OP THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 105 



Genus HOUBARA, or Ruffed Bustards. 



Type, HOUBAEA UNDULATA. 



Houbara, of Bonaparte (1831). — The birds comprising the present genus 

 are distinguished by the various characters that have already been specified in 

 the account of the family ; and, in addition, they may be separated from the 

 members of the preceding genus (Otis) by having a ruff or feather shield on 

 the lower throat and fore neck overhanging the crop. 



This genus is composed of seven species, which are inhabitants of the Palse- 

 arctic, Ethiopian, Oriental, and Australian regions. 



The Euffed Bustards very closely resemble the typical Bustards, both in their 

 general habits and the country they inhabit. 



