86 THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



ticated both at the Cape and elsewhere, in order 

 to obtain its plumes regularly. No distinct breeds, 

 however, have as yet been formed. 

 DISTRIBUTION AND SPECIES. Africa and Arabia, in 

 open sandy tracts. Several local forms are de- 

 scribed, but it is doubtful if the differences are of 

 specific importance. The typical Stmthio camelus 

 is the North African race. 



DIAGNOSIS. Perching birds, with short hooked bill and 

 bristled or feathered toes not united by webs at the 

 base ; the fourth toe with a backward inclination. 



SIZE. From that of a sparrow to that of a hen turkey. 



FORM. Bill short, strong, hooked, with a cere at 

 base, corner of mouth extending to below eye ; 

 face broad, covered with bristly feathers, which 

 usually conceal the base of the bill, and usually 

 surrounded by a frill or ruff of small stiff feathers ; 

 feet strong, with medium or short shanks, usually 

 feathered, with four toes, all powerfully clawed, 

 the hind-toe smallest, the fourth or outer front 

 one always turned rather back, especially in 

 perching ; wings short to very long, rounded ; 

 tail medium or short ; head large, in many species 

 furnished with two crests, the so-called " horns " 

 or " ears " ; body light. 



PLUMAGE. Very soft, sombre in colour, usually grey 

 or brown, often finely variegated. No sexual 

 difference, and seldom a distinct young plumage ; 

 but the hens are usually larger, and there is much 

 individual variation, many species showing light 

 and dark, or grey and reddish, forms. 



YOUNG. Helpless and fed by parents, clad in very 



