266 



GAME-BIRDS OF INDIA 



same as the median coverts, as these are approached. Lesser and 

 median under wing-coverts and axillaries white; under primary-coverts 

 brown. Body below buff, greyish on the upper breast next the head 

 and more ruddy-buff on the abdomen. Feathers round vent dull 

 chestnut-brown, under tail-coverts white, the bases chestnut-brown ; 

 feathers of thigh and tarsus buff, the latter often marked with chest- 

 nut-brown. Tail isabelline, the central rectrices faintly tipped paler, 

 the other feathers rufous-buff broadly tipped white and subtipped 

 dark brown. 



The principal variation in the colour of the upper parts of the 

 male bird is in the extent of the pale markings to the scapulars and 

 dorsal plumage ; in some birds these are very large and make the 

 upper part appear paler and brighter in tone. The general tint of 

 Asiatic specimens varies a good deal in depth, but there are none so 

 pale as the same bird becomes in North Africa and Spain. There 

 are but three males in the British Museum collection other than 

 those from India or adjacent countries, but these can be separated 

 at a glance from the rest by the very pale vinous isabelline of their 

 upper parts. 



The colour of the forehead between the two black patches varies 

 from pure white, which is rare, to the same colour as the crown. 



Below the birds vary in purity of colour and extent of white on 

 the abdomen, but Asiatic and other specimens vary equally inter se 

 in this respect. 



Measurements. — Asiatic birds in the British Museum collection 

 average : Wing 7'30 inches ( = 185'4 mm.), tarsus '89 ( = 2'2'6 mm.), 

 and bill '43 ( = 10'9 mm.), and the three African birds, wing 7'81 

 ( = 198-3 mm.), tarsus f-OO ( — 254 mm.), and bill '50 ( = 12-7 mm.). 

 " Weight 8J ozs." {Lean.) 



" In the immature male the tips of the primaries, centre pair of 

 tail-feathers and some of the secondary-coverts and scapulars are 

 buff vermiculated with black." (Ogilvie Grant.) 



Adult Female. — Crown vinous-buff, each feather with a central 

 streak of black ; lores, supercilium and round the eyes grey, with fine 

 black striae ; chin, throat, fore-neck and sides of the head ochreous- 

 yellow, less vivid than the male and spotted with black, much so in 

 young birds, scantily so in those fully adult ; the yellow is produced 



