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[Illustration: _Plate 31. Cassell's Book of Birds_
PAINTED SPUR-FOWL____GALLOPERDIX LUNULOSA
(_one half Nat. size_)]
CASSELL'S
BOOK OF BIRDS.
_FROM THE TEXT OF DR. BREHM._
BY
THOMAS RYMER JONES, F.R.S.,
PROFESSOR OF NATURAL HISTORY AND COMPARATIVE ANATOMY
IN KING'S COLLEGE, LONDON.
WITH UPWARDS OF
Four Hundred Engravings, and a Series of Coloured Plates.
_IN FOUR VOLUMES._
VOL. IV.
CASSELL, PETTER, & GALPIN,
LONDON, PARIS, AND NEW YORK.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
THE STILT-WALKERS (_Grallatores_).
THE BUSTARDS (_Otides_):--The Great Bustard--The Little
Bustard--The Houbaras--The Indian Houbara--The African
Ruffled Bustard--The Florikin 1-9
THE COURSERS (_Tachydromi_):--The Cream-coloured Courser--The
Trochilus, or Crocodile Watcher--The Pratincoles, or
Swallow-winged Waders--The Collared Pratincole 9-14
THE THICK-KNEES (_Œdicnemi_):--The Common Thick-knee,
or Stone Curlew 14, 15
THE PLOVERS (_Charadrii_):--The Golden Plover--The Ringed
Plover--The Dotted Plovers--The Dotted Plover, or Dotterel--The
Shore Plovers--The Little Shore Plover, or Little Ringed
Plover--The Lapwings, or Peewits--The Peewit, or Lapwing--The
Spur-winged Lapwing--The Lappeted Peewit--The Turnstone--The
Pied Oyster-catcher, or Sea Pie 15-29
THE SNIPES (_Limicolæ_):--The True Snipes--The Woodcock--The
Marsh Snipes--The Common Snipe--The Moor Snipes--The Jack
Snipe 29-35
THE SANDPIPERS (_Tringæ_):--The Curlew Sandpipers--The Pigmy
Curlew Sandpiper--The Sanderling--The Mud Sandpiper--The
Dwarf Sandpiper--The Ruff 35-42
THE PHALAROPES (_Phalaropi_):--The Hyperborean Phalarope--The
Red Phalarope 42-44
THE LONGSHANKS (_Totani_) 44, 45
THE TRUE SANDPIPERS (_Actitis_):--The Common Sandpiper--The
Greenshank 45-47
THE GODWITS (_Limosa_):--The Red or Bar-tailed Godwit--The
Black-winged Stilt 47-50
THE SCOOPING AVOCETS (_Recurvirostræ_):--The Scooping Avocet 50, 51
THE CURLEWS (_Numenii_):--The Great Curlew, or Whaap--The
Hard-billed Waders--The Ibises--The Falcinels--The Glossy
Ibis--The Scarlet Ibis--The White, Egyptian, or
Sacred Ibis 51-58
THE SPOONBILLS (_Plataleæ_):--The Common Spoonbill. The
BOAT-BILLS (_Cancromata_):--The Whale-headed Stork, or
Shoe-beak--The Savaku, or Boat-bill--The Hammer-head, or
Shadow Bird 58-63
THE STORKS (_Ciconiæ_):--The Tantali--The Ibis-like Tantalus--The
True Storks--The White or House Stork--The Simbil--The Senegal
Jabiru--The Jabiru 63-74
THE ADJUTANTS, ARGALAS, OR MARABOUS (_Leptoptilos_) The African
Marabou--The Indian Adjutant, or Argala 74, 75
THE CLAPPER-BILLED STORKS, OR SHELL-EATERS (_Anastomus_):--The
African Clapper-bill, or Shell-eater 75,76
THE HERONS (_Ardeæ_):--The Common Heron--The Giant Heron. The
WHITE HERONS (_Herodias_):--The Great White Heron--The Lesser
Egret--The Cattle Heron--The Night Heron 76-83
THE BITTERNS (_Ardetta_):--The Little Bittern--The Common
Bittern--The Sun Bittern, or Peacock Heron 83-87
THE MARSH-WADERS (_Paludicolæ_). The CRANES (_Grues_):--The
Common Crane--The Demoiselle, or Numidian Crane. The AFRICAN
CROWNED CRANES (_Balearica_):--The Crowned African or Peacock
Crane. The FIELD STORKS (_Arvicolæ_). The SNAKE CRANES
(_Dicholophus_):--The Brazilian Cariama, or Crested Screamer 87-94
THE TRUMPETERS (_Psophia_):--The Agami, or Gold-breasted
Trumpeter. The SCREAMERS (_Palamedeæ_):--The Aniuma, or
Horned Screamer--The Chauna, or Tschaja 94-98
THE RAILS (_Ralli_). The SNIPE RAILS (_Rhynchæa_):--The Golden
Rail, or Painted Cape Snipe--The Water Rail--The ARAMIDES
(_Aramides_):--The Serrakura--The Land Rail, or Corn Crake.
The JACANAS (_Parræ_):--The Chilian Jacana--The Chinese
Jacana 98-103
THE WATER-HENS (_Gallinulæ_). The GALLINULES (_Porphyrio_):--The
Hyacinthine Porphyrio--The Purple Gallinule. The WATER-HENS
(_Stagnicola_):--The Common Gallinule, or Moor-hen 103-110
THE COOTS (_Fulica_):--The Common Coot--The Finfoots--The
Surinam Finfoot, or Picapare 110-113
THE SWIMMERS (_Natatores_).
THE SIEVE BEAKS (_Lamellirostres_). The FLAMINGOES
(_Phœnicopteri_). The SWANS (_Cygni_):--The Mute Swan--The
Whistling Swan--Bewick's Swan--The Black-necked Swan--The
Black Swan 114-129
THE GEESE (_Anseres_):--The Spur-winged Goose--The Grey, or
Wild Goose--The Canada Goose--The Snow Goose. The SEA GEESE
(_Bernicla_):--The Brent Goose. The FOXY GEESE
(_Chenalopex_):--The Nile Goose. The DWARF GEESE
(_Nettapus_):--The White-bodied Goose Teal--The Cereopsis
Goose 129-143
THE DUCKS (_Anates_):--The Ruddy Sheldrake, or Brahminy Duck.
The SHELDRAKES (_Vulpanser_):--The Common Sheldrake. The TREE
DUCKS (_Dendrocygna_):--The Widow Duck--The Wild Duck--The
Wood or Summer Duck--The Chinese Teal, or Mandarin Duck--The
Shoveler Duck--The Musk Duck. The DIVING DUCKS (_Fuligulæ_).
The EIDER DUCKS (_Somateria_):--The True Eider Duck, or St.
Cuthbert's Duck--The King Eider. The WESTERN or STELLER'S
EIDER DUCK (_Somateria_ or _Heniconetta Stellerii_). The
SCOTERS (_Oidemia_):--The Velvet Scoter. The FEN DUCKS
(_Aythya_):--The Red-headed Duck, Dunbird, or Pochard. The
PIN-TAILED DUCKS (_Erismatura_):--The White-headed
Pin-tailed Duck 143-170
THE MERGANSERS, or GOOSANDERS (_Mergi_):--The White-headed
Goosander--The Green-headed Goosander 170-174
THE SEA-FLIERS (_Longipennes_).
THE TERNS, or SEA SWALLOWS (_Sternæ_). The RAPACIOUS TERNS
(_Sylochelidon_):--The Caspian Tern. The RIVER TERNS
(_Sterna_):--The Common Tern--The Lesser Tern. The WATER
SWALLOWS (_Hydrochelidon_):--The Black Marsh Tern--The
White-winged Tern--The White bearded Tern--The White or
Silky Tern--The Noddy 175-185
THE SCISSOR-BILLS (_Rhynchopes_):--The Indian Scissor-bill 185, 186
THE GULLS (_Lari_):--The Fishing Gulls--The Great Black-backed
Gulls--The Lesser Black-backed or Yellow-legged Gull--The
Herring Gull--The Large or Glaucous White-winged Gull--The
Lesser White-winged Gull. The ICE GULLS (_Pagophila_):--The
Ivory Gull 186-194
THE KITTIWAKES (_Rissa_). The BLACK-HEADED GULLS
(_Chroicocephalus_):--The Laughing Gull--The Great Black-headed
Gull--The Lesser Black-headed Gull--The Little Gull 194-198
THE SKUAS (_Lestres_):--The Common Skua--Buffon's or the
Parasite Skua--Ross's Rosy Gull 198-203
THE PETRELS, or STORM BIRDS (_Procellaridæ_).--The ALBATROSSES
(_Diomedæ_):--The Wandering Albatross--The Yellow-billed
Albatross--The Sooty Albatross. The TRUE PETRELS
(_Procellariæ_):--The Giant Petrel--The Fulmar Petrel--The
Cape Petrel--The Broad-billed Prion, or Duck Petrel. The
STORM PETRELS (_Oceanides_):--The Common Storm Petrel--Leach's
Storm Petrel 203-217
THE PUFFINS (_Puffini_):--The Manx Puffin, or Shearwater 217, 218
THE OAR-FOOTED SEA-FLIERS (_Steganopodes_).
THE TROPIC BIRDS (_Phaëton_):--The White-tailed Tropic Bird.
The Red-tailed Tropic Bird. The GANNETS (_Sula_):--The
Common Gannet--The Frigate Bird 219-227
THE CORMORANTS (_Haliei_). The DARTERS, or SNAKE-NECKS
(_Plotus_):--The Anhinga--Le Vaillant's Snake Bird--The
Common Cormorant 227-235
THE PELICANS (_Pelecani_):--The White Pelican--The Great
Tufted or Dalmatian Pelican 235-239
THE DIVERS (_Urinatores_).
THE GREBES (_Podicipites_):--The Crested Grebe--The Little
Grebe. The DIVERS (_Colymbi_):--The Great Northern Diver--The
Black-throated Diver--The Red-throated Diver. The LOONS
(_Uriæ_): The Greenland Dove, or Black Guillemot. The TRUE
GUILLEMOTS (_Uria_): The Common or Foolish Guillemot--The
Little Auk or Guillemot 240-255
THE STARIKIS (_Phaleres_):--The Stariki. The AUKS
(_Alcæ_):--The Razor-bill--The Great Auk--The Coulterneb,
or Arctic Puffin 255-264
THE PENGUINS (_Aptenodytes_):--The King Penguin. The TRUE
PENGUINS (_Spheniscus_):--The Spectacled, or Cape Penguin.
The LEAPING PENGUINS (_Eudypetes_):--The Golden or Crested
Penguin 265-268
[Illustration]
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
COLOURED PLATES.
PLATE XXXI.--PAINTED SPUR FOWL (_Galloperdix lunulosa_).
" XXXII.--THE HOUBARA (_Otis Macquenii_).
" XXXIII.--THE LAPWING (_Vanellus cristatus_).
" XXXIV.--SQUACCO HERON (_Buphus Comata_).
" XXXV.--CHINESE JACANA (_Hydrophasianus
Sinensis_).
" XXXVI.--RUDDY SHELDRAKE (_Casarca rutila_).
" XXXVII.--MANDARIN DUCK (_Aix galericulata_).
" XXXVIII.--TERN (_Sterna Hirundo_).
" XXXIX.--GREAT NORTHERN DIVER (_Colymbus glacialis_).
" XL.--PUFFIN (_Fratercula Arctica_).
WOOD ENGRAVINGS.
FIG. PAGE
1. Bustards (_Otis tarda_) 4
2. The Little Bustard (_Otis tetrax, or Tetrax campestris_) 5
3. The Trochilus, or Crocodile Watcher (_Hyas Ægyptiacus_) 9
4. The Collared Pratincole (_Glareola pratincola_) 12
5. The Common Thick-knee, or Stone Curlew (_Œdicnemus crepitans_) 13
6. The Golden Plover (_Charadrius auratus_), and the Dotterel
(_Eudromias Morinellus_) 17
7. The Lapwing, or Peewit (_Vanellus cristatus_) 21
8. The Spur-winged Lapwing (_Hoplopterus spinosus_) 24
9. The Turnstone (_Strepsilas interpres_) 25
10. The Pied Oyster-catcher, or Sea Pie (_Hæmatopus ostralegus_) 28
11. The Woodcock (_Scolopax rusticola_) 32
12. The Sanderling (_Calidris arenaria_) 37
13. The Ruff (_Philomachus pugnax_) 40
14. Ruffs Fighting 41
15. The Scooping Avocet (_Recurvirostra avocetta_) 52
16. The Great Curlew (_Numenius arquatus_) 53
17. The White or Sacred Ibis (_Threskiornis religiosa_) 57
18. The Spoonbill (_Platalea leucorodia_) 60
19. The Whale-headed Stork, or Shoe-beak (_Balæniceps rex_) 61
20. The Savaku, or Boat-bill (_Cancroma cochlearia_) 64
21. The Hammer-head, or Shadow-bird (_Scopus umbretta_) 65
22. The Ibis-like Tantalus (_Tantalus ibis_) 66
23. Adjutants 68
24. The Simbil (_Spenorhynchus Abdimii_) 69
25. The Senegal Jabiru (_Mycteria Senegalensis_) 72
26. The Marabou (_Leptoptilos crumenifer_) 73
27. The African Clapper-bill (_Anastomus lamelligerus_) 76
28. Group of Herons 77
29. The Giant Heron (_Ardea Goliath_) 79
30. The Great White Heron (_Herodias alba_) 80
31. The Lesser Egret (_Herodias garzetta_) 81
32. Day and Night Herons 84
33. The Common Bittern (_Botaurus stellaris_) 85
34. The Sun Bittern, or Peacock Heron (_Eurypyga helias_) 88
35. Crowned, Demoiselle, and Common Cranes 92
36. The Cariama, or Crested Screamer (_Dicholophus cristatus_) 93
37. The Gold-breasted Trumpeter (_Psophia crepitans_) 96
38. The Aniuma, or Horned Screamer (_Palamedea cornuta_) 97
39. The Golden Rail, or Painted Cape Snipe (_Rhynchæa Capensis_) 100
40. The Jacana (_Parra Jacana_) 104
41. The Hyacinthine Porphyrio (_Porphyrio hyacinthinus_) 108
42. Home of the Moor-hens (_Gallinula chloropus_) 109
43. The Stilt Bird (_Charadrius himantopus_) 113
44. The Flamingo (_Phœnicopterus roseus_) 116
45. The Whistling Swan (_Cygnus musicus_) 124
46. Black-necked Swans (_Cygnus nigricollis_) 128
47. The Black Swan (_Cygnus_ or _Chenopsis atratus_) 129
48. The Spur-winged Goose (_Plectropterus Gambensis_) 132
49. The Grey or Wild Goose (_Anser cinereus_) 133
50. The Brent Goose (_Bernicla torquata_) 137
51. The Nile Goose (_Chenalopex Ægyptiacus_) 140
52. Cereopsis Geese 141
53. The Ruddy Sheldrake, or Brahminy Duck (_Casarca rutila_) 144
54. The Sheldrake (_Vulpanser tadorna_) 145
55. The Widow Duck (_Dendrocygna viduata_) 149
56. The Wild Duck (_Anas boschas_) 152
57. The Wood or Summer Duck (_Aix sponsa_) 153
58. The Shoveler Duck (_Spatula clypeata_) 157
59. Eider Ducks at Home 161
60. The Eider Ducks (_Somateria mollissima_) 164
61. The Green-headed Goosander (_Mergus merganser_) 173
62. The Caspian Tern (_Sylochelidon Caspia_) 177
63. Terns and their Nests 180
64. Black-backed and Herring Gulls 189
65. The Laughing Gull (_Chroicocephalus ridibundus_) 196
66. The Common Skua (_Lestris catarractes_) 200
67. The Rosy Gull (_Rhodostethia rosea_) 204
68. The Wandering Albatross (_Diomedea exulans_) 205
69. The Giant Petrel (_Procellaria_ or _Ossifragus gigantea_) 208
70. The Fulmar Petrel (_Procellaria glacialis_) 209
71. The Cape Petrel (_Procellaria_ or _Daption Capensis_) 212
72. Storm Petrels 213
73. The Storm Petrel (_Thalassidroma pelagica_) 216
74. The White-tailed Tropic Bird (_Phaëton æthereus_) 221
75. The Frigate Bird (_Tachypetes aquila_) 225
76. Le Vaillant's Snake Bird, or Darter (_Plotus Levaillantii_) 229
77. The Cormorant (_Phalacrocorax carbo_) 233
78. The Pelican (_Pelecanus onocrotalus_) 237
79. The Crested Grebe (_Podiceps cristatus_) 244
80. The Common or Foolish Guillemot (_Uria troile_) 253
81. An Assemblage of Auks 256
82. The Great Auk, or Giant Penguin (_Alca pinguinus_) 257
83. Giant Penguins 260
84. The Coulterneb, or Arctic Puffin 265
85. The Golden Penguin (_Chrysocome catarractes_) 267
[Illustration]
_CASSELL'S_
BOOK OF BIRDS.
* * * * *
THE STILT-WALKERS (_Grallatores_).
THE birds belonging to this order have unusually long legs, formed in
such a manner as to enable many of them to seek their food at a certain
distance in the water; and are further characterised by their long thin
neck, slender high tarsi, bare thighs, three or four toed feet, and
fully-developed wings; but the construction of the bill, wings, and tail,
and the coloration of the plumage is so various, as to render a general
description almost impossible. The _Grallatores_ are met with in every
portion of our globe, and alike occupy open plains, mountain ranges--even
as high as the snow-line--fertile valleys, or arid deserts, contesting
possession of the sea-shore or river banks with the True Swimming Birds,
and that in such extraordinary numbers, as often to render it a matter of
wonder whence a sufficient supply of food can be obtained. During a three
days' passage into the White Nile we have seen an almost uninterrupted
line of birds of this description, numbering some fifty different species,
running, fishing, and bathing, in thousands and tens of thousands, upon
each side of the stream, and literally swarming in every lake, pond,
or ditch in the vicinity. In Southern Asia and some of the islands of
Southern and Central America they are equally numerous, and overspread
the sea-shore for miles. Travellers in Southern India tell us that it is
not uncommon to see them perched so thickly on the trees as to give these
the appearance of being covered with magnificent white blossoms. Insects,
worms, spawn, fishes, and various small animals and reptiles, constitute
the principal food of these voracious birds; some also consume seeds,
leaves, and tender shoots of plants. As regards their powers of locomotion
considerable difference is observable, according to the situations which
the various species have been created to occupy; for while some run with
the utmost swiftness, and fly with an energy scarcely inferior to that
displayed by the _Raptores_, others move but slowly over the surface of
the ground, and make their way through the air with comparative labour
and difficulty. Some few frequent the branches of trees, and only take
to the water in emergencies; but, for the most part, they both dive and
swim with extraordinary facility. The vocal powers of the _Grallatores_
are extremely limited; indeed, some species are capable of producing
nothing more than a hoarse, hissing note, while others endeavour to make
up for their deficiency in this respect by clapping with their mandibles.
No less various is the development of the senses, or the peculiarities
of disposition observable in the members of this extensive section, and
to these we must therefore allude more particularly when describing the
different groups under which they have been classified. All such as
inhabit the temperate zones migrate, whilst those occupying warmer regions
make excursions with great regularity at certain seasons, but probably
do not venture to any great distance from their native haunts. Of the
incubation of these birds it is impossible to speak in general terms.
* * * * *
The BUSTARDS (_Otides_) [Coloured Plate XXXII.] are of large size, with
a heavy body, thick neck, moderately large head, and a powerful beak,
almost as long as the head; this beak is of conical form, but compressed
at its base, and slightly arched at the ridge of the upper mandible. The
tarsi are high and strong, the feet furnished with three toes, the wings
wedge-shaped, and formed of well-developed quills, of which the third
is the longest; the tail is composed of twenty broad feathers; and the
plumage is thick, smooth, and compact: in some instances, the feathers on
the head and nape are prolonged or very brilliantly coloured. The male
is recognisable from his mate by his superior size and brighter hues.
The young resemble the mother after the first moulting. These birds are
represented in every division of our globe, with the exception of America,
and are especially numerous in the grassy steppes and barren tracts of
Asia and Africa. In Europe they occupy the open cultivated country, but
are never so numerously met with as in other parts of the Old World. They
entirely avoid large forests, but occasionally take up their abode in
woodland districts. Such as occupy warm latitudes do not migrate, whilst
the natives of temperate zones either go south at the approach of winter,
or at least wander forth and sweep the surrounding country. During the
breeding season they live in small parties, but afterwards associate in
large flocks, often numbering some hundreds. They are remarkably shy and
wary, usually keeping to open ground, and in the summer endeavour to
elude pursuers by their wonderful rapidity of foot, which enables them
to scud along at a most extraordinary pace. At this season, if alarmed,
they run for some distance before rising, but once on the wing, fly with
strength and rapidity, always keeping near the ground. In the autumn, on
the contrary, they rise with facility, and fly to a great distance. Some
species of Bustards are capable of uttering clear resonant notes, while
others are so deficient in this respect as to produce nothing more than an
occasional dull and toneless sound. As regards the development of their
senses, with the exception probably of that of smell, they are highly
endowed, and in their intercourse with their feathered companions, or even
with man himself, exhibit no slight degree of intelligence and courage.
THE GREAT BUSTARD.
The GREAT BUSTARD (_Otis tarda_), as it has been called, is
distinguishable from all other species of the family by the beard-like
tuft of feathers that adorns the chin of the male bird. The head, upper
breast, and upper part of the wing, are light grey; the feathers on the
back reddish yellow, striped with black; those of the nape rust-red,
tipped with white, and decorated with a black stripe, the exterior
being almost entirely white. The primary quills are dark greyish brown,
with blackish brown tip and outer web, and yellowish white shaft; the
secondaries are black with white roots, those at the exterior being nearly
pure white. The beard consists of about thirty long, slender, and ragged
greyish white feathers. The eye is deep brown, the beak blackish, and the
foot grey. This fine and stately bird is from three feet and a quarter
to three feet and a half long, and from seven feet and a half to eight
feet broad; the wing measures two feet and a quarter, and the tail eleven
inches. The female is much smaller than her mate, less striking in colour
and without a beard; her length is at most two feet and three-quarters,
and the expanse of the wings six feet.
These birds occupy the wild open parts of Europe and Asia, only
occasionally visiting North-western Africa during the winter months. In
Great Britain they were formerly abundant, but are now quite extinct;
in France and Germany they are occasionally met with, and are more or
less numerous throughout Southern Europe. Mr. Nicholson, who had an
opportunity of studying the habits of the Bustard in the neighbourhood
of Seville, where it is still common, tells us that the stomachs of
those he killed were literally crammed with stalks and ears of barley,
and with the leaves of a large green weed, and a kind of black beetle.
Such as he observed generally flew, when flushed, two miles or more at
an elevation of at least a hundred yards. The same gentleman states that
they never attempted to escape by running, and that if winged, they showed
a disposition to remain and fight rather than to have recourse to their
legs. An individual, kept by Mr. Bartley, lived principally upon birds,
chiefly Sparrows, which it swallowed whole, feathers and all, with the
greatest avidity; it also ate the flowers of charlock and the leaves of
rape, as well as mice, and, indeed, any animal substance it casually met
with. In disposition these Bustards are so shy and wild that, according
to Schomburghk, they can never be approached except whilst eating. On the
Continent they are often shot with a rifle. The flesh of the young is much
esteemed, and is often exposed for sale in European markets. Like other
members of the family, this species is not stationary in one place, but
when it does not actually migrate, flies, at certain seasons of the year,
to a considerable distance from its native haunts. When about to mount on
the wing, it takes two or three springy steps, and then rises with slowly
flapping pinions until it has reached a certain height, when it darts away
with such rapidity as almost baffles the eye and gun of the sportsman.
Whilst in flight the neck and legs are stretched forwards, and the hinder
part of the body kept low, thus imparting an indescribable peculiarity to
the bird when seen in the air. The voice of the Great Bustard is so low as
to be scarcely audible except at a short distance. According to Naumann,
during the breeding season it utters a deep dull sound, resembling the
syllables "hah, hah, hah." In their habits these birds are strictly
terrestrial; the whole day is passed upon the ground; the early morning
hours being occupied in fighting, screaming, and feeding; at noon they
repose for a time and dust themselves preparatory to going again in search
of food before evening closes in. The pairing season is in April, and
at that time desperate battles take place among the males. During these
engagements the tails of the combatants are raised and spread out in the
manner of a fan, the wings hang down to the ground, and they charge each
other like Turkey-cocks. The strongest collects about him the largest
harem, and pairing takes place in the same amusing way as among the
Turkeys. The female lays two or three olive-grey eggs, marked with red and
liver-brown spots, in a hole which she scratches in the ground. The period
of incubation is said to be twenty-eight days, and as soon as the young
are hatched, they are capable of following their mother in search of food.
The methods adopted for capturing the Bustard are various. From its
extremely shy nature, and from its habit of keeping to the open country,
it is not easy of approach. Of wayfaring people, however, it seems to
have little apprehension; the usual plan, therefore, is for the sportsman
either to clothe himself like a peasant, or to put on female apparel, and
to make up to it with a basket on his back, and holding the gun closely by
his side. Sometimes, also, these birds are chased with greyhounds, which
are conveyed towards them in covered carts, until such time as they evince
symptoms of alarm and begin to move off, when the dogs are slipped from
their couplings.
[Illustration: BUSTARDS (_Otis tarda_).]
In the Catalogue of the Tradescant Museum, preserved at South Lambeth,
bearing date 1656, is mentioned: "The Bustard, as big as a Turkey, usually
taken by greyhounds on Newmarket Heath;" and Mr. Knox states in his
"Systematic Catalogue of the Birds of Sussex," published in 1835, that he
met with some very old people who, in their younger days, had seen flocks
of these noble birds on the downs. Royston Heath is mentioned by Willughby
as frequented by them, and White of Selborne, in his Journal records: "I
spent three hours of this day, November 17, 1782, at a lone farmhouse in
the midst of the downs, between Andover and Winton. The carter told us
that, about twelve years before, he had seen a flock of eighteen Bustards
on that farm, and once since only two." The authors of the "Catalogue
of the Birds of Norfolk and Suffolk," published in 1827, affirm that
Bustards, although much scarcer than formerly, still continue to breed
in the open parts of both counties, and Yarrell gives other instances of
their occurrence within a comparatively recent period. That they were
formerly considered articles of special luxury for the table is evidenced
by the price affixed to them in Dugdale's "Origines Judiciales," in an
account of the various kinds of game consumed at a feast in the Inner
Temple Hall on the 16th of October, 1555, namely: Bustards, 10s.; Swans,
10s.; Cranes, 10s.; while Turkeys are estimated only at 4s.
[Illustration: THE LITTLE BUSTARD (_Otis tetrax_, or _Tetrax campestris_).]
THE LITTLE BUSTARD.
The LITTLE BUSTARD (_Otis tetrax_, or _Tetrax campestris_) differs from
the above species, not only in the inferiority of its size and general
coloration, but in the curious prolongation of the feathers on the nape
and throat. In the male bird the black throat is enlivened by white
streaks, one of which passes from the ear to the gullet, and the other
over the crop; the face is dark grey, the top of the head light yellow
spotted and marked with black; the edges of the wings, feathers of the
tail-covers and entire under side are white, the quills dark brown, and
tail-feathers white, marked with two lines at their extremity. The eye is
light or brownish, the beak horn-grey tipped with black, and the foot
straw-colour. The length of this species is from eighteen to nineteen
inches, its breadth thirty-six inches, the wing measures ten and the tail
five inches. The female is smaller than her mate, and has the side of
her head of a yellowish hue; her throat is whitish; breast light yellow,
striped with black; the spots upon her mantle are more clearly defined
than in the plumage of the male; the feathers of her upper wing-covers are
white spotted with black; her under side is white. The Little Bustard is
met with principally in the southern parts of Europe, extending from the
south of France, over Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Spain; it is particularly
numerous in Sardinia, and is seen in large flocks upon the steppes of
Southern Russia, particularly during the migratory season. According
to Yarrell, this bird can only be regarded as an accidental or winter
visitor to Great Britain, it having been killed here only between autumn
and the middle of spring. The nest or eggs have never been found in the
British Islands. In the course of its migrations, it occasionally visits
the country round the Altai Mountains, and Syria. During our stay in
Egypt, we saw but a single specimen. Unlike the larger species, the Little
Bustard is not restricted to flat and open districts, but frequently
inhabits mountainous regions; in Spain it principally occupies vineyards,
wherever these may be situated. Although closely resembling the species
last described in many respects, it yet differs from it considerably in
the ease and comparative lightness of its movements. Its gait is more
graceful, and its pace extraordinarily rapid; its flight is swift and
capable of being long-sustained. In disposition it is cautious, but by
no means so shy as the Great Bustard: if disturbed it seeks safety by
squatting close to the ground among the grass or brushwood; and its voice
is seldom heard except during the period of incubation. Insects, worms,
beetles, grasshoppers, larvæ, and occasionally portions of plants or
seeds constitute the food of this species; the young probably are reared
exclusively on insect diet. The breeding season commences about the end
of April, and is inaugurated by violent battles between the male birds;
the eggs, from four to five in number, are about the size of those of the
Domestic Fowl, and have a glossy yellowish brown or yellowish green shell
more or less distinctly spotted with reddish brown; they are deposited in
a slight hollow on the ground. The male seldom goes to any great distance
from his mate whilst she is brooding, and beguiles the time by making
short undulating flights in her immediate vicinity. We are almost without
particulars respecting the rearing of the young.
* * * * *
The HOUBARAS (_Hubara_) constitute a distinct group, comprising but two
species, both of which have been found in Europe. The distinguishing
characteristics of these birds are their long beak, short foot, the crest
upon their head, and the beautiful collar that adorns their neck.
THE INDIAN HOUBARA.
The INDIAN HOUBARA (_Hubara Macquenii_) is an inhabitant of Southern Asia,
and from thence has occasionally visited Central Europe and even England.
Upon the brow and sides of the head the plumage is of a reddish grey,
powdered with brown; the long crest is black in front and white behind;
the feathers on the nape are whitish, striped with brown and grey, and
those on the back ochre-yellow delicately pencilled, and in some parts
spotted with black; the throat is white above and brown below; the upper
breast grey, and the belly yellowish white. The collar is composed of long
streaming feathers situated on both sides of the neck; of these the lower
ones are white, those higher up white with black tips and base, whilst
those at the top are entirely black. The quills have white roots and black
tips; the tail is of a reddish shade delicately spotted and decorated with
two stripes; the eye is bright yellow; the beak slate-grey; and the foot
greenish yellow. According to Jerdon, the length of the male varies from
twenty-five to thirty inches, and its breadth from four to five feet; the
wing measures from fourteen to fifteen, and the tail from nine to ten
inches. After the breeding season, the male moults his beautiful crest.
According to Jerdon, the Indian Houbara is found throughout the plains
of the Punjaub and Upper Scinde, occasionally crossing the Sutlej at
Ferozepore; but no record exists of its occurrence eastward of Delhi. It
is probably a permanent resident in the localities where it is found, as
no notice is given of its appearance at any particular season. This bird
inhabits open and sandy plains, or undulating sandy districts besprinkled
with scattered tufts of grass; it also frequents fields of wheat and
other grain, and is generally met with in open ground. Being very wary
it is approached with difficulty, except in the heat of the day, when it
lies down beneath a thick tuft or other shelter, and is easily secured.
The Houbara is much hunted with Hawks both in the Punjaub and Scinde,
the _Falco sacer_ being generally employed for this purpose. The bird,
however, occasionally baffles the Falcon by ejecting a horrible, stinking
fluid, which besmears and spoils the plumage of his enemy; just as in
Africa its congener is said to defend itself from the Sakr Falcon. Adams
states that the Houbara is very destructive to wheat-fields, as it eats
the young shoots; but insects of various kinds doubtless constitute its
principal food. The flesh is exceedingly tender, and is often so loaded
with fat that the skins are with difficulty dried and preserved. Captain
Hutton tells us that this bird is common in the bare and stony plains of
Afghanistan, where it is met with in parties of five or six together.
It flies heavily, and for a short distance only, soon alighting and
running over the ground. The Houbara has been found in Mesopotamia and
other parts of Asia, and occasionally, but very rarely, in Europe. The
stomach of a specimen killed in a stubble-field in Lincolnshire, in 1847,
was filled with caterpillars of the common yellow underwing moth, small
shelled snails, and beetles. The eggs of this species are from three to
five in number, yellowish, spotted, and oval-shaped, and about the same
size as those of the Turkey. Viera informs us that the eggs are deposited
in a slight hollow, amongst the grass or corn; that the brood make their
appearance within five weeks; and that they at once begin to run about
after the manner of young chickens. The following graphic account of
hawking the Houbara is given by Sir John Malcolm, in his "Sketches of
Persia":--"We went," says that writer, "to see a kind of hawking peculiar,
I believe, to the sandy plains of Persia, on which the Houbara, a noble
species of Bustard, is found on almost bare plains, where it has no
shelter but a small shrub called 'geetuck.' When we went in quest of these
birds we were a party of twenty, all well mounted. Two kinds of Hawks are
necessary for this sport: the first, the Cherkh (the same which is flown
at the antelope), attacks them on the ground, but will not follow them
on the wing; for this reason the Bhyree, a Hawk well known in India, is
flown the moment the Houbara rises. As we rode along in an extended line,
the men who carried the Cherkhs every now and then unhooded them and held
them up that they might look over the plain. The first Houbara we found
afforded us a proof of the astonishing quickness of sight of one of these
Hawks; she fluttered to be loose, and the man who held her gave a whoop
as he threw her off his hand, and then set off at full speed. We all did
the same. At first we only saw our Hawk skimming over the plain, but soon
perceived at the distance of more than a mile the beautiful speckled
Houbara, with his head erect and wings outspread, running forward to meet
his adversary. The Hawk made several unsuccessful pounces, which were
either evaded or repelled by the beak and wings of the Houbara, which at
last found an opportunity of rising, when a Bhyree was instantly flown,
and the party were again at full gallop. We had a flight of more than a
mile, and then the Houbara alighted and was killed by another Cherkh,
which attacked him on the ground. This bird weighed ten pounds. We killed
several others, but were not always successful, having seen our Hawks
twice completely beaten during the two days that we followed the sport."
When taken young, the Houbara is susceptible of being tamed, and has been
reared among the fowls in a Farm-yard: when thus treated it is, however,
very shy and timorous, hiding itself in holes and corners, and refuses to
breed.
THE AFRICAN RUFFLED BUSTARD.
The AFRICAN RUFFLED BUSTARD (_Hubara undulata_), though of larger size,
closely resembles the above species in its general appearance, but has the
back and wings of a deeper brown shade, and the crest entirely white.
Although rarely met with in Europe, this Houbara is plentiful in the
sandy deserts of Arabia and North Africa, where its exquisitely-flavoured
flesh is much prized. We are but imperfectly acquainted with its habits,
and have no information respecting its eggs or nidification. Gould is of
opinion that the crest of the female is either very small or entirely
wanting, and that the male bird only wears his plume during the breeding
season.
THE FLORIKIN.
The FLORIKIN (_Sypheotidis Bengalensis_), one of the most valued
game-birds of India, is during the breeding season of a glossy black upon
the head, nape, breast, and entire under side; the back, secondaries,
rump, and feathers of the lower tail-covers are of a brownish hue,
delicately marked with zigzag black lines, and each feather decorated
with a black spot in its centre; the shoulder-feathers and quills are
pure white; of the latter the three first are black upon the outer web,
whilst the rest have black shafts and tips. The tail is black, spotted
with brown, and tipped with white. The eye is brown, the beak black
above, and yellow beneath; the foot is greenish yellow, and the heel
blue. This species is from twenty-four to twenty-seven inches long, and
from forty-four to forty-seven broad; the wing measures fourteen and
the tail seven inches. After the breeding season the male appears in a
different garb, in some degree resembling that of his mate. The head
and entire upper portion of the body are, in the female, of a pale red,
spotted, striped, and marked with black and brown; the feathers on the
upper wing-covers are whitish, and those of the nape lined with black; the
quills are striped dark brown and red. The female is from twenty-eight to
twenty-nine inches long, and fifty inches broad. This fine bird, according
to Jerdon, is found throughout Lower Bengal, north of the Ganges,
extending to the south bank above the junction of the Jumna, and thence
spreading through the valley of the Jumna into Rajpootana, the Cis-Sutlej
States, and parts of the Punjaub; in the east it occurs in Dacca,
Tipperah, Silhet, and Assam, and northwards to the foot of the Himalayas.
It frequents large tracts of moderately high grass, whether interspersed
with bushes or otherwise, grass charrs, or rivers, and occasionally
cultivated ground; but it appears to be very capricious in its choice,
several often congregating in certain spots to the exclusion of others
that seemed equally favourable. From February to April it may be seen
stalking about the thin grass early in the morning, and it is observed to
be often found about newly-burnt patches; or one or more may be noticed
winging their way to some cultivated spot, a pea-field, or mustard-field,
to make their morning repast, after which they fly back to some thicker
patch of grass to rest during the heat of the day. At this time, as well
as during the earlier part of the year, they are usually met with singly,
sometimes in pairs, male and female, not far distant from each other; or,
as stated previously, three or four will be found in some favoured spot.
According to Hodgson, the Florikin is neither monogamous nor polygamous,
but the sexes live apart, at no great distance, and this would appear
to be very probable. The Florikin breeds from June to August. At this
season the cock bird may be seen rising perpendicularly into the air with
a hurried flapping of his wings, occasionally stopping for a second or
two, and then rising still higher, raising his crest at the same time,
puffing out the feathers of his neck and breast, and afterwards dropping
down to the ground; he repeats this manœuvre several times successively,
humming, as Hodgson asserts, in a peculiar tone. Such females as happen to
be near obey this saltatory summons; and, according to Hodgson, when
one approaches, he trails his wings, raises and spreads his tail like
a Turkey-cock, humming all the while. At this time the hen Florikin is
generally to be found in lower ground and thicker grass, and is flushed
with difficulty, as she conceals herself at the first approach of danger.
She lays from two to four eggs in some sequestered spot, well hidden by
the grass; these are of a dull olivaceous tint, more or less blotched, and
covered with dark spots. Two females are said not unfrequently to brood
near each other.
[Illustration: _Plate 32. Cassell's Book of Birds_
THE HOUBARA ____ OTIS MACQUEENII
(_one quarter Nat. size_)]
The Florikin has a steady flapping flight, which is not very rapid, and
is seldom prolonged to any considerable distance. When feeding, it is
shy and wary, and will often rise at some distance, but speedily takes
refuge in a thick patch of grass, and may then be easily approached. It
is usually silent, but if suddenly startled rises with a shrill metallic
"chik, chik," which is occasionally repeated during its flight. The food
of the Florikin consists chiefly of insects, grasshoppers, beetles, and
caterpillars; but it also eats small lizards, snakes, centipedes, and
similar fare. According to Hodgson, it often consumes seeds and sprouts,
but Jerdon is of opinion that these are not taken by choice, but swallowed
with the insect diet. This bird is highly esteemed for the table, and by
some numbered amongst the most delicate of Indian game. In all parts of
India, therefore, the Florikin is eagerly sought for by sportsmen. It is
frequently killed during a tiger-chase, and is occasionally taken by the
help of the Falcon.
[Illustration: THE TROCHILUS, OR CROCODILE WATCHER (_Hyas Ægyptiacus_).]
* * * * *
The COURSERS (_Tachydromi_), a group in many respects closely resembling
the smaller species of _Otides_, are slenderly-formed birds, with long
legs, large, pointed wings, short tails, and a moderate-sized delicate
beak of about the same length as the head, in most instances slightly
curved, and covered with a cere at its base. The leg is slender, the foot
furnished with three toes, which are armed with delicately small claws,
and almost entirely unconnected. The tolerably thick plumage is usually
of a nearly uniform reddish brown colour, or sandy yellow, and varies
according to the sex and age. These birds inhabit the arid plains and
sandy deserts of Africa and Southern Asia, one species alone frequenting
such spots as are in the vicinity of water, into which, however, it does
not venture to wade. Their flight is rapid and powerful, and upon the
ground they run with almost incredible ease and speed. Insects and larvæ
constitute their diet; the seeds occasionally found in their stomachs
being only accidentally swallowed in their hasty search for food. Except
during the breeding season they live in small parties, and frequently
associate with birds of similar habits. It is undetermined whether the
_Tachydromi_ should be regarded as stationary birds or not; some species
certainly wander over the country, and occasionally appear at great
distances from their native haunts.
THE CREAM-COLOURED COURSER.
The CREAM-COLOURED COURSER (_Cursorius isabellinus_) possesses a slender
body and large wings, in which the second quill is longer than the rest;
a comparatively short, broadly-rounded tail, composed of from twelve to
fourteen feathers; a long, decidedly-curved bill, slender tarsi, and feet
furnished with three toes. The thick, soft plumage is of a cream-colour,
the upper parts of the body having a reddish and the under side a
yellowish tinge; the nape is blueish grey, divided from the rest of the
body by a white and a black line commencing at the eyes, and merging into
a triangular patch on the nape; the secondaries are sand-yellow, with a
black spot near the white tip, and a pale inner web. All the tail-feathers
are reddish cream-colour, except two in the centre; these are tipped with
white, and striped with black. The eye is brown, the beak blackish, and
the foot straw-colour. This species is from eight inches and a half to
nine inches long, and nineteen broad; the wing measures six inches, and
the tail two inches and a half. The female closely resembles her mate;
the young are at once recognised by the mottled and spotted appearance of
their somewhat lighter plumage; their primary quills have yellow tips, and
the nape is adorned by a whitish stripe bordered by a few black feathers.
The Cream-coloured Courser is a native of Africa, and is met with in
Egypt, Nubia, and Abyssinia, being most numerous in the last-mentioned
country; it appears in summer along the coast-line from Tangiers to
Tripoli, and is seldom found north of the Mediterranean. This bird is
one of the rarest visitors to our shores, but three or four specimens
have occurred in Great Britain since 1785. Some years ago one was shot
in Kent, whilst running over some light land. So little timidity did it
exhibit that the gentleman who killed it had time to send for a gun, which
did not readily go off, and he in consequence missed his aim. The report
frightened the bird away, but after making a turn or two it again settled
within a hundred yards, and was dispatched. It was observed to run with
incredible swiftness, and at intervals to pick up something from the
ground, and was so bold as to render it difficult to make it rise in order
to shoot it while on the wing. The note was not like that of a Plover,
nor, indeed, to be compared with that of any known bird.
From February to July these Coursers live in pairs, and are usually
met with running together over the arid sands of their desert haunts.
Travellers tell us that they frequently dart along with such extraordinary
rapidity that, like the spokes in a swiftly-turned wheel, their limbs
become invisible, so that at a distance they present the appearance of
legless bodies darting through the air; if pursued by man, it is not
uncommon for them thus to avoid his approach for hours together. If very
sorely pressed, they rise upon the wing to a moderate height, and hover
for a time before recommencing their wild career. They will allow a rider
to come nearer than a man on foot; but even when mounted, it is extremely
difficult to get a shot at them, as their many enemies soon render
them very timid. We learn from Bädeker that the eggs of this species
are from three to four in number, short and broad, with a sand-coloured
glossy shell, marked and dotted with a darker shade. These are deposited
in a slight hollow in the ground amongst short grass or stones. We are
unacquainted with further particulars respecting the nidification of the
Cream-coloured Courser.
THE TROCHILUS, OR CROCODILE WATCHER.
The TROCHILUS, or CROCODILE WATCHER (_Hyas Ægyptiacus_, or _Trochilus_),
differs in many essential particulars from the above group, to which,
however, it is nearly allied. The body of this bird is compact, the neck
short, and the head moderately large. The beak is not more than half as
long as the head, compressed at its sides, and drawn in at the margins;
the upper mandible rises gently from the base, and again curves downwards
towards the tip; the lower mandible is straight; the leg is high, bare,
and but three-toed; the wing, in which the first quill exceeds the rest in
length, is so long, that it extends as far as the tip of the rounded tail.
The secondary quills are also unusually developed. In this very beautiful
bird, the top of the head, the broad cheek-stripes which unite at the
nape, a wide stripe on the breast, and the long slender back-feathers are
all black; the eyebrows, throat, gullet, and entire under side are white,
shading into pale reddish brown on the sides and breast, and into brownish
yellow in the region of the rump; the feathers on the shoulder and upper
covers are pale slate-blue or grey; the quills, with the exception of
the first (which has only a light border at the base of the outer web)
are black in the centre and at the tip, the rest of the feathers being
white, thus forming two broad stripes to the wings, which have a very fine
appearance when fully spread. The tail-feathers are blueish grey tipped
with white, and decorated with a black stripe. The eye is light brown, the
beak black, and the foot light grey. The body is about eight inches and a
half in length; the wing measures five inches, and the tail two inches and
three-quarters. The female is but little smaller than her mate.