40 



THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



dargus cuvieri) does well in captivity, and several 

 have been kept at the London Zoological Gardens, 

 but they usually have to be hand-fed. 

 Distribution and Important Species. — Frogmouths, 

 of which there are about two dozen species, 

 range from Southern India to Australia. The best 

 known is the large greyish " Morepork " above 

 mentioned. The Owlet-Nightjars (Aegotheles), 

 whose weak bills are like those of true nightjars, 

 are the hole-nesting group, while the " eared " 

 species of Batrachostomus build the curious pad- 

 like nests, the Moreporks being stick-nest builders. 



Game-birds {Phasianidce). 



Diagnosis. — Ground-birds, with short arched beak and 

 four toes, the hind one notably small and all front 

 ones webbed at base. 



Size. — From that of a sparrow to that of the Turkey — 

 the largest species. 



Form. — Bill short and strong, with arched outlines, 

 nostrils roofed over on the inner side, and corner 

 of mouth half way to eye ; feet with strong shanks, 

 and three front toes webbed at base, hind-toe 

 much smaller ; spurs on the shanks, generally 

 in the males, are often found in this family, and 

 in this only. Wings short and arched ; tail very 

 variable, usually of numerous feathers. Head 

 small, neck rather long, body heavy. 



Plumage and Colouration. — Prevailing colour of 

 females, and often both sexes, a closely-mottled 

 brown of protective value, varying in pattern ; 

 but many males are brilliant beyond all other 

 birds ; rarely any seasonal change, but young 

 usually resembling adult female at first. Orna- 

 mental plumes, and expansible areas or processes 

 of naked skin about the headj occur frequently. 



