GREAT BUSTARD. 151 



GREAT BUSTARD. 



PLATE CXLVI. 

 Otis tarda, PENNANT. MONTAGU. 



rilHE bare earth is laid upon by this species. '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 in number, are of an olive brown 

 colour, blotted with pale ferruginous and ash-coloured 

 spots. 



One variety is of a greyish green, with blots of 

 brownish red and darker grey. 



A second is of a light dull greyish green, with 

 some dull spots of the same, and faint streaks and 

 marks. 



A third is of a darkish grey-brown, with some 

 large blots of a darker brown. 



