PHEASANTS. 



285 



one foot, and having grasped a handful, as it were, threw it 

 dexterously backward without shifting its position, standing on 

 the other leg. 



Fig. 145.— The Mound-Btrd {Mes;afodzus tinmibis). 



The type of this sub-family is — 

 The Mound-Bird {Megapodius tinmilus). 



FAMILY III. 

 THE PHEASANTS. PHASIANID^E. 



GSneral Characteristics.— Bill moderate, with the culmeii arched to the tip, 

 which overhangs that of the lower mandible, and the sides compressed ; the wings 

 moderate and much rounded ; the tail more or less lengthened and broad ; tiie 

 tarsi moderate, usually armed with a spur or spurs ; the toes moderate, the anterioi 

 toes united at their base by a membrane, the hind toe short and elevated. 



The birds of this family, some of which are among the most 

 elegant and splendid of their class, are nearly all inhabitants of 

 the eastern hemisphere, only two species being found in America; 



