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Genus SYERHAPTES. 



Tetrao apud Pallas, Eeise Euss. Eeichs, ii. App. p. 712 (1773). 

 Syrrha/ptes, Illiger, Prodr. p. 243 (1811). 



Nematura apud Fischer, Mem. Soc. Nat. Mosc. iii. p. 271 (1812). 

 Heteroclitus apud Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. xiv. p. 453 (1817). 

 Pterocles apud Swainson, Classif. of B. ii. p. 343 (1837). 



In many respects the species belonging to the present genus closely resemble the true Sand- 

 Grouse, but they differ widely in the form of 'the foot, and in having the legs and toes closely 

 feathered to the claws. 



These birds inhabit the steppes of the Eastern Palsearctic Eegion, one species being found 

 as a rare and sporadic straggler in the Western Palsearctic Eegion. In habits these birds assi- 

 milate closely to the species belonging to the genus Pterocles. They are gregarious, frequently 

 consorting together in large flocks, and inhabit vast steppes and sand plains. Their flight is 

 extremely rapid ; and they make a peculiar whistling sound when flying. In the morning 

 and evening they resort to their regular drinking-places, which are frequently far distant from 

 their feeding-grounds. Their call-note is a somewhat melodious chuckle, which is often uttered 

 when they are on the wing. They feed on soft shoots, seeds, and berries of various kinds which 

 are found in the steppes. They do not construct any nest, but place their eggs in a depression 

 in the ground, usually depositing three buff eggs, marked with dark brown. The young birds 

 when hatched are covered with down, and are able to shift for themselves, like the young of 

 the Gallinse. 



Syrrhaptes paradoxus, the type of the genus, has the bill very small, straight, gradually 

 decurved from the base to the point, which, though obtuse, is sharp-edged; nostrils basal, 

 concealed by the frontal feathers; wings very long and pointed, the first quill longest, and 

 having the tip much elongated and attenuate; tail rather long, much graduated, the central 

 rectrices much elongated, and attenuated to fine points; legs short, closely feathered to the 

 toes, which are only separated close to the claws ; soles of the feet rugous ; claws stout, curved, 

 obtuse. 



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