Food. 
328 CURSORES. OTIS. Great BustTarp. 
tard lives chiefly upon the various grasses, trefoils, &c.; it 
will also feed on seeds and grain, and is particularly fond of 
green corn and the tops of turnips, which last constitute its 
chief winter’s supply. It also eats worms, and has been 
known to devour mice and young birds, which are swallowed 
whole. The stomach is membranaceous, and able to contain 
a great quantity of food. 
The adult male of this species differs m its anatomical 
structure from the other sex, in ~possessing a pouch, situated 
down the fore part of the neck, capable of holding a consi- 
derable supply of water *, and having its entrance under the 
tongue. ‘This is considered as destined to the provident pur- 
pose of securing the bird from the effects of thirst in the ex- 
posed and dry situations it inhabits, or for the benefit of the 
female and young during the breeding season, which takes 
place at a time when little water is to be found upon their 
usual places of resort; but this latter supposition does not 
earry with it much probability, as the male is never seen in 
close company with the female bird, except previous to incu- 
bation. 
It 1s also supposed to make use of this reservoir as a de- 
fence against birds or animals of prey, by ejecting the water, 
by muscular compression, in the face of the enemy, and thus 
bafilmg pursuit. Although in a state of confinement, the 
bustard becomes tolerably tame to those who are in the habit 
of attending it; yet it displays at all times considerable fero- 
city towards strangers, and all attempts to continue the breed 
in that state have been without success. With respect to its 
habits in the wild state, it is so shy as seldom to be approach- 
ed within gun-shot; invariably selecting the centre of the 
largest inclosure, where it walks slowly about, or stands with 
the head reposing backwards upon the bare part of its neck, 
and frequently with one leg drawn up.—Upon being disturb- 
ed, so far from running in preference to flight (as has been 
* Monvracu mentions three or four quarts, which probably may be 
the utmost allowance; although other writers say as many as seven. 
