Page:The Birds of India Vol 3.djvu/87

 PHASIANID^. 505 Fam. Phasianid^. Bill moderate, strong, vaulted, the tip of the upper mandible produced over that of the lower, sides more or less compressed ; nostrils apart ; wings moderate or short, rounded ; tail (typically) lengthened and broad, of from twelve to eighteen feathers ; tarsus moderate or long, usually spurred in the males ; toes long, anterior ones united by a short membrane at the base ; the hind toe raised, short, sometimes resting on the ground by its point. This family, as here restricted, comprises the Pea-fowls, Pheasants, Jungle-fowl, and Spur-fowl, all of which are peculiar to Asia, and more especially to India, including Burmah and Malayana. Some include in this family the Turkeys of America, but I prefer placing them as a distinct, it may be a subordinate group. As distinguished from the next family, Tetraonidce, they are characterized by a generally more lengthened bill, the nostrils always apart, the face more nude, the head often furnished with variously formed crests of feathers, or of nude skin, or with lappets and wattles, in some cases of erectile tissue, the tail typically is longer, and more commonly raised ; and the tarsus perhaps more generally lengthened, and furnished with spurs. In their habits they more habitually frequent forests, jungles, and thick covert ; whilst the Tetraonidce more affect open grass ground, fields, and sometimes low jungle. Most of the Pheasants, too, perch freely on trees, and roost habitually thereon, this habit being the exception among the Grouse and Partridges. On these grounds, as well as on that of different geographical distribution, I prefer retaining the two families distinct, in accordance with most Ornithologists, notwith- standing the fact of certain genera of each family interbreeding with each other. The Indian Phasianida may be popularly divided into Pea-fowl, Pheasants, Jungle-fowl, and Spur-fowl ; and, although the limits of each are somewhat vague, I shall give these groups the rank of sub-families in accordance with some of our systematic Works on Ornithology. PART II. 3 S