OLIGOCENE PERIOD 151 



on their last legs — competing with the waders of more up- 

 to-date structure (PalcBolodus). Rails had been for some 

 time in existence ; and cranes — ^represented by primitive 

 forms in the Eocene — were now much as their modern 

 brethren. 



Redshanks (Totanus), stilts (Himantopus) and other birds 

 of plover relationship (Camascelus) haunted seaside and 

 inland swamps and marshes. Here too were primitive ducks 

 grubbing and quacking {Anas). 



Over grassy and sandy plains bustards were to be seen 

 and sandgrouse (Otis, Pterocles). Partridges also were abroad, 

 rid of strong affinities with turkeys and guinea-fowl {Palceo- 

 ■perdix). Pheasants running about the woods attested another 

 divergence from a long-confused game fraternity (Phasianus). 

 Parrots, of unknown origin, were holding discourse in leafy re- 

 treats (Psittacus), and the notes of pigeon were also to be heard 

 (Columba). The sylvan scenes were further enhvened by 

 hoopoes, trogons, and crossbills {Limnatornis, Trogon, Loxia). 

 Woodpeckers — already distinguishable in the Eocene — had 

 become modernised : and crows and shrikes had emerged 

 from some unknown prior states of mixed affinities (Corvus, 

 Lanius). New songsters too had appeared : and thrushes 

 and finches were adding their notes to the music of the 

 woods. 



Their music, it is to be feared, did little to soothe the 

 savage breasts of the birds of prey. Various forms of these 

 disturbers of the peace were certainly on the scene. Not 

 only were birds abroad well advanced to becoming eagles 

 {Palceohierax), but true eagles were also on the wing (Aquila). 

 Kites, too, were about (Milvus), and buzzards (Buteo). 

 Whilst these various feathery cannibals carried on, it may be 

 supposed, their depredations in the daylight, no little 

 destruction was doubtless caused in the " stilly hours " by 

 the owls. These nocturnal hunters were more varied than in 

 Eocene times, and included forerunners of the Screeching Owl 

 (Strix). Secretary vultures were also in existence (Serpen- 

 tarius). These may have preferred reptiles and insects to 

 other means of regalement. 



The remains of vast numbers of OUgocene insects have insects 



