OF THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 29 



over the vast plains. In summer they appear to be very fond of basking in the 

 sun in cavities scratched out of the sand, where they lie on their side and dust 

 themselves. Their flight is described as exceedingly rapid, their quickly-beating 

 long wings, which move very regularly and in a Plover-like manner, making a 

 whirring sound as they go. Upon rising they utter what is described as a 

 melodious chuckle ; but this note is often heard as they stand upon the ground. 

 Their short legs make them walk and run somewhat clumsily, with little steps, 

 the body swaying from side to side. The food of this bird is composed of 

 seeds and the tender shoots of plants growing on the steppes. After feeding they 

 repair very regularly to certain chosen spots to drink, salt-lakes or wells ; but fresh 

 water is said to be taken by preference. They are remarkably wary, and when once 

 flushed, never appear to alight again until they have carefully scrutinised the 

 selected spot by describing a circle over it. They are said to drink quickly, and to 

 fly for very long distances to the water, especially in the morning. In autumn 

 this bird appears to become even more gregarious, and it then forms into vast 

 flocks, which lead a more or less nomadic kind of life until the following spring, 

 apparently going but short distances from their summer quarters unless driven 

 away by snowstorms. During winter flocks of Sand-Grouse occasionally reach 

 Northern China ; and here, according to Swinhoe, the natives take them in clap 

 nets baited with small beans. 



Nidification. Whether this bird pairs for life or not is difficult to say, 

 but being so very Pigeon-like in its affinities it may probably do so. It is an early 

 breeder, and the eggs are said by Eadde to be laid in April : that naturalist, in 

 fact, took nests in April and saw the chicks by the middle of May. The nest is 

 nothing but a little hollow in the sand, with a few bits of grass or weed arranged 

 round the margin. Even this slight addition is often dispensed with. The eggs 

 are usually three, but sometimes four in number, very oval and Pigeon-like in 

 shape, but olive or brownish-buff in ground-colour, profusely spotted with dark 

 brown and underlying markings of grey. They are, on an average, 1'7 inch in 

 length by I'l inch in breadth. The female sits lightly, and soon flies from her 

 nest if threatened by danger, leaving the eggs to the concealment afforded by 

 their protective colour. The hot sun also assists largely in incubation, and as 

 soon as it is sufficiently high above the horizon to dispense its genial warmth 

 the nests are said to be left, and the parent birds to go off in pairs to feed and 

 drink. Incubation lasts a month, and the young, as soon as they are hatched, 

 are able to run and forage a good deal for themselves. Two broods are supposed 

 to be reared in the year. 



Diagnostic characters. Syrrhaptes, with the legs and toes feathered 

 to the claws, with no hind toe, with the first primary and the two central rectrices 

 finely pointed, and with a large black patch on the abdomen. The latter 

 characters are not so pronounced in the female or young. Length, 15 to 20 inches. 



