GREAT BUSTARD. 



OTIS TARDA, Linn. 



Otis tarda, Linn. S. N. i. p. 264 (1766) ; Naum. vii. p. 12 ; 

 Macg. iv. p. 30; Hewitson, i. p. 285 ; Yarr. ed. 4, iii. 

 p. 193; Dresser, vii. p. 369. 



Outarde barbue, French ; Trappe, German ; Abutarda, 

 Spanish. 



To those interested in the history of British Birds it 

 is superfluous to state that this fine species, which was 

 formerly resident and well known in certain counties of 

 England, and, at least in one district, in Scotland, is 

 now an exceptional and uncommon straggler to this 

 country, wherein there are but few tracts remaining in 

 a condition to suit its habits and tastes. Open country, 

 without trees or fences, a dry hght soil, and freedom 

 from human disturbance, are essential to the continued 

 stay of this bird ; and although there are still a few 

 localities in England that afford the natural conditions 

 just mentioned, our swarming population, its industries, 

 traffic, recreations, and facilities of locomotion leave but 



