PRATINCOLES. 341 



v/inter residence is supposed to be the central lakes of Africa, from which it 

 returns to the countries named above early in autumn, and disappears at the 

 approach of winter. Nothing is known of its nidification. 



The type of this sub-family is — 



The Gaulish Courser {Cursorius Gallicus), figured upon the opposite 

 page. 



Sub-Family III. 



THE PRATINCOLES. GLARIOLIN.E.* 



General Characteristics.— Bill short, broad at the base, and laterally compressed 

 to the tip ; the wings very long, with the first quill the longest ; the legs moderate, 

 with the tip of the tibia naked ; the toes three in front and one posteriorly, which 

 is elevated. 



The Pratincoles inhabit the temperate and warmer climates of 

 the Old World. They frequent the borders of rivers, lakes, and 

 mountains. Their food consists chiefly of insects, which they take 

 on the wing, like swallows, and on the ground, where they can 

 run very quickly. They form a slight nest among rushes and 

 thick herbage in the marshes. The eggs are three or four in 

 number. 



The best-known species — 



The Austrian Pratincole {Glarcola pratincola), called on the continent 

 Perdrix de incr, or sea-partridge, is a rare visitor to Great Britain, inhabiting 

 for the most part the north of Africa, and the countries in the vicinity of the 

 Don, the Volga, the Caspian, and the Black Sea. In some of its habits it re- 

 sembles the plovers, as it frequents open plains, and runs with great rapidity; 

 in nidification also, and in the shape, colour, and markings of its eggs, it is 

 associated with that tribe ; while in its mode of flight and habit of catching 

 flies while on the wing, it approaches the swallows. Its powers of flight, indeed, 

 are extraordinary ; its wings are long and pointed, and the tail is forked, so that 

 we are not surprised to learn from M. Temminck, that in Hungary, amongst 

 the immense marshes of Neusidel and Balaton he has been in the midst of 

 hundreds sweeping through the air in chase of their insect prey, and darting 

 along with arrow-like rapidity. Nor is it less remarkable for its celerity on 

 the ground, where it often catches insects as it runs along. Its endurance is 

 equal to its speed : a flight of two or three hundred miles is but an easy journey 

 to this bird, which can thus extend its presence over very extensive areas of 

 the wild regions that appear to be its favourite hunting-places. In India these 

 birds are known by the exceedingly appropriate name of " swallow-plovers." 

 Its true place is undoubtedly among the Waders, several of which not only 



* Diminutive of "glarea," gravel, indicative of the soil they generally frequent. 



