GREAT BUSTARD 



PLATE CXLVI. 

 Otis tarda, .... PENNANT. MONTAGU. 



THIS species, formerly common in England, has been 

 gradually exterminated as far as this country is con- 

 cerned. 



The eggs are laid in a hollow scraped on the bare 

 earth. "It is said that the Great Bustard will forsake 

 her nest, if only once driven from it by apprehension of 

 danger ; but when the eggs are laid, and still more when 

 the young are produced, it is only repeated meddling with 

 them that will induce the parents to forsake them." 



The eggs, two to three in number, are of an olive 

 greenish-brown colour, blotted with pale ferruginous and 

 ash-coloured spots. 



