Of a living pair purchased by Dr. Bennett, he says: "They would nibble into minute bits the seeds of loquats, almonds, and hempseed, with the same action as a Parrot when feeding. When I first had them, boiled potatoes and bread formed their diet; the former, being soft, were torn and swallowed in large pieces, but the latter they placed under their feet and tore with their hooked beak into small bits. It was supposed that these birds never drink water; this I soon found to be incorrect. They invariably feed in the light, but will not take food if any one be present. They run with great rapidity, elongating the body and depressing the head, and in the action of running resemble Grouse."
Another specimen, purchased at a high price by Dr. Bennett, was presented by him to the Zoological Gardens, London, where it lived for several months. Its skin is now in the British Museum. Of this bird Dr. Bennett says that, while in his possession, "it never became domesticated, nor evinced the slightest attachment to the lady who fed it; it was the same to her as to strangers." Dr. Bennett does not consider the Didunculus a bird which could be readily reconciled to captivity; "for some time it would be comparatively tame, and then, without any apparent cause to account for the change, it would become very wild." Walpole says that the Didunculus makes its nest on the ground, and that both parents incubate the eggs.
TRUE GALLINACEOUS BIRDS.
The TRUE GALLINACEOUS BIRDS are so named because they present a general resemblance, both in their structure and habits, to our common Barn-door Fowls. They are usually of a moderate or rather large size, and of a stout and somewhat heavy build. They have a small head, often partially or wholly denuded of feathers, and a bill of moderate length, of which the upper mandible is distinctly arched and overhangs the lower, both at the tip and along the margins. As they are all essentially terrestrial in their habits, their legs are always strong and well-developed. The tarsi are stout, and very commonly armed with a spur, or even with two or more such weapons, which are especially developed in the males. The toes are three in front and one behind, the latter being usually small and slightly elevated on the back of the tarsus, but sometimes more elongated, and then placed upon the same level as the other toes, so as to be efficient in grasping. The anterior toes are not very long, but stout, and often united by webs at their base; they are armed with strong, but rather blunt nails, which are of great use in scratching up the ground in search of food—a habit common to most of the species, from which, indeed, many ornithologists give them the name of RASORES, or SCRAPERS. The feathers of the legs are continued down to the articulation of the tarsus, and sometimes extend beyond this point, even to the extremities of the toes. The wings are generally short and weak in comparison with the weight of the body, so that they fly heavily and only to short distances. Their plumage is firm and often adorned with brilliant colours, and parts of it, especially in the males, are frequently developed to an extraordinary extent, sometimes giving them a grotesque appearance. The feathers are remarkable for the great development of the accessory plumules springing from the base of the stem at its junction with the quill.
The members of this order are spread over all parts of the world, but the finest species are inhabitants of the warmer regions. The Gallinæ may be generally described as being the order more especially set apart by their great Creator for the service of man. Hence they are more easily domesticated than any other birds; their flesh is the most palatable, and their fecundity the greatest. They live almost entirely on the ground, which consequently affords them their chief nourishment in the seeds and grains of different plants. Their flesh and eggs are universally wholesome and very nutritious, while their feathers are employed for a variety of uses. They are peculiarly attentive to their offspring; and that the increase should keep pace with the wants of man, they are much more prolific than ordinary birds. They are social, live in societies, and are polygamous. They prefer escaping from danger by running, and only take to flight when compelled by necessity. They are fond of rolling in the dust; some nestle on the ground and live only on plains, while others reside in forests, and always make their nests on trees. The young are usually able to run as soon as they leave the egg, but at night, or on the approach of danger, they shelter themselves under the wing of their mother.
SAND GROUSE.
The SAND GROUSE (Pteroclæ) differ in so many essential particulars from allied groups as to make it necessary to regard them, not merely as forming a family, but a distinct tribe of birds, the peculiarity of whose habits, movements, and plumage render them eminently fit to enjoy life in the desert places and sandy wastes which they frequent. The principal characteristics of the Pteroclæ or Sand Grouse, are a short body, much-arched breast, neck of moderate length, and small, delicate head. The beak is short, slightly arched at its culmen, and compressed at its sides in such a manner as to make it almost round; the lower mandible becomes thicker towards its tip, the nostrils, situated at the base of the bill, and concealed by the feathers on the brow, are open above, and partially covered by a skin. The tarsi and toes are small, the latter in some species connected by a skin as far as the first joint; the hinder toe is very slightly developed or entirely wanting. The claws are short, slightly bent, blunt, and broad; the bones supporting the wings are comparatively short, but the quills very long; the tail is formed of from fourteen to eighteen feathers, and is usually either rounded or wedge-shaped at its extremity; in some species, however, the two centre feathers are of considerable length. The plumage, composed of short, broad, rounded, and very stiff feathers, has a smooth appearance, although in reality it is somewhat lax, and its coloration is such as best accords with the earth or sand of the localities these birds are intended to occupy. The sexes usually differ in the coloration of their plumage; the young at first resemble the mother, but very soon attain their adult garb. The Pteroclæ are only met with in the Eastern Hemisphere, and are particularly numerous in Africa, whilst in Europe, owing to the small extent of their favourite barren tracts, they are comparatively rare. Africa and Asia have their distinct species, which usually remain throughout the entire year in their native lands; owing, however, to their great power of wing, they are capable of flying to a considerable distance, and often make their appearance in countries very remote from each other. One species alone migrates annually.