SANDGEOUSE 205 



such as yoirng larks, partridges, &c. The last-named diet 

 has earned for it the enmity of the sportsman, and although 

 the evidence of its feeding on young game birds seems con- 

 clusive enough, we are not prepared to state to what degree 

 this is developed. 



SANDGROUSE 



The Sandgrouse (Family Pteroclidse) are represented in 

 South Africa by four species falling under two genera. They 

 are characterised by a small beak devoid of a cere, and the 

 legs are feathered to the junction with the toes. 



There are three species of Pterocles which are immediately 

 distinguishable from the single member of the genus Ptero- 

 clurus by the tail-feathers being rounded, whereas the 

 latter bird has the two centre feathers pointed and projecting 

 beyond the other. They lay two or three eggs on the bare 

 ground, where the protective coloration of the eggs renders 

 them dif&cult of detection. 



The Variegated Sandgrouse {Pterocles variegatus), called 

 the Geele Patrijs (Yellow Partridge) by the Boers, can easily 

 be recognised by the small rounded spots of white which 

 adorn the back and breast. Length, 9| inches. 



It is not found South of the Orange River nor West of 

 the Western Transvaal. 



The Yellow-throated Sandgrouse (P. guUurdlis) the Nacht 

 Patrijs (Night Partridge) of the Boers, is without the white 

 spotting characteristic of the first species, but has the under 

 tail-coverts of a plaia dark chestnut, which renders it easily 

 recognisable from the following species which has the under 

 tail-coverts thickly barred with black. Length, 11 inches. 



This bird ranges from Little Namaqualand to the Central 

 Transvaal. 



