444 RASORES. OTIS. BUSTARD. 



The adult male of this species differs in its anatomical 

 structure from the other sex, in possessing a pouch, situated 

 down the fore part of the neck, capable of holding a consi- 

 derable supply of water,* and having its entrance under the 

 tongue. This is considered as destined to the provident pur- 

 pose of securing the bird from the effects of thirst in the ex- 

 posed and dry situations it inhabits, or for the benefit of the 

 female and young during the breeding season, which takes 

 place at a time when little water is to be found upon their 

 usual -places of resort ; but this latter supposition does not 

 carry with it much probability, as the male is never seen in 

 close company with the female bird, except previous to incu- 

 bation. 



It is also supposed to make use of this reservoir as a de- 

 fence against birds or animals of prey, by ejecting the water, 

 by muscular compression, in the face of the enemy, and thus 

 baffling pursuit. Although in a state of confinement, the 

 Bustard becomes tolerably tame to those who are in the ha- 

 bit of attending it ; yet it displays at all times considerable 

 ferocity towards strangers, and all attempts to continue the 

 breed in that state have been without success. With respect 

 to its habits in the wild state, it is so shy as seldom to be ap- 

 proached within gun-shot ; invariably selecting the centre of 

 the largest inclosure, where it walks slowly about, or stands 

 with the head reposing backwards upon the bare part of its 

 neck, and frequently with one leg drawn up. Upon being 

 disturbed, so far from running in preference to flight (as has 

 been often described), it rises upon wing with great facility, 

 and flies with much strength and swiftness, usually to ano- 

 ther haunt, which will sometimes be at the distance even of 

 six or seven miles. It has also been said, that, in former 

 days, when the species was of common occurrence, it was a 

 practice to run down the young birds (before they were able 

 to fly) with greyhounds, as affording excellent diversion. So 



* MONTAGU mentions three or four quarts, which probably may be the 

 utmost allowance ; although other writers say as many as seven. 



