20 
ciating and breeding in one locality, while the non- 
crested immature birds congregate in another. 
The nest, which is built nearer the water than that 
of the last species, is composed of sea-weed, &c. 
The eggs, three or four in number, are of the same 
colour as those of the Common Cormorant, but 
smaller. 
COURSER, CREAM-COLOURED. 
SWIFTFOOT. 
CURSORIUS ISABELLINUS, Selby. 
This rare and beautiful species is a native of 
Africa, inhabiting the dry sandy plains that occupy 
so large a portion of that continent. Very little 
appears to be known respecting its habits or breed- 
ing places; but being similar in conformation and 
general appearance to the Bustard, though much 
more minute in size, its entire length being only 
about ten inches, it may be presumed that its habits, 
&c., are similar to those of that species. The adults 
of both sexes resemble each other in the colour of 
their plumage, the prevailing hue being buff or 
cream, from whence it takes its name. Only three 
or four specimens of this bird have been taken in 
this country ; and it appears to be equally rare on 
the Continent, being only an accidental visitor to 
the southern parts of Europe. Most of the speci- 
mens contained in the collections have been pro- 
cured from Barbary or Abyssinia. 
