KEEL-BREASTED BIRDS. 287 
markings. In the breeding-season the back of the head 
bears a crest. They breed in Carolina near the sea and 
in New Jersey in the cedar-swamps, returning to the same 
locality for successive years. They feed upon fish and 
various small water-animals. The Florida great white 
and green herons are all familiar American forms. The 
cattle-heron (Budulcus this), of Africa, follows herds of ele- 
phants and buffaloes for the purpose of obtaining the in- 
sects that infest them. ‘The American bittern (Botaurus 
minor) is found in all parts of temperate North America 
and as far south as Guatemala. They are nocturnal, 
feeding at night, and utter a strange, booming call or 
note. They are known to nest at Hudson’s Bay in June, 
the nests being formed in swamps, and containing four 
green eggs. 
VALUE.—Feathers, and as game. 
The Bustards (O#dide) of the Old World form, to 
some extent, a connecting link between the wading and 
scratching birds. 
Order VII. Scratching Birds (Galline). General 
Characteristics. — These land-birds are poor fliers, have 
short, stout bills, powerful feet for scratching, and the 
hind-toe generally elevated. The domestic fowl is a typi- 
cal form. 
Fic. 294.—Red-legged partridge (Perdix rubra) in full fight—a rapid flier. 
The Partridges (Perdicide) (Fig. 294) are small 
birds of compact form, with short beak, the nostrils pro- 
