THE TURKEYS. 



137 



THE THIRD SUB-FAMILY OF THE PHASIANID.E, OR TRUE PHEASANTS. 



THE GUINEA-FOWLS (Xm.udiiKc}. 



The Guinea-fowls are all natives of Africa and Madagascar. They are very similar in plumage, 

 being of a dark-grey colour, covered all over with round spots of white, generally larger on 

 the back and under-surface of the body. The outer quills are white in most of the species, 

 .and show conspicuously when the birds are flying. The head is ornamented with a helmet or horny 

 crest in some of the species, whilst others have lappets, and others naked reel skin on the face, which 

 gives them a handsome appearance, this being often enhanced by a tuft or top-knot on the crown. In 

 their habits, in a wild state, the Guinea-fowls are not unlike Pheasants, the female, on being disturbed, 



\ 



GUINEA-FOWL. 



flying off and leaving her little ones, who immediately conceal themselves of their own accord. They 

 are found in many parts of Africa in rocky localities amongst ravines and stony places. The flesh is 

 much appreciated for food. The voice of the Guinea-fowl is harsh, as any one must know who has 

 heard the peculiar call of the species. They are extremely shy, and when feeding in the open 

 will speedily scent danger, one first uttering his loud cry Come back ! and then running a little 

 way, quickly followed by the whole flock, which, after doubling a short distance, will make for the 

 nearest place of safety. 



THE FOURTH FAMILY OF THE GALLING, OR GAME BIRDS. 

 THE TURKEYS (Mclcagnda). 



By some writers the Turkeys are considered to belong to the Pheasants, of which they form a 

 sub-family, but it seems better to keep them as a distinct family, representing in America the 

 Phasianidse of the Old World. They are the largest of game-birds, and on that account have been 

 domesticated for a great length of time. Their English name of Turkey is supposed to have been 



