50 British Birds with their Nests and Eggs. 



usual interpretation of the scientific name Otis tarda, which does not, as frequently 

 imagined, mean tardy or slow, but is derived from the Celtic or Basque name of 

 the species. 



The plumage of the male Bustard is pale chestnut above, barred transversely 

 with black ; the tail feathers are tipped with white. The neck is rich chestnut ; 

 all the under parts of the body are white. The head and upper part of the neck 

 are pale grej-. The neck in front is covered with long tawny feathers, which 

 become thick lower down and form a distinct band of rich chestnut. On either 

 side of the chin of the male extends a tuft of bristly feathers seven inches long, 

 giving a remarkable appearance to the adult bird. The length of the male is 

 fortj^-five inches. The female is much smaller, being only thirty-six inches ; she 

 is destitute of the plumes from the chin, and does not possess the ruddy band 

 across the lower part of the neck. The young, up to a month old, are covered 

 with pale bufif coloured down, barred upon the sides, wings, and back, with black. 



Family— O TIDID^. 



The Little Bustard. 



Otis tetrax, LiXN. 



UNLIKE the Great Bustard, which was formerly an habitual resident in 

 Englaud and Ireland, the Little Bustard has always becu regarded as a 

 rare and occasional visitor to this country, appearing only in its winter plumage. 

 Its natural habitat being the southern portions of Europe, the adjacent parts of 

 Africa and Asia, as far to the east as India. In its general habits, mode of 

 nesting and feeding, it closely resembles the Great Bustard; although in winter 

 the birds congregate in large flocks, and are very difficult to approach or obtain, except 

 by driving, which is very uncertain as, when approached, they rise at once into 



