. THE SOUTH AMERICAN PARTRIDGE. 393 
distinction between them is the absence of the back toe. It frequents 
sandy districts and plains covered with high grass. It runs very 
swiftly, and but rarely flies. Having alighted after being flushed, it 
stubbornly persists in remaining on the ground, and prefers being 
caught to making a fresh attempt at escape on the wing. Its flesh 
is excellent. 
A European species, the Zurnix tachydroma (rapid runner), 
Fig. 153, inhabits Sicily, the south of Spain, and the north of Africa. 
Fig. 153.—Turnix tachydroma. 
TINAMIDES. 
All the birds of this family belong to South America. They 
are the representatives of the Partridge on that continent. Their 
essential characteristics are a slender and medium-sized beak ; tarsi 
rather long, and provided with nodosities ; the back toe either very 
short or altogether wanting, at all events, no use. in walking can 
be made of it from its elevated position ; the wings and tail short, 
the latter sometimes deficient. 
This family comprises four genera, all very closely allied to one 
another ; these are the Zzwamou, the Wothures, the Rhyncotes, and 
the Zudromes. We shall confine our remarks to their nature and 
characteristics. 
O * 
