THE SOUTH AMERICAN PARTRIDGES. 



393 



distinction between them is the absence of the back toe. It fre [iients 

 sandy districts and plains covered with high grass. It runs very 

 swiftly, and but rarely flies. Having alighted after being flushed, it 

 stubbornly persists in remaining on the ground, and prefers being 

 caught to making a fresh attempt at escape on the wing. Its flesh 

 is excellent. 



A European species, the Turnix tachydroma (rapid runner), 

 Fig. 153, inhabits Sicily, the south of Spain, and the north of Africa. 



:. 



Fig. 153. Turnix tachydroma. 



TlNAMID^E. 



All the birds of this family belong to South America. They 

 are the representatives of the Partridge on that continent. Their 

 essential characteristics are a slender and medium-sized beak ; tarsi 

 rather long, and provided with nodosities ; the back toe either very 

 short or altogether wanting, at all events, no use in walking can 

 be made of it from its elevated position ; the wings and tail short, 

 the latter sometimes deficient. 



This family comprises four genera, all very closely allied to one 

 another ; these are the Tinamou, the Nothura, the Rhyncotx, and 

 the Eudroma. We shall confine our remarks to their nature and 

 characteristics. 

 87* 



