20 THE GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL 



singularly interesting species. What little we do know has 

 mostly been obtained by the Russian naturalists and travellers. 

 This Sand Grouse appears to be more or less a migratory species, 

 a nomadic migrant, being driven from the vast steppes where it 

 spends the summer by excessive cold and snow. They are 

 apparently early birds of passage, for Radde states that they 

 arrived at their breeding grounds before the end of March, during 

 very cold weather, the thermometer reaching nearly thirty 

 degrees below zero at night. A month later they were nesting. 

 All through the year this bird appears to be more or less gregarious, 

 and to breed in colonies which are scattered here and there over 

 the vast plains. In summer they appear to be very fond of 

 basking in the sun in cavities scratched out of the sand, where 

 they lie on their side and dust themselves. Their flight is 

 described as exceedingly rapid, their quickly-beating long wings^ 

 making a whirring sound as they go. Upon rising they utter 

 what is described as a melodious chuckle ; but this note is often 

 heard as they stand upon the ground. Their short legs make 

 them walk and run somewhat clumsily, with little steps, and the 

 body swaying from side to side. The food of this bird is com- 

 posed of seeds and the tender shoots of plants growing on the 

 steppes. After feeding they repair very regularly to certain 

 chosen spots to drink, salt lakes or wells, but fresh water is said 

 to be taken by preference. They are remarkably wary, and when 

 once flushed, never appear to alight again until they have care- 

 fully scrutinised the selected spot by describing a circle over it. 

 They are said to drink quickly, and to fly for very long distances- 

 to the water, especially in the morning. In autumn this bird 

 appears to become even more gregarious, and it then forms into 

 vast flocks, which lead a more or less nomadic kind of life until the 

 following spring, apparently going but short distances from their 

 summer quarters, unless driven away by snowstorms. During 

 winter flocks of Sand Grouse occasionally reach Northern China, 

 and here, according to Swinhoe, the natives take them in clap 

 nets baited with small beans. 



Nidification. — Whether this bird pairs for life or not is diffi- 

 cult to say, but being so very Pigeon-like in its affinities it may 

 possibly do so. It is an early breeder, and the eggs are said b.v 



