THE BUSTAED. 381 



the Turtle Dove ; the ground of its plumage is of a yellow colour, 

 speckled over with brown spots. In winter it is always numerously 

 represented in our markets : this is occasioned by the ease with 

 which it can be either shot or netted. 



The PLUVIAN may be considered as belonging to the Plovers, 

 as the difference between them is altogether insignificant. We 

 wish to mention it on account of its very curious habits, to 

 which we previously called attention when speaking of Reptiles. 

 This bird is a native of Egypt and Senegal, and has con- 

 cluded a friendly treaty with the Crocodiles of the Nile, which 

 must force itself on the meditations of philosophers. The Pluvian 

 does the Crocodile the service of picking the latter's teeth. This 

 assistance rendered by the little bird to the terrible reptile of the 

 Nile is really rather touching, and has somewhat the appearance 

 of having inspired La Fontaine with his fable of the " Lion and 

 the Mouse." 



The BUSTARDS (Otis) are allied to the Gallinacece, by their short 

 back, their thick- set shape, and the general character of their habits ; 

 but their elongated tarsi, and their legs partly bare, give them a 

 position among the Grallce. They have short toes, and no back 

 toe ; they run with extreme rapidity, assisted by their wings. 

 Their flight is heavy and awkward. They frequent dry and open 

 plains, and make their nests on the ground. Their food con- 

 sists of worms, insects, grasses, and even seeds ; and they move 

 about in large droves, although their range is rather restricted. 

 The male birds being less numerous than the females, they are 

 generally polygamous. These birds are shy and timid, and their 

 flesh constitutes an excellent article of food. 



There are three species of the Bustard the Great Bustard, 

 the Little Bustard (Fig. 152), and the Oubara Bustard 

 (0. Denhami). 



The Great Bustard ( Otis tarda) is the largest of all European 

 birds ; its weight sometimes attains to sixteen kilogrammes. It is 

 yellow on the back, with black streaks, and in front it is a greyish 

 white. The head of the male bird is ornamented on both sides with 

 curled feathers, which look something like moustaches, and have 

 obtained for it the name of the Bearded Bustard. It flies with 

 great difficulty, and will never make up its mind to take wing 



