PTEKOCLES ORIENTALIS 251 



distance, is like the word ' catarr ' repeated several times, whence 

 the bird's Arabic name ' Katarr.' When disturbed, it will travel a 

 great distance, often completely out of sight, before sitting down 

 again, but at its drinking resorts it seems loth to leave the spot 

 until its thirst is quenched." 



The species feeds chiefly upon the seeds and tender shoots of 

 wild plants, though vi'hen in the vicinity of cultivated land it will 

 resort thereto in search of grain. Sand-Grouse, in general, are 

 difficult to skin, their feathers, like those of pigeons, being loosely 

 attached to the skin ; and it requires all the taxidermist's art to 

 make good museum-specimens. 



