Order XV. HEMIPODII. 



This order contains a group of birds resembling Quails in size 

 and appearance, and to a considerable extent in plumage, but 

 distinguished (so far, at least, as Indian forms are concerned) by 

 wanting the hallux and by having only the three anterior toes. 

 The Hemipodii differ in several important anatomical characters 

 from the G-allinse (see Huxley, P. Z. 8. 1868, p. 303). The 

 vertebrae are all free, whereas in both Grallinae and Pterocletes the 

 last cervical and anterior dorsals are always anchylosed in adults, 

 and the last dorsal is united with the lumbar vertebrae to form 

 the sacrum. The sternum of Hemipodii has a single deep notch, 

 about two-thirds of the whole length, on each side of the posterior 

 border, and the episternal process is incompletely perforated to 

 receive the inner ends of the coracoids. The palate is schizo- 

 gnathous, but the palatines, pterygoids, and basipterygoids are 

 Pluvialine rather than Gralline in form. The nasals are schizo- 

 rhinal. 



As in other three-toed birds, the deep plantar tendons in Turnix 

 unite and the combined tendon is divided to supply the three 

 anterior digits. The anibiens is present, and so are the other 

 muscles of the thigh, except the accessory femoro-caudal, which 

 is wanting. The left carotid only occurs in the genus Turnix. 

 In other characters members of this order resemble the Gallinae. 

 They are quincubital and possess a tufted oil-gland and 14 to 15 

 cervical vertebrae. The young are hatched covered with down, 

 which is marked with a coloured pattern, and they run as soon as 

 they leave the egg. 



This order contains two genera or generic groups Turnix, with 

 three toes, found throughout the warmer parts of the Old World, 

 including Australia ; and Pedionomus, with four toes, peculiar to 

 Australia, and classed by many writers in a distinct family. 



Family TURNICID^E. 



Genus TURNIX, Bonn., 1790. 



Bill moderate, somewhat slender, straight, compressed. Nostrils 

 elongate, horizontal, linear. Wings pointed, 1st quill generally 

 longest in Indian species. Tarsus moderate ; no hind toe, the three 

 anterior toes much longer in proportion in some species than in 

 others. 



None of the species are truly migratory, though, as with many 

 other resident birds, some species wander at particular seasons 

 into localities which they do not inhabit throughout the year. 



