THE HELMETED GUINEA-FCWLS. 95 
length, 20 inches ; wing, 10's ; tail, 6°2; tarsus, 3°2; middle 
toe (with claw), 2°6. 
Range.—East Africa, extending northwards from the Zam- 
besi. It is also found in the Comoro Islands, Madagascar, 
Rodriguez, and other islands into which it has probably been 
introduced. 
Habits.—This species is pretty generally distributed all over 
Madagascar up to Beforona, but is most numerous along the 
coast-line, where they may be found in the early morning 
feeding among the ferns and brushwood on the outskirts of 
the forests. (och and £. Newton.) 
At Foule Point, according to Dr. Roch, this species is very 
common, and he obtained eggs in November, several coveys 
being observed between there and Nossi-bé. The natives 
often hunt them with dogs, and he was told that the birds, 
while endeavouring to conceal themselves from the latter, will 
allow themselves to be taken in the hand, rather than fly or 
run into the open. When “treed,” they will remain with their 
long necks stretched out in stupid astonishment, as long as the 
d gs continue yelping underneath, paying no regard to their 
dangerous pursuers, and thus affording an easy shot to the 
native sportsman. 
Eggs.— Much like those of the Common Guinea-Fowl, but 
the shells are marked nearly all over with small blotches and 
spots of pale light red or greyish-red. Average measurements 
of two eggs only, 1°9 by 1°4 inch. 
VIII]. THE ABYSSINIAN HELMETED GUINEA-FOWL, NUMIDA 
PTILORHYNCHA. 
Numida ptylorhyncha, Licht.; Less. Traité d’Orn. p. 498 (1831). 
Numida ptilorhyncha, Rupp. N. Wirbelth, p. 184 (1835-40) ; 
Gray, Gen. Birds, Wi: ps 501, “pli 228° (1345))-4 Elliot 
Monogr. Phasian. i. pl. 42 (1872); Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. 
B. pit. Mus. xxii. p. 379 (1893). 
