OTIS TARDA TARDA 149 



observation, and it is on European authors, therefore, that we must 

 rely for information. 



Dresser, in ' European Birds ' gives the following interesting 

 account of the habits of the Great Bustard : — 



" The Great Bustard frequents open, flat ground, preferring 

 grassy plains or cultivated land, l)ufc avoiding localities near human 

 habitations, and places where there are trees and hushes and where 

 it cannot command an uninterrupted view over a large tract of 

 country. It is peculiarly wary and shy ; and it is almost impos- 

 sible to approach it within gun-shot range. Hilly country, and 

 especially mountains, it avoids altogether, and is never met with in 

 the woodlands and forests. It specially frequents cultivated fields, 

 and is often found in those where rapeseed, wheat and rye have been 

 sown. It passes the night in the open fields, choosing places where 

 it cannot be approached without taking alarm, and is so watchful 

 that it is impossible to surprise it when asleep. It leaves its night- 

 quarters at the first break of dawn, and during the hot summer days 

 will often take a siesta during the hottest part of the day, but it is 

 then equally wary and difficult of ajiproach. It flies with more ease 

 than one would imagine, considering the size and weight of the bird, 

 and has no difficulty in taking wing, at once springing up into the 

 air without first taking a step or two, and appears to prefer seeking 

 safety in flight rather than by making use of its legs. When it 

 flies it stretches out its neck and legs and is thus easily dis- 

 tinguishable Early in spring, according to the mildness of 



the season, they commence to prepare for the cares of nidification ; 

 and the flocks then by degrees break up. The males fight desperately 

 for the possession of the females, and may at that season of the 

 year be seen strutting about, acting not unlike a turkeycock." 



As regards its flight all authors do not agree with Dresser, and 

 some have remarked that this Bustard has to run a step or two before 

 it can raise itself on the wing. Probably a good deal depends on the 

 breeze, as a head- wind would help the bird to get the use of his wings 

 at once. Also, a bird suddenly startled would use an extra effort and 

 start into flight from where it stood, whereas a bird rising under 

 ordinary circumstances might take matters more leisurely and run 

 a pace or two before exerting itself to take to flight. 



Colonel Verner says that: — 



" The flight of the Great Bustard is extraordinarily quick and 

 without effort. Before they take wing they simply walk for a few 



