GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 371 
may worthily stand in comparison with the most gorgeous of the 
Passerines. ‘This richness of colour is the characteristic of the male 
bird, for the females are usually of dull hues. But if the Gallinaceze 
captivate the sight, they are far from affording pleasure to the ear, 
their voices being shrill and discordant. 
Cruel, tyrannical, and quarrelsome are the characteristics of the 
majority of this race. They are polygamous, and the females lay a 
large number of eggs, which they sit upon, unassisted by the male. 
They are generally divided into flocks, consisting of one male, 
several females, and a number of young birds; but it is very rare 
that several families unite to live in common. 
The Gallinaceze are of all birds the most useful to man. Certain 
domesticated kinds stock his poultry-yard, and supply him with 
eggs of an exquisite flavour; nor does their utility cease here—their 
flesh is a popular, wholesome, and delicate food. Those known 
as “game birds” afford amusement to the sportsman and _ table 
delicacies for the don vivant. 
Although nearly all the Gallinaceze were originally natives of the 
warm regions of Asia and America, they are now perfectly acclimated 
to all temperate parts of the globe. 
The order of the Gallinaceze may be divided into two great sub- 
orders, namely, the Gal/inacee proper, to which the characteristics we 
have just enumerated specially belong; and the Columbide, which 
differ from them in certain details of organisation and habits, to be 
described hereafter. 
‘THE GALLINACEZ PROPER 
comprehend six families: the Zetraonide, the Perdicide, the Tina- 
mides, the Chionida, the Megapodide, and the Phasianide. 
TETRAONID. 
The birds which compose this group are characterised as follows: 
tarsi completely feathered; a naked and knotty band of skin 
supplying the place of eyebrows; the body bulky, and the wings 
short. ‘This family comprehends several species. The best known 
we enumerate :—The Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Cock of the 
Plains, Pinnated Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Hazel Hen, Red Grouse, 
and Ptarmigan. 
The Capercaillie (Zé¢rao wrogadlus) inhabits the pine and birch 
forests of hilly northern countries. They feed upon fruits, berries, 
