GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 22-J 



and on examinarion proved to be a male. The Javanese rear this species on rice and small grass- 

 hoppers, and train both sexes to fight for their entertainment. 



THE AFRICAN BUSH QUAIL. 



The African Bush Quail (Ttirnix Afrkanus, or T. Gibraltariensis), one of the largest 

 members of the group, is about six inches long ; the sexes resemble each other in the coloration of 

 their plumage, but the female is of much greater size, and fully one-third heavier than her mate. The 

 dark brown head of the male is enlivened by three yellow streaks, and the back marked with irregular 

 black and brown zigzag lines ; the feathers of the wing-covers are yellow, with a black spot on the 

 outer and a reddish yellow spot on the inner web ; the throat is white, and the region of the crop 

 reddish brown, each feather being edged with a lighter tint ; the sides are reddish bro^-n, with a few 

 dark spots, and shade gradually into the pure white that covers the belly ; the outer webs of the quills 

 have light edges ; the eye is yellow, the beak yellowish, and the foot lead-grey. 



This species is found in many parts of Sicily and Spain, and stragglers are sometimes seen in 

 the plains of Languedoc ; it is met with also in the north of Africa, especially among the thickets 

 and dwarf palms of Mount Atlas. Tristram informs us that a nest found in Algeria was most 

 carefully concealed in thick bushes, and contained several eggs, slightly spotted, and of a purplish 

 blue shade. 



THE COLLARED PLAIlf-WANDERER. 



The Collared Plain-Wanderer (^Pedionomus torquatus) has the foot furnished with four toes. 

 The beak, which almost equals the head in length, is straight and compressed at its tip ; the wings are 

 short and shell-shaped, with the first, second, and third quills of equal size ; the tail is short, the 

 tarsus long, and the hinder toe placed high. In this species the top of the head is reddish brown, 

 spotted with black ; the brow and sides of the neck are light fawn-colour, dotted with black ; the 

 broad white band on the throat also shows black spots ; the mantle-feathers are reddish brown, striped 

 with black, and edged with reddish yellow ; the middle breast is red, the rest of the under side fawn- 

 colour, each of the feathers being marked like those on the back, whilst thosd at the sides exhibit 

 broad irregular black spots ; the tail-feathers are striped with blackish brown. The eye is straw- 

 colour, the beak yellow, with black tip, and the foot greenish yellow. The male is four inches and a 

 half long, and his wing three inches and a quarter, whilst his mate, who also surpasses him in the 

 beauty of her markings, is not less than seven inches long ; her wing measures three inches and a half, 

 and the tail of both sexes one inch and a quarter. 



" The structure of this singular little bird," says Gould, "is peculiarly well adapted for inhabiting 

 the arid and extensive plains that characterise the eastern portion of Australia. The lengthened and 

 courser-like legs of the Collared Plain-Wanderer are admirably suited for running, while its short, 

 round wings are as little fitted fdr extensive flight. Its general contour suggests the idea of a 

 diminutive Bustard. On its native; plains this bird has many singular habits, particularly that of 

 secreting itself among the scanty herbage, or of remaining quiet on the bare ground until it is nearly 

 trodden upon before it will rise, and when it does take wing its flight is more contracted than that of 

 any other bird with which I am acquainted." Sir George Grey States that these birds are migi-atory ; 

 appearing at Adelaide in June, and disappearing about January, ^^'hile running about they are in 

 the habit of raising themselves in a nearly perpendicular position on the extremities of their toes, so 

 that the hinder part of the foot does not touch the ground, and of taking a wide sur^'ey around them. 



"While in confinement," says the same observer, "these birds eat pounded wheat, raw boiled 

 rice, bread, and flies ; the latter appear to be their favourite food. They soon become perfectly tame. 

 The three in our possession we have had for upwards of four months. The call of those we have in 



