 runs with great rapidity, with the assistance of its wings. The nest is a 

 slight hollow scratched in the sand, and, it is said, is generally occupied by 

 two females, both of which lay their eggs, and with the males attend 

 mutually to the young. 



The South American ostriches, of which there are two species, R/iea 

 americana and darwinii, are frequent on the plains of Patagonia and the 

 other more southerly countries of South America. They are much smaller 

 than the ostrich of Africa, but bear considerable resemblance in general 

 appearance and manners. 



The emu of Australia (Dromaius novce hollandicB) and the cassowary of 

 New Guinea, Casuarius galeatus {pi. 05, Jig. 1), complete the birds of this 

 group. They are both large birds, almost destitute of wings, but are said 

 to run with great rapidity. They feed exclusively on vegetables. 



Sub-farn. 2. ApterygincB, or Kivis. Bill long and slender ; wings and 

 tail very short, almost obsolete ; tarsi and feet short and robust ; entire 

 plumage hair-like. 



Two very curious birds found in New Zealand belong here. They 

 frequent the extensive and dense beds of ferns which occur in that country, 

 and feed on snails and insects. The plumage of these birds is very sino-ular 

 and peculiar, being composed of long feathers more resembling the hair 

 of some quadrupeds than the covering of birds. The common kivi, Apteryx 

 australis, and Owen's apteryx, A. owenii, are the known species. 



Sub-fain. 3. Otince, or Bustards. Bill rather long, straight ; wings and 

 tail moderate ; tarsi loner, robust ; toes short. Size various, rather larsre. 



The bustards are found in the sandy or grassy plains and the open culti- 

 vated lands of various countries of the old continent. They are shy and 

 watchful, and when alarmed, fly with considerable swiftness for a short 

 distance, then running off. They feed on seeds and other parts of vege- 

 tables, and are said to be very destructive to crops of wheat and other 

 grain in some parts of Asia and Africa. The great bustard, Otis tarda 

 {pi. 94, Jig. 2), was formerly frequently seen throughout Europe, but has 

 now become rare. It is the largest known species, and was a favorite bird 

 with sportsmen, as are many species of other countries. The smaller bustard, 

 O. tetrax {pi. 94, Jig. 3), is found occasionally in the south of Europe, but 

 principally in northern Africa. There are about twenty species of these 

 birds, nearly all of which inhabit northern Africa and Asia. 



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