BIRDS. 367 



the Israelites," yet the species still survives, and its grega- 

 rious and migratory character remains unchanged. 



One of the Grouse trihe the Capercaillie, or Cock of the 

 Woods (Tetrao urogallus), formerly existed both in Britain 

 and Ireland, but has, unhappily, been extirpated. This 

 splendid bird attained the size of a Turkey, and by some 

 writers is even spoken of as the Wild Turkey. Attempts for 

 its re-establishment are now being made, and with prospects 

 of success. It is found in Sweden and Norway, and other 

 parts of the north of Europe. 



Struthionidce. The Bustards are birds of rare occurrence. 

 The Great Bustard (Otis tarda) has long been extinct in both 

 Scotland and Ireland: in England it is spoken of rather as one 

 which had recently "a local habitation," than as one actually 

 indigenous at the present time. The Little Bustard (Otis 

 tetrax) is an occasional visitant. 



ORDER IV. GRALLATORES. WADING BIRDS. 



" No more thy glassy brook reflects the day, 

 But, chok'd with sedges, works its weedy way ; 

 Along thy glades, a solitary guest, 

 The hollow-sounding Bittern guards its nest : 

 Amidst thy desert walks the Lapwing flies, 

 And tires their echoes with unvary'd cries," 



GOLDSMITH'S DESERTED VILLAGE. 



THERE are some birds whose legs are so long that the body 

 seems as if mounted on a pair of stilts, and this peculiarity 

 is that which is expressed by the scientific name for the pre- 

 sent order Grallatores a Latin word, literally meaning 

 those who walk on stilts. The lower part of the leg is naked, 

 and from this circumstance, as well as from its length, is 

 especially adapted for wading. Hence, birds of the present 

 order are called " Waders." 



But although this term is very correct as applied to some, 

 it is altogether incorrect with regard to others: thus, the 

 Ostrich (Fig. 249), which lives remote from the sea, and from 

 the banks of rivers, is included; and birds which, like the 

 Plover, are not remarkable for great length of leg, are also 



