186 
THE BANDED SAND-GROUSE. 
particularly so in the strong bill, (which forms a 
marked contrast with the others, which are all com- 
paratively weak,) and approaches almost to the 
strength of that of the grouse, while the nostrils still 
remain uncovered. It is found in Spain and some 
of the southern provinces, and the north of Africa, 
frequenting, perhaps, more the Landes, where there 
is a greater proportion of herbage. The nest is 
made among loose stones or scanty herbage, and 
the eggs are only four or five in number. 
The next birds we have to describe are, if pos- 
sible, still more curious. In illustration of these, 
we have figured 
