BUSTARDS. 



331 



some districts are said to live principally upon emus' eggs during the breed- 

 ing season of these birds. Unlike the rhea, the emu pairs, but the male hatches 

 the eggs. 



':^x- 



Fig. 167. — The Emu (Dromaius Nova HoUaiidce). 



Sub-Family II. 

 THE BUSTARDS. OTIDIN/E. 



General Characteristics. — Bill more or less lengthened and compressed on the 

 sides, with the culmen straight above the nasal groove, and then vaulted to the tip, 

 which is strongly emarginated; the nostrils basal, lateral, and placed in a large mem- 

 branous groove, with the opening large and sub-oval ; the wings moderate and rather 

 pointed ; the tail moderate, broad, and rounded ; the tarsi long and covered with 

 small scales ; tlie toes short and covered with small narrow scales above; the claws 

 short, broad, and blunt. 



Bustards are found on the dry, sandy, or grassy plains, and the 

 open cultivated lands of Europe and Asia. They are shy and 



