66 



Suborder ALECTOEOPODES. 



The inner posterior notch on each side is more than half the 

 length of the sternum. The hallux (hind toe) is raised above the 

 level of the other toes and is short, its basal phalanx being shorter 

 than that of the third or middle toe. 



In Mr. Grant's British Museum Catalogue, as in Prof. Huxley's 

 paper already quoted, this suborder is divided into two families 

 the Tetraonidce or Grouse, distinguished by having the nostrils 

 and tarsi feathered and the toes feathered or pectinate; and the 

 Phqsianidce, with those parts naked. The latter are well repre- 

 sented in India, the Grouse being found only in the northern 

 parts of both hemispheres. It is doubtful whether the differences 

 between the two groups are sufficient to justify their distinction 

 as families. 



Family PHASIAN1BJE. 



Nostrils naked. Tarsi naked (except in Leriva), and often 

 armed with spurs, especially in males ; toes naked, not pectinate. 



It is very difficult to divide the Indian members of this family, 

 for although Peafowl, Pheasants, Partridges, and Quails are easily 

 distinguished, there are intermediate forms that are difficult to 

 classify in distinct subfamilies. The generic distinctions are largely 

 founded on characters peculiar to the males. 



Key to tJie Genera. 



a. First primary considerably shorter than 10th 



(except in Phasianus in which the wing is 



always much shorter than the tail) ; sexes 



generally very different. (Phasiunince.} 



a . Upper tail-coverts in males exceed tail in 



length : an erect occipital crest PAVO, p. C8. 



I'. Upper tail-coverts shorter than tail. 



a". Secondaries much longer than pri- 

 maries ABGUSIANUS, p. 71. 



I". Secondaries not exceeding or only just 



exceeding primaries. 

 a?. An elevated fleshy comb on head of 



male , . GALLUS, p. 74. 



Z 3 . No comb. 



4 . Tail longer than wing in both sexes, 

 much longer in males and much 

 graduated. 

 */ Tail-feathers 20-24, with round 



metallic ocelli POLYPLECTRUM, p. 72. 



