272 



VERTEBRATE ANIMALS. 



the Columbacei mainly by being less fully adapted for flight, 

 their bodies being much heavier, comparatively speaking, their 

 legs and feet stronger, and their wings shorter. They are also 

 generally polygamous, and the males usually possess " spurs," 

 and are more brilliantly colored than the females. 



FIG. 134. Easores. Bock-pigeon (Colwmba livid). 



The leading families of the Gallinaceous birds are : 1. The 

 Tetraonidce or Grouse family, comprising the true Grouse and 

 Black Game (Tetrao), the Ptarmigans (Lagopus), the Ruffed 

 Grouse (J3onasa), etc. 2. The Perdicidoe or Partridge family, 

 comprising the Partridges (Perdix), Quails ( Coturnix\ Vir- 

 ginian and Mountain Quails ( Ortyx), Crested Quails (LopTior- 

 tyx), etc. 3. The Phasianidce, or Pheasant family, comprising 

 the various Pheasants (Phasianus), the Domestic and Jungle 

 fowls (Gallus), the Turkeys (Meleagris), the Guinea-fowls 

 (Wumida), and the Pea-fowl (Pavo). 4. The Megapodidce, 

 or Mound-builders, comprising only some singular Australian 

 and Indian birds, which build enormous mounds, in which they 

 deposit their eggs. 5. The Cracidce, or Curassow family, 



