SIX MONTHS’ BIRD COLLECTING IN EGYPT. 181 
‘of the head and neck. I could not reconcile them, and I 
suspect that the recent subdivision of Turtur auritus may 
before long be followed by a subdivision of 7. senegalensis. 
126, SINGED SAND-GROUSE, Pterocles exustus, Tem. ; 
“ Gutta.” 
This species, which rejoices in the name of the Singed 
Sand-Grouse, is better known to the English as the “ Desert 
Partridge.” As a fine sporting bird and very fair eating, 
it finds favour with the sportsman in a country where there 
is so little game as Egypt. Unfortunately it is not very 
common, and so local that it is quite a lucky chance to meet 
with it; yet by dint of working for them I succeeded in 
shooting a good many at different places, notably at Beni- 
souef, (close to the town) Gow-El-Kebir, Manfalout, and 
Biba, and did not find them difficult to bring down if one 
could get near them ; but besides being local, they have the 
additional bad quality of being very shy, so that one is first 
made aware of their presence by their oft repeated “gutté 
giutté,” as they are scudding away far out of shot. I believe 
this cry is never uttered on the ground. The specific name of 
one of the Algerian Sandgrouse (much more beautiful than 
either of the Egyptian) P. alchata, is derived from the native 
name which expresses the note. Inthe middle of April I 
noticed that they had become much more silent. Doubt- 
less they had to think of the important duty of incubation. 
I apprehend that they continue to be gregarious when 
nesting, as they were seen in flocks at the Faioum in 
June. They are restless birds; seldom still, and seldom 
silent. We generally saw them in coveys of about fifteen, 
flying very high and very straight, to or from the water in 
the early morning. 
It is said that regularly at break of day they go to drink, 
Afterwards they spend the noon, some in the desert, and 
