762 
BIRD-LIFE. 
birds. It is impossible to approach the sleeping pack on 
the darkest night, even when using the greatest precau¬ 
tion ; possibly owing to the wakefulness of some of the 
old birds placed on sentry. The slightest sign of pursuit 
will cause this bird to quit the district it inhabits; and 
though at all times, the breeding season excepted, it is 
apt to shift its quarters, it can scarcely be regarded either 
as a permanent resident or as a migrant; this may, 
however, be attributable to the enormous extent of its 
beat. In Eastern Europe its semi-migratory movements 
are pretty regular. • 
The Bustard generally walks with long, solemn strides, 
though able to use its legs to some purpose in time of 
need, for when wounded it can tire out the swiftest dog. 
When walking this bird carries its neck in the form of 
an S, and its body rather horizontally; as soon, however, 
as it discerns anything remarkable, the bearing becomes 
totally altered: the bird, stretching itself to its full 
height, looks double its former size. When satisfied 
with food, or sleepy, the Bustard very often lies down flat 
on the ground, by wdiich practice the lighter portions of 
its plumage not unfrequently become tinged to a brownish 
yellow. It has been said of Bustards, as also of Vultures, 
that they experience special difficulty in rising on the 
wing : close observation has, however, proved the contrary 
to be the case, for our present friend, on taking a short, 
powerful run, swings himself easily in the air, and glides 
away with a rushing sound, the motion of the wings not 
being very rapid. A flock of Bustards never fly in close 
company, each individual keeping some considerable 
distance from the others. When flying the body is carried 
horizontally, and the neck and legs stretched out to their 
full extent. The Bustard rarely flies at any great height 
