THE STILT-WALKERS. g 



when one approaches, he trails his wings, raises and spreads his tail like a Turkey-cock, humming 

 all the while. At this time the hen Florikin is generally to be found in lower ground and thicker 

 grass, and is flushed with difficulty, as she conceals herself at the first approach of danger. She lays 

 from two to four eggs in some sequestered spot, well hidden by the grass ; these are of a dull 

 olivaceous tint, more or less blotched, and covered with dark spots. Two females are said not 

 unfrequently to brood near each other. 



The Florikin has a steady flapping flight, which is not very rapid, and is seldom prolonged 

 to any considerable distance. When feeding, it is shy and wary, and will often rise at some distance, 

 but speedily takes refuge in a thick patch of grass, and may then be easily approached. It is usually 



THE TROCHILUS, OR CROCODILE WATCHER (//yas sEgyptuUlli). 



silent, but if suddenly startled rises with a shrill metallic ''chik, chik," which is occasionally repeated 

 during its flight. The food of the Florikin consists chiefly of insects, grasshoppers, beetles, and 

 caterpillars ; but it also eats small lizards, snakes, centipedes, and similar fare. According to 

 Hodgson, it often consumes seeds and sprouts, but Jerdon is of opinion that these are not taken by 

 choice, but swallowed with the insect diet. This bird is highly esteemed for the table, and by some 

 numbered amongst the most delicate of Indian game. In all parts of India, therefore, die Florikin 

 is eagerly sought for by sportsmen. It is frequently killed during a tiger-chase, and is occasionally 

 taken by the help of the Falcon. 



The COURSERS {Tac hydro mi), a group in many respects closely resembling the smaller species 

 of Otides, are slenderly-formed birds, with long legs, large, pointed wings, short tails, and a moderate- 

 sized delicate beak of about the same length as the head, in most instances slightiy curved, and 

 vol. iv. — 120 



