S82 THICK-KNEED BUSTARD. Class II. 



eat toads; and Gesner says they will catch 

 mice, which is confirmed by Hasselquist. 



They make a most piercing shrill noise, which 

 they begin in the evening ; and are so loud, as 

 to be heard nearly a mile in a still night. They 

 inhabit fallow lands and downs ; affect dry 

 places, never being seen near any waters. 

 When they fly, they extend their legs straight 

 out behind ; are very shy birds ; run far before 

 they take to wing ; and often squat : are gene- 

 rally seen single, and are esteemed very delicate 

 food. In habit, make, and manners, these 

 birds approach near to the Bustard. We have 

 therefore removed them into this genus, from 

 that of Plovers. 



They are migratory : appear in England 

 about the middle of April, and retire in autumn. 



