THE BUSTARDS. 



OTIDES. 



THE Bustards somewhat resemble the 

 Gallinaceous Birds in external structure, 

 but they have a much longer leg and 

 neck. The tarsus and a portion of the 

 tibia are quite bare of feathers, and the 

 hind toe is entirely wanting. The front 

 toes are very short. 



The Bustards frequent large open plains 

 where they can have a good view all 

 round. They are extremely shy and 

 difficult to approach. A few species are 

 polygamous, and others pair together for 

 the nesting season. Some species lay 

 only one or two eggs ; others four. They 

 lay their eggs in a hollow on the ground. 

 The young are able to run soon after 

 they are hatched. 



The male Bustards have various orna- 

 mental tufts and plumes, and in some 

 species the females also assume them. 

 The males of some have a partial or 



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