GREAT BUSTARD. FEMALE. 
The female Bustard differs considerably from the male in its propor- 
tions and weight, not being above half the size, and weighing from ten to 
twelve pounds ; a greater disproportion than has been remarked in any 
other species. 
There is likewise a difference in the plumage, the crown of the head is 
of a bright orange colour, marked with transverse dusky lines, the rest of 
the head is of a dull brown, the fore part of the neck ash colour; the hinder 
part and the rest of the plumage the same as that of the male, but not so 
brilliant. 
In the season of love, the male addresses the female by strutting round 
her, and spreading his tail like a fan. 
She does not prepare any nest, but only scrapes a hole in the ground, in 
the most retired part of some dry corn-field, in which she deposites two 
eggs, not quite so large as those of a goose, of a pale olive brown, marked 
with spots of a deeper shade, which she hatches after an incubation of 
thirty days. 
When sue leaves her eggs in quest of food, should any one during her 
absence, either touch or even breathe on them, she discovers it, and imme- 
diately abandons them. Klein remarks, that on the least appearance of 
danger, she will take her eggs under her wing, and transport them to a 
place of safety. 
1 hey aie particulaily attached to the place where they are bred ; and as 
the} seldom take wing but when they are closely pursued and absolutely 
forced to it, their greatest excursions never exceed twenty or thirty miles. 
Their flesh is excellent, that of the young ones remarkably delicate. 
