27 



elating 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. 



COUESEE, CEEAM-COLOUEED. 



SWIFTFOOT. 

 CURSOUIUS ISABELLINTJS, 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. 



