128 THE GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL 



such a close resemblance to the ground on which they rest. The young soon 

 after they are hatched follow their parents in quest of food. If the chicks are 

 menaced by danger the old birds often become very demonstrative, and keep up 

 an incessant chorus of shrill notes as they fly about the air above the head of the 

 intruder until he leaves them in peace. One brood only is reared in the year, and 

 the young and their parents keep together for some time after the former can fly. 



Diagnostic characters. Mgialitis, with the outer tail feather less 

 than a quarter of an inch shorter than the central ones, the scapulars the same 

 colour as the back, and the shaft only of the first primary white. Length, 

 6'5 inches. 



