OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS. 105 



Genus HOUBARA, or Ruffed Bustards. 



Type, HOUBAEA UNDULATA. 



Houbara, of Bonaparte (1831). The birds comprising the present genus 

 are distinguished by the various characters that have already been specified in 

 the account of the family ; and, in addition, they may be separated from the 

 members of the preceding genus (Otis) by having a ruff or feather shield on 

 the lower throat and fore neck overhanging the crop. 



This genus is composed of seven species, which are inhabitants of the Palse- 

 arctic, Ethiopian, Oriental, and Australian regions. 



The Buffed Bustards very closely resemble the typical Bustards, both in their 

 general habits and the country they inhabit. 



