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to shift from place to place, from one locality. to another, and show 
greater migratory tendencies than most of the Rasores. Bill is 
moderate in size ; wings longish and pointed ; tarsus lacking spurs. 
They are birds of small size. 
(829) CoruRNIX COMMUNIS, Large Grey Quail, or “barra batter” 
as it is called by hillmen, is frequently observed in Indian corn fields 
(Bhuta Khets) about 4,000 to 5,000 feet elevation. This is sup- 
posed to be the quail, which got Isrelites of old into trouble, at one 
period of their murmurings. This bird and its congeners differ from 
the former groups ; in bill, being more slender, straight, or with a 
slight curve in some species ; wings long and pointed, concealing the 
short, rounded, soft tail. Communis is 74 inches in length ; wing 
extent 144 inches ; bill horn coloured ; irides yellow brown. This 
Quail is found all over India, It is known as European or Common 
Quail. They visit the plains in large flocks in the cold weather, 
where they are snared and netted in big numbers for the market. 
Famity TINAMID. 
Sup-FAMILy TURNICINA. 
(833) Turnix Ocetiatus, Hill Bustard-Quail. This pigmy 
game-bird is difficult to find in the outskirts of Darjeeling and the 
district. It usually inhabits dense undergrowth jungle. When 
they come out of their seclusion to feed, they beat a hasty retreat 
when approached. “Timok-pho,” as Lepchas call this bustard- 
quail, presents many interesting features, not found in Rasores or 
game-birds generally. Chief of which, perhaps, is absence of the 
hind toe and difference in the anatomy of Turnie. Hens are larger 
than the males, and more richly adorned. In disposition they are 
bolder and more pugnaciously inclined, which are, qualities more 
honored in the breach than the observance among female Rasores 
generally. However the hens have their good points, for when in a 
“tight corner” they readily assume the offensive, more so, when a 
move has to be made. She fight gamely for dear life, in the breed- 
ing season for the lives of her household. On other occasions, when 
met with in a more open space, in spring, when energy and vivacity 
are at a premium ; provided the birds have not seen you, you may 
