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.
[Illustration: SAND GROUSE.]
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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.