THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 55 



Hemipodes {Turnicidce). 



Diagnosis. — Small quail-like ground birds with no web 

 at base of toes, and nostrils reaching from base to 

 centre of bill. 



Size.— From that of a small partridge to that oi a 



sparrow. 



Form.— Bill short to medium, corner of mouth below 

 eye ; nostrils covered on the inner side, and reach- 

 ing from base to centre of bill ; feet with shanks 

 of medium length, with a single row of scales in 

 front, and usually three toes, not united by web 

 at base ; wings short ; tail short and soft ; head 

 bigger than in true quails.- 



Plumage and Colouration.— Plain-coloured and much 

 variegated, the females handsomer and larger than 

 the males, the young resembling the latter ; some- 

 times a slight seasonal change. Eyes conspicuously 

 light-coloured. 



Young.— Downy and active, much like young quails. 

 The male only attends to them. 



Nest.— On the ground, made of dry grass, etc., often 

 domed.' 



Eggs.— Several ; somewhat conical in shape, and spotted 

 on a pale ground. 



Incubation.— About twelve clays, the male only sitting. 



Courtship.— Conducted by the female, which raises 

 her tail and utters a cooing call ; she also calls 

 the male to food. 



Food.— Insects and seed, herbage, etc. 



Gait. — A walk or run. 



Flight. — Performed by quick continued fluttermg of 

 the wings, and usually only for short distances. 



Note. — A cooing or groaning call. 



Disposition and Habits. — Unsociable ; the females are 

 very quarrelsome and fight much with each other. 



Economic Qualities.— They seem to destroy many 



