BIRDS. ■ 81 



observed to crow, but uttered a strong hoarse cackle, resem- 

 bling that of a pheasant. This fine species is named by the 

 natives monaul, a term which we understand to signify the 

 bird of gold. Another species, native to the hills of Almo- 

 rah, has been more recently described by General Hard- 

 wicke.* • . 



A singular genus of the gallinaceous order is that consti- 

 tuted by the horned-pheasant {Pkas^ianus satyra of Vieillot). 

 It is now named Tragopan by Baron Cuvier ; and contains, 

 in addition to the species just mentioned, another nearly 

 allied' and equally gorgeous bird (figured by Mr. Gould under 

 the title of Tragopan Hastingsii), of which some beautiful 

 specimens, including the adult male, not previously known 

 to naturaUsts, were lately received at the Edinburgh Mu- 

 seum by Professor Jameson. Both species come from the 

 Nepaul country. 



Several species of the quail and partridge tribes inhabit 

 India ; but as there is nothing very marked or peculiar in 

 their history or habits, we shall merely mention the fact of 

 their occurrence. 



The bustard tribe (genus Otis, Linn.) forms in some re- 

 spects a connecting link between the gallinaceous birds and 

 those called GrallcB or waders, and they have accordingly 

 been located in either division, according to the pecuUar 

 views of different authors. Of the Indian species we shall 

 notice only the Passarage bustard {Ohs aurita of Latham), 

 which is figured in Mr. Forbes's Oriental Memoirs under the 

 erroneous name of ruffed-bustard, or Otts houbara. It is 

 of comparatively rare occurrence, and like its congeners is 

 of a wild disposition, inhabiting plains and open districts. 

 It is highly esteemed on account of the delicacy and fine 

 flavour of its flesh, and consequently bears a high price in 

 the Indian markets. In some districts it is called the black 

 florikan.t 



The golden plover ( Charadrius pluvialis) has been sup- 



* Linn. Trans., vol. xv. 



t Both se.xes of the eared-bastard are correctly figured by Sir Wm. 

 Jardine and Mr. Selhy in iheir Illustrations of Ornithology . — See plates 

 40 and 92 of that work. Two other species XOtis Himalayaniis &ni Otis 

 nigriceps) are figured by Mr. Gould. 



