SHORT- WINGED BIRDS. 



353. 



Curlew, for which at a distance it might be mistaken. It is a very 

 handsome bird when in full plumage ; around the neck runs a wide 

 collar of black, severed by a narrow and broad white marking. They 

 are abundant in Morocco and in the east of Europe. Their habits 

 are those of its predecessor. 



There are other varieties of Bustard, the most remarkable of which 

 is the Houbara, or Ruffed Bustard ( Otis Denhami\ distinguished by 

 its curious plumed ruffles. 



»~- ^Ei^M 



Fig. 143.— .Little Bustard. 



Brevipennes (Short-winged Birds). 



The Birds belonging to this family are distinguished from the rest 

 of the Grails by such decisive characteristics, that some naturalists have 

 proposed to include them in a separate group, to be called Cursores, 

 or runners ; an arrangement which has much in its favour, although 

 the simpler arrangement of Cuvier best suits our purpose. In certain 

 anatomical points, and especially in their habits, the Brevipennes 

 differ greatly from the other Grallatores. They have wings, it is true, 

 but they are so slightly developed that they are entirely unfit for 

 purposes of flight, and are only useful in accelerating the speed of 

 their limbs. On the other hand, their legs are long and powerful, 



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