This habit is not very uncommon with the Gallinaceae, and throws some light on the singular instinct of the ostrich.

In this family several hen birds unite and lay first a few eggs in one nest and then in another; and these are hatched by the males.

This instinct may probably be accounted for by the fact of the hens laying a large number of eggs, but, as with the cuckoo, at intervals of two or three days.