Chapter XIV: Part 14

The AMERICAN PARTRIDGES (_Odontophori_) are delicately-framed birds, possessing a short high beak, compressed at its sides, high, much arched, and furnished at its margin with two strong, tooth-like projections. The moderately long tail is composed of twelve feathers, the external of which are frequently much shortened; the fourth, fifth, and sixth quills of the very decidedly-rounded wings exceed the rest in length; the tarsi are high, without a spur, but the toes are long and furnished with long, sharp claws. The thick plumage is more or less brilliantly coloured and always beautifully marked; some species have a bare patch around the eye. All the members of this group are strictly American, and by far the greater number of them are natives of that portion of the continent lying between 30° north latitude and the equator. Four species are now included in the fauna of North America, and four have been discovered in Brazil; some few extend their range to the larger of the West Indian Islands, and several others inhabit the vast mountain ranges of the Andes.

The American Partridges form a large and well-defined group, distinguishable from the Partridges and Quails of the Old World by the absence of any spur, or spur-like appendage on the tarsi, and by the tooth-like processes in the upper mandible. They are pugnacious in their disposition, seem arboreal in their habits, and deposit their eggs in a depression of the ground or in a very inartificial nest. Their food consists of seeds, berries, fruits, and the tender leaves of grass and other vegetables. Their flesh is white, tender, and well flavoured. In the morning and evening twilight they perch on a low branch near each other, when the males frequently give utterance to their cries, which reverberate through the forest to a great distance. If alarmed when on the ground, they usually hasten to some neighbouring branch, along which they run, and crouching down conceal themselves amongst the foliage.

The female lays from eight to fifteen eggs.

THE CAPUEIRA PARTRIDGE.

The CAPUEIRA PARTRIDGE (_Odontophorus dentatus_), the largest species of the entire family, represents a group of powerfully-built birds, with comparatively long necks and moderate-sized heads, their short tail, rounded at its extremity, is formed of soft feathers; the short, decidedly-rounded wing has its fifth and sixth quills longer than the rest; the strong, hooked beak is compressed at its sides, and has the high upper mandible much vaulted; the margins of the lower mandible are furnished with two well-defined tooth-like appendages. The tarsi are high, the toes long, armed with sharply-pointed hooked claws, and protected by large horny scales. The plumage, which is alike in the two sexes, is prolonged into a crest on the head; the eye is surrounded by a broad, brightly-coloured skin. This species is yellowish brown on the nape, back, wings, and tail; the crown of the head is brown, and a cheek-stripe that extends to the nape is reddish yellow, dotted with a lighter shade: the feathers on the throat and upper portion of the back are spotted with brown and black, and striped with yellow; those on the shoulders have a large black triangular patch on the inner web. The feathers of the wing-covers have a pale, yellow, heart-shaped spot at their tip, whilst the lower shoulder-feathers and exterior secondaries are edged with reddish yellow on the inner web, and streaked with black, the centre part of each being also varied with reddish grey and brown. The brown primary quills have the outer web dotted with white, and the shaft grey; the secondaries are marked with reddish yellow on the outer web. All the feathers on the hinder parts of the body and tail are of mottled reddish yellow in the centre, with a pale yellow border, and a black spot at the tip; those on the under side are slate-grey, edged with brown. The eye is brown, the bare ring that surrounds it deep flesh-red, the beak black, and the foot greyish red. The female is of paler hue, and the young show more reddish brown in their plumage than the adult male. The length of the body is sixteen inches and a half, the wing measures three inches and a half, and the tail three inches.

This bird is found in suitable localities in most parts of Brazil, from the Rio de la Plata to the Amazon. We are indebted to the Prince of Wied for what we know of its life and habits.

"This species," says the prince, "is called 'Capueira' by the Brazilians. Its habits and mode of life are very similar to those of the Hazel Grouse, or Gelinotte (_Bonasia sylvestris_). It never frequents the open country, but confines itself entirely to the thick woods. In the early part of the year the 'Capueira' lives in pairs, and after the breeding season the families remain in coveys of from ten to sixteen or more in number. These birds run very quickly, and procure their food among the dry leaves on the ground in the midst of the extensive woods. The stomachs of such as I examined contained fruits, berries, insects, small stones, and a little sand. The part of the country in which I met with them is the eastern portion of Southern Brazil, from Rio de Janeiro to 13° south latitude; by Spix they appear to have been found still farther north. In the vast forests bordering the rivers Mucuri, Alcobaça, Belmonte, and Ilheo they were very common, and we frequently killed them for the sake of their flesh, which is excellent. Their loud and remarkable voice is heard only in the forests, where it reverberates to a great distance. Azara states that the cry is uttered by both sexes, but I believe it is emitted by the male bird only. Like the Domestic Cock in Europe, it frequently aroused us at the break of day, bidding us, as it were, continue our researches among the grand but almost impenetrable forests of that magnificent country. They commenced calling before daybreak, thus affording us ample time for breakfasting, and enabling us to start by the dawn of the young day."

Azara tells us that the voice of the Capueira consists of two notes; but on this point he is incorrect, as it comprises three or four notes, which are frequently and very quickly repeated. Morning and evening the Capueiras perch on a branch in a line, very near to each other, and at this time the male birds frequently give utterance to their cry, which Azara states to resemble the word "uru," but it appeared to me very different. The nest found by me in the woods near the fine lake called Lagoa d'Arara (Macaw Lake) was placed on the ground, and contained from ten to fifteen pure white eggs, which coincides with Sonnini's account; while Azara's assertion that they are of a violet-blue is doubtless a mistake, which may probably have arisen, as M. Temminck suggests, from his having mistaken the eggs of a Tinamou for those of a Capueira. Some travellers have asserted that they have found the nests of this bird on trees, and that they were placed in such situations in order that they might be secure from the attacks of snakes and other enemies; but this is also a mistake, for were such a precaution necessary, it would be adopted by all the birds in the country, whereas numerous species, especially the Tinamous, constantly breed on the ground. The sport afforded by the Capueira very closely resembles that afforded by the Hazel Grouse. When a covey was disturbed by the pointers they flew to the trees, the motion of their wings causing the same rustling sound as those of the Partridge. Occasionally they might be killed very easily; at other times it was very difficult to sight them among the dense foliage of the woods. Their flesh, which is very palatable, forms an excellent article for the table.

THE VIRGINIAN OR AMERICAN PARTRIDGE.

The VIRGINIAN or AMERICAN PARTRIDGE (_Ortyx Virginianus_) represents a group distinguishable by the following characteristics:--Their body is short and powerful, with the neck and head of medium size; the beak is strong, short, much vaulted, and has the lower mandible incised, the upper mandible terminates in a hook, while the margin of the lower portion near its apex presents two or three distinct notches. The moderate-sized and arched wing has the fourth quill longer than the rest; the rounded tail is composed of twelve feathers, and the foot is protected by rows of smooth, horny plates in front, and covered with small scales at the back and sides. The plumage is glossy, and prolonged into a crest on the head. In the male all the feathers of the mantle are reddish brown, spotted and lined with black and edged with yellow; those on the under side are whitish yellow, striped with reddish brown and marked with black. Two bands, the one white, the other black, pass across the brow; the white throat is separated from the sides of the neck--which is mottled with black, brown, and white, by a black line. The upper wing-covers are principally reddish brown; the dark brown primary quills are bordered with blue on the outer web; the secondaries are irregularly striped with brownish yellow; the centre tail-feathers are greyish yellow, dotted with black; the rest are greyish blue. The eye is reddish, the beak dark brown, and the foot greyish blue. The female has more yellow on the brow and neck, and the rest of her plumage is less clearly marked than that of her mate; the young resemble the mother. This species is nine inches long, and thirteen inches and five-sixths broad; the wing measures four inches and a half, and the tail two inches and a quarter.

Canada forms the northern, the Rocky Mountains the western, and the Gulf of Mexico the southern limit of the range of these birds. They have been introduced into the island of Jamaica, where they thrive, breeding in that warm climate twice in the year. In the southern part of the United States they are stationary, but in the north they make yearly expeditions, which resemble migrations. They are principally met with in open fields, or about fences sheltered by bushes or briars, and they sometimes visit the woods, but are rarely found in the depths of the forest. In their general demeanour they very much resemble our own Partridge. They run nimbly and fly swiftly, making a loud whirring sound with their wings. When chased by dogs they take refuge in the trees, where they remain until danger is past, walking with ease on the branches. Their usual cry is a clear whistle. The love-call of the male consists of three clear notes, the two last being the loudest, and resembling the syllables, "Ah! Bob White!"

"The male," says Audubon, "is seen perched on a fence, stake, or on the low branch of a tree, standing nearly in the same position for hours together, and calling, 'Ah! Bob White,' at every interval of a few minutes. Should he hear the note of a female, he sails directly towards the spot whence it proceeded. Several males may be heard from the different parts of a field, challenging each other, and should they meet on the ground they fight with great courage and obstinacy until the conqueror drives off his antagonist to another field." About the beginning of May the female proceeds to build her nest; this is placed on the ground, close to a tuft of grass, and partly sunk in the earth: it is formed of leaves and fine dry grass, is of a circular form, and covered above, with an opening at the side. The eggs are of a pure white, and rather sharp at the smaller end. Both parents assist in hatching the eggs. When the young are freed from the shell they leave the nest, and are led in search of food by their mother, who shelters them with most assiduous care. If danger threatens, she throws herself across the path of the intruder, beating the ground with her wings as if severely wounded, and uttering notes of alarm to decoy the stranger into pursuit of herself, and give warning to her young to conceal themselves in the high grass till the danger is past, when, having allured her pursuer to a distance, she returns, and leads them safe home. The American Partridge usually rears only one brood in the year, but should this be destroyed she immediately prepares another nest, and even should mischance befall this also, a third batch of eggs is laid. This Partridge has been occasionally employed to hatch the eggs of the Domestic Hen.

"A friend of mine," says Wilson, "informs me, that of several hens' eggs, which he substituted for those of the Partridge, she brought out the whole; and that for several weeks he occasionally surprised her in various parts of the plantations, with her broods of chickens, on which occasions she exhibited much alarm, and practised her usual manœuvres for their preservation. Even after they were considerably grown and larger than the Partridge herself; she continued to lead them about; but though their notes or call were those of common chickens, their manners had all the shyness, timidity, and alarm of young Partridges: they ran with great rapidity, and squatted in the grass exactly after the manner of the Partridge. Soon after this they disappeared, having probably been destroyed."

In summer the food of these birds consists of insects, berries, and grain, and in the autumn they revel in the fields of buckwheat and Indian corn. When winter comes, and their supplies have disappeared, those in the northern districts commence their southward course, and many perish during these journeys. Early in October the shores of the large rivers are covered with flocks of them, which rove along the margin of the river and cross towards evening, the weaker ones often falling and perishing in the water. After the principal streams have been thus crossed, the flocks distribute themselves about the country, and resume their usual mode of life. During the severity of winter they often suffer from scarcity of food, and will then approach the dwellings of men, and become half domesticated, visiting the barns and mixing with the poultry, to share their food. The eggs of this species have frequently been hatched by the Domestic Hen; two of these birds that had been brought up in this manner, according to Wilson, associated with the cows, followed them to the fields, returned with them in the evening, stood by them while milked, and again returned with them to pasture. These remained during winter, lodging in the stable, but as soon as spring came they disappeared.

Dr. Bachmann attempted to domesticate the American Partridge, and gives us the following account of his proceedings:--"The eggs had been obtained from the fields, and were hatched under a Bantam hen. By confining the young with their foster mother for a few days they soon learned to follow her like young chickens. They were fed for a couple of weeks on curds, but soon began to eat cracked Indian corn and several kinds of millet. They were permitted to stray at large in my garden; but fearing that they might be induced to fly over the enclosure and stray away, I amputated a joint of the wing. There was no difficulty in preserving them during the summer and winter, and they became so very gentle that they were in the habit of following me through the house, and often seated themselves for hours on the table at which I was writing, occasionally playfully pecking at my hand and running off with my pen. At night they nestled in a coop, placed for that purpose in the garden. The cats in the neighbourhood, unfortunately for my experiment, took a fancy to my birds and carried off several, so that at the breeding season my stock was reduced to two females, with a greater number of males; the latter now commenced their not unmusical notes of 'Bob White,' at first low, but increasing in energy and loudness till they were heard throughout the whole neighbourhood. These notes were precisely similar to those of the wild birds, affording a proof that they were natural, and not acquired by an association with others of their own species, as these birds had no opportunity of hearing any other notes than those of the poultry on the premises. As the spring advanced, the males became very pugnacious, and great contests took place between themselves, as well as with the Pigeons and the young poultry that occasionally intruded on their domicile. In May the hens commenced laying, both in one nest, and the eggs were hatched under a Domestic Hen."

Dr. Bachmann was prevented carrying out his experiments further, but other observers have been more fortunate, and have without trouble reared many of these delicate birds in closed rooms. Their great fertility is very favourable to their increase, wherever it is wished that they should be naturalised.

Several attempts have been made to introduce this species into England, and from time to time specimens have been shot in different parts of the country.

The American Partridge is easily caught by means of snares and traps of various descriptions. Many are shot, but they are most frequently netted in the following manner:--A number of persons, furnished with a net, ride along the fences and thickets where the birds resort, one of the party simulating the call of the bird, which is soon answered by a covey; the party approach in an apparently careless manner to ascertain the position and number of the others; and then a horseman furnished with a net gallops a hundred yards in advance, and places it so that his companions can drive the Partridges into it. In this manner fifteen or twenty Partridges may be caught at one driving, but a pair out of each flock usually receive their liberty for fear that the breed should be destroyed.

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The CALIFORNIAN PARTRIDGE (_Lophortyx Californianus_) and GAMBEL'S PARTRIDGE (_Lophortyx Gambelii_) represent an American group principally remarkable for the crest that adorns their head. These birds have a powerful body, short neck, and moderately large head. The short arched wing is rounded at its extremity, and has its fourth or fifth quills longer than the rest. The tail, composed of twelve feathers, is short and remarkably graduated; the beak is short, strong, and much arched at its culmen; the foot is of medium height, and the thick plumage compact and glossy. At the top of the head rises a crest, formed occasionally of from two to ten, but generally of from four to six feathers; these are slender at the roots, becoming gradually broader towards the tips, which incline forward, and have somewhat the form of a sickle. This crest is much developed in the males. The coloration of the plumage, though by no means gorgeous, is both beautiful and brilliant.

THE CALIFORNIAN PARTRIDGE.

The CALIFORNIAN PARTRIDGE (_Lophortyx Californianus_) has the feathers on the top of the forehead of a straw-yellow, with dark shafts, these being surrounded by a dark line that passes over the eyes. The crown of the head shows two shades of brown; the long feathers that cover the nape are blueish grey, with black shafts and edges, and two white spots at their tips. The back is olive-brown, the throat black, encircled by a white band, the upper breast is blueish grey, its lower portion yellow, each feather being lighter at the tip, and bordered with black; the feathers on the belly are brownish red, edged with a darker shade, those on the sides brown, with white shafts, and those on the lower tail-covers light yellow, with dark shafts. The quills are brownish grey, the secondaries bordered with a yellowish tint; the tail is pure grey. The eye is dark brown, the beak black, and foot deep lead-colour. The female is of a dull whity-brown on the forehead, and brownish grey on the crown; the throat is yellowish, with dark markings, the breast dull grey; the rest of the plumage resembles that of the male, but is duller and fainter.

The Californian Partridge was first observed during the visit of the unfortunate ship _La Perouse_ to California, since which time it has been found to inhabit in abundance all suitable localities in that country; the accounts of its life and habits are, however, as yet very scanty.

"These beautiful birds," says Gambel, "so extraordinarily plentiful throughout California, assemble in the winter in numerous swarms of more than a thousand individuals, if the woods are able to provide for that number, and are equally plentiful on bushy plains and the declivities of hills. They exhibit great watchfulness and activity, and when pursued run nimbly away into concealment; if suddenly started they take refuge in trees, crouching close to the horizontal branches like squirrels--in which position the great resemblance of their colouring to that of the bark of the tree, makes it very difficult to detect them." The nest is usually placed on the ground at the foot of a tree or beneath a bush. The eggs are generally numerous and placed in a shallow hollow, scooped at the foot of an oak, and spread over with a few leaves and a little dried grass. Gambel found twenty-four eggs in one nest, but thought that possibly they were the produce of two hens--fifteen being the usual number of the brood.

Freyborg, who also observed this bird in its native country, says that it is stationary, or at least wanders only to a short distance, and feeds on grass, seeds, bulbous roots, garlic, plants of various kinds, berries, and insects, preferring thick bushes to any other localities. It seldom moves more than forty or fifty paces, and scarcely ever strays from the shade of the woods to open spots; it holds out for some time before the hounds, and flies to the nearest tree. In the winter it digs long burrows under the snow. In California these birds are shot from the trees with a small rifle, and they are also chased by the help of dogs--their flesh being in great request, and considered to resemble that of the Hazel Grouse (_Bonasia sylvestris_).

Captain Beechey brought home several of these birds, but the females all died, and of the males which were presented to the Zoological Society, scarcely one survived.

Since this time several others have been imported to different parts of Europe, and two pairs brought by Deschamps laid and hatched a numerous brood--other experimenters have been equally successful.

GAMBEL'S PARTRIDGE.

GAMBEL'S PARTRIDGE (_Lophortyx Gambelii_) resembles the species last described in its general appearance, but has the black patch on the face larger, and only a very small portion of the brow is white. The back of the head is bright reddish brown, streaked with light yellow. All its hues are brighter and more glossy than those of the Californian Partridge.

"It was late in June," says Coues, "when I arrived in Arizona, where I heard that this Partridge was especially plentiful. In my first day's sporting I stumbled, so to say, over a covey of young poults that were just escaped from the egg, but the nimble little creatures ran and concealed themselves with such wonderful celerity, that I could not catch a single one. I thought that I had mistaken for them the _Oreortyx pictus_, and wondered to find young ones of these so late in the year. But it was not yet late for Gambel's Partridge, as I found several broods in August only a few days old. In the following year I observed that the old birds had paired by the end of April, and at the beginning of June I saw the first young ones. I would also notice that breeding goes on rapidly in the months of May, June, July, and August, and that probably two or possibly three broods are hatched in one year. The greatest number of poults in one brood are, as far as I could learn, between fifteen and twenty-six, the smallest from six to eight. On the first of October I found some half-grown young, the greater number were already nearly or quite as large as their parents, and so fledged that they might well attract the attention of a sportsman. As long as the young brood require their parents' care they keep together in a small collected flock, and if this is threatened each little chick runs away so quickly and squats in some convenient place that it is very difficult to induce them to rise. If this can be done, the covey fly all close together, but usually quickly alight on low branches of trees or bushes, but often also on the ground, and here they generally sit, sometimes stiffly in a heap, and while they think they are well concealed, allow themselves to be approached within a few paces. Later in the year, when they have reached their full growth, they more seldom take to the trees, become more cautious, and are approached with greater difficulty. The first intimation that a covey is near, is given in a single note, repeated two or three times, then follows a rustling of dry leaves, and the whole troop hasten, as quickly as they may, yet one step farther and then all rise with a whirring noise, and disperse themselves in different directions."

With the exception of close fir-woods, without undergrowth, these birds people every locality, but seem to prefer thick bushes, and especially osier holts, on the borders of streams. Dr. Gambel tells us that he saw them in flocks of fifteen or twenty in company with another species in a barren tract, where several podded kinds of _Prosopis_, with low-spreading branches, afforded them excellent covert, and the seeds of bushy _Maluas_, _Chænopodia_, and _Artemisia_ probably served them for food. In this dreary region, where one would suppose it impossible for any creature to subsist, they were running about in small parties, occasionally uttering a low guttural call of recognition; this call is often composed of several notes, and very different from that of the common species. When in flight they emit a sharp whistle, and conspicuously display their long crest.

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The QUAILS (_Coturnices_) are recognisable by their comparatively small size, powerful, compact bodies, proportionately long, pointed wings, and very short, rounded tail, formed of twelve soft feathers, and almost concealed by the long feathers on the rump. The beak is small, and high at its base, the foot short, or of moderate size, without a spur, and the plumage, which completely covers the head, alike in both sexes. These birds are met with over a larger portion of the globe than any other members of the entire order, as they not only inhabit the whole of the Eastern Hemisphere, but are particularly numerous in Australia and the Malay Islands. Unlike other Rasores, the Quails are by no means social, but live strictly in pairs and rarely congregate into flocks, or associate freely with others of their kind, except during the migratory season, at which time they undertake journeys of considerable extent, their long wings enabling them to fly with far less effort or fatigue than do the _Perdices_. The incubation of this group is also somewhat peculiar, for wherever the means of subsistence are to be found, there they will breed as readily as in their native lands. As regards their general development, the Quails will bear comparison with any of their relations, and far exceed most of them in the rapidity and ease of their movements. In most respects the food of this group is the same as that consumed by other Rasores, although, perhaps, they may be said to eat a less proportion of vegetable matter.

THE COMMON QUAIL.

The COMMON QUAIL (_Coturnix communis_) is brown, striped with reddish yellow on the upper parts of the body; the head is somewhat darker than the back, the throat reddish brown, and the region of the crop reddish yellow; a pale yellowish line passes from the base of the upper mandible over the eyes and down the sides of the neck across the throat, where it is bounded by two narrow dark brown lines. The blackish brown primary quills are spotted with reddish yellow in such a manner as to form stripes, the first quill has also a narrow yellow border; the reddish yellow tail-feathers have white shafts and are spotted with black at their edges. In the female all these colours are comparatively indistinct, and the reddish brown of the throat but little conspicuous. The eye is light brownish red, the beak horn-grey, and the foot either reddish or pale yellow. The length is seven inches and a half, and the breadth thirteen inches; the wing measures four inches and the tail one inch and three quarters.

This species is found in most parts of the Old World. It arrives on the south coast of Europe and the islands of the Grecian Archipelago in immense flocks about April, and thence spread over Europe.

"The European Quails," says Jerdon, "are found throughout India in considerable numbers during the cold weather, most migrating during the rains and breeding elsewhere, but a few pairs remaining and breeding in various parts of the country, especially towards the west and north-west. The Grey Quail, as it is termed in India, generally rises singly or in pairs, but considerable numbers are found together; and in some localities and in certain seasons it occurs in great profusion, and affords excellent sport to the gunner. It is found in long grass, corn-fields, stubble, and fields of pulse, wandering about, according as crops ripen in different parts of the country. It is less numerous towards the south of India than farther north." In Great Britain it has been considered as a summer visitor; but, according to Yarrell, many instances have latterly been recorded of its occurrence in Ireland, as well as in England, during the winter months.

This Quail is likewise met with abundantly in Syria and Judæa, and there seems to be little doubt of its identity with the Quails so frequently mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. "We have," says Tristram, "a clear proof of the identity of the Common Quail with the Hebrew _selac_, in its Arabic name, _salwa_, from a root signifying 'to be fat'--very descriptive of the round, plump form and fat flesh of the Quail. The expression 'as it were two cubits high above the face of the earth' probably refers to the height at which the Quails fly above the ground. There are several expressions in the scriptural account which are borne out by observations of the habits of the Quail. At all times its flight is very low, just skimming the surface of the ground, and especially when fatigued it keeps close, never towering like the Partridge or Sand Grouse. It migrates in vast flocks, and regularly crosses the Arabian desert, flying for the most part at night, and when the birds settle they are so utterly exhausted that they may be captured in any numbers by the hand. Notwithstanding their migratory habits, they instinctively select the shortest sea passages, and avail themselves of any island as a halting-place. Thus in spring and autumn they are slaughtered in numbers on Malta and many of the Greek islands, very few being seen till the period of migration comes round. They also fly with the wind, never facing it like many other birds." "The Israelites 'spread them out' when they had taken them before they were sufficiently refreshed to escape; exactly as Herodotus tells us that the Egyptians were in the habit of doing with Quails--drying them in the sun."

Brehm mentions having been a witness to the arrival of a huge flock of Quails upon the coast of North Africa, and tells us that the weary birds fell at once to the ground completely exhausted by their toilsome journey, and remained there for some minutes as though stupefied. On recovering somewhat, they did not again take wing, but continued their journey apparently on foot. In Africa they occasionally take up their quarters in stubble-fields and cultivated districts, but principally frequent the vast steppes, and wander about singly from spot to spot. During the summer they prefer fruitful plains and the vicinity of corn-fields, carefully avoiding mountains or marshy localities. The popularity of these birds is in a great measure due to the pleasant sound of their clear, resounding cry, which during the breeding season enlivens the whole district in which they live. Upon the ground they move quickly but ungracefully, with tail hanging down and neck drawn in, each step being accompanied by a slight nod of the head. Their flight is very rapid, and occasionally changes to a beautiful hovering motion. Even towards its own species the Quail is extremely unsocial and frequently most pugnacious, displaying the latter quality not only towards its rivals, but to its mate, who is often very roughly treated. The females exhibit a somewhat more amiable disposition, and besides being careful of their own offspring, prove excellent foster-mothers to such young birds as have lost their parents. Whilst the sun is high the Quails remain concealed among the long grass and weeds, and about noon indulge in a sand-bath; the succeeding hours are also spent in a state of quiescence, but the sun has no sooner set, than they become brisk and fully alive to the necessity of going in search of food or picking a quarrel with some rival. At this time their agreeable call may be said to be almost incessant. Seeds, small portions of plants, but principally insects, constitute their usual diet, the process of digestion being assisted by the swallowing of small stones. They do not require much water, the dew affording them in most instances all the moisture they need; for this reason they are rarely met with at any drinking-place. Although insect nourishment is decidedly preferred by the Quail, it has been fed for months together simply on grain and wheat. It would appear that this bird is polygamous, and it is even stated on good authority that it will mate with birds of entirely different species. The nest, formed by the hen of small portions of plants and placed in a corn-field, is not commenced till the beginning of the summer months. The eggs, from eight to fourteen in number, are large and pear-shaped, with a glossy, light brown shell, very variously marked with a deeper shade. The hen broods about twenty days, and testifies such devotion to her precious charge as often to sacrifice her life rather than quit the nest, while her mate goes forth with his companions into the neighbouring fields. The young grow rapidly and soon leave their parents' care, for by the time they are six weeks old they have attained their full size, and can fly well enough to join in the autumn migration. Immense numbers of Quails are annually captured on the shores of the Mediterranean, and the island of Capri so abounded in them that we are told some of its ancient bishops derived the principal part of their revenue from this source. Waterton assures us that no less than 17,000 of these delicate birds have been conveyed to Rome in one day.

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The DWARF QUAILS (_Excalfactoria_), the smallest members of this family, represent a group distinguished from those already described by the rounded form of their wing, in which the third, fourth, and fifth quills are longer than the rest, the first being much shorter than the second; and the unusual difference observable in the plumage of the male and female. According to Latham, the scientific name given to these birds has arisen from a custom the Chinese have of using them to warm their hands upon during the winter. The various species inhabit India, the Malay Islands, and Australia.

THE CHINESE QUAIL.

The CHINESE QUAIL (_Excalfactoria Chinensis_) is a very beautiful bird, with the entire mantle of an olive-brown, each feather having a dark and light line on its shaft; the quills of the wing-covers are without these markings, though some few of the shoulder-feathers are striped with deep red. The brow, cheeks, breast, and sides are of a rich, deep grey; the throat is black above, and white, surrounded by a black line, beneath; the centre of the breast, the belly, lower tail-covers, and tail are of a beautiful brownish red. The coloration of the female is less varied in its tints; her chin is merely indicated by a small white patch, and the light brown breast is striped. The eye of both is dark brown, the beak black, and the foot bright yellow. The length of the male is five inches and a quarter, and the breadth nine inches: the tail measures but one inch. The female is not quite so large as her mate.

LAGOPUS MUTUS ____ PTARMIGAN

(_about one half Nat. size_)]

This beautiful little Quail is found all over China, the Malay Islands, and in many parts of India, but is rare in the latter country, except in Bengal and the neighbouring provinces.

"I have killed it," says Jerdon, "only once in the Carnatic. It occurs occasionally in Central India and in the Upper Provinces, as far as Bareilly, but it is rare in all these localities, and perhaps only stragglers find their way so far. In Lower Bengal it is tolerably abundant in low grassy meadows, the borders of indigo-fields, and in the grasses on roadsides; and in Purneah, in the month of July, it was the only Quail I observed."

This species breeds in July, the eggs being pale olive-green. When the young are full-grown they spread themselves all over the country, and this dispersion is greatly assisted and in many parts perhaps caused by the heavy inundations to which great part of the country in Bengal is annually subjected, generally in August and September. In the cold season they are replaced by the Grey Quail and the so-called Rain Quail.

These birds, according to Bernstein, live by preference in thick, extensive wilds, where they are easily hidden between high stalks of plants, but nevertheless visit the fields and pastures in the vicinity of dwellings. Their quiet and retired mode of life makes it difficult to observe their habits. They take wing unwillingly, and avoid danger rather by running or squeezing themselves through sheltering plants than by flight. Their note is gentle, beginning loud and gradually becoming softer, "du, du, du," or "du, du, hi." Their food consists of insects, worms, and a variety of seeds; Bernstein himself kept them on grasshoppers and various insects. He several times found their nest, which was in a little hollow of the ground, scraped by the mother, and in this she prepared her bed of dry grass, stalks, and roots. In none of these nests were there more than six eggs; these are of a greyish olive-green, or olive-brown, more or less thickly sprinkled with numerous olive-brown specks. Bernstein tells us that these birds retain their shyness when tamed, and often injure themselves by beating against their cage; but Swinhoe says that in Canton they are highly esteemed as cage-birds, and may be pretty regularly found in the markets there. Latham informs us that this species, as well as the Common Quail, is used by the Chinese to warm their hands in winter, as may be seen in many drawings and paper-hangings from China, and that many of these birds are made into pies as a delicacy for Europeans during their voyage home. They are caught in China as in Europe by means of a call-pipe.

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The BUSH QUAILS (_Turnices_) are small birds with slender bodies, moderate-sized rounded wings, in which either the first quill is the longest, or the three first are of equal length. Their tail is composed of from ten to twelve narrow, weak feathers, and so small as to be almost entirely concealed beneath the upper and lower tail-covers; the medium-sized, straight, thin beak is high at its culmen and slightly arched towards its tip; the nostrils are situated at either side of the bill, and are partially covered with a small fold of skin; the delicate feet have long tarsi, and usually three or occasionally four toes.

The Bush Quails are spread over the whole of the Eastern Hemisphere, but are quite unknown in the western division of the globe. Australia would, however, appear to be their principal head-quarters, for in that country, according to Gould, they are met with in every part that has as yet been explored, except in the neighbouring islands. Everywhere they select open plains, stony tracts covered with grass, or mountain sides, and in such situations lead a life so retired as to render their capture a work of some difficulty, except during the breeding season. At that time both sexes lay aside their usual shy, quiet deportment, and exhibit the most fierce pugnacity towards all their companions. The strangest part of these encounters is that they are not confined to the males, as is usually the case, the females being fully as jealous and as violent as their mates, and, like them, constantly engage in such furious encounters as nearly to cost them their lives. Owing to this peculiar temperament these birds are trained by the Asiatics as fighting-cocks are in Europe. The nest is composed of grasses, and is placed in a hollow on the surface of the ground, under the shelter of a tussock of grass. The female usually lays four pear-shaped eggs.

THE BLACK-BREASTED BUSTARD QUAIL.

The BLACK-BREASTED BUSTARD QUAIL (_Turnix pugnax_), a well-known species of the above group, has the foot furnished with only three toes. The feathers on the mantle are of a dark brown tipped with crescent-shaped black and rust-red spots; the region of the eye, bridles, and cheeks are white, spotted with black; the wings are greyish brown, spotted with black and white; the quills are edged with white on the outer web; the throat is deep black, and the lower breast and belly bright rust-red; the rest of the plumage resembles that of the male. The eye is white, the beak light grey, and the foot dark yellow. This species is six inches long; the wing measures three inches, and the tail one inch. The female is considerably larger than her mate.

This interesting bird, which has long been a domestic favourite with the Hindoos and Malays, is very common in Java, where, as everywhere else, it frequents grassy patches in the forests and jungles, low bushy jungle, or fields of _dhal_ and other thick crops near patches of brushwood; but it is rarely found in barren country, or in cultivated ground where there is no shelter. It feeds on various kinds of grain, small insects, and grasshoppers. The call of the female is a peculiar, loud, purring sound.

"The hen birds," says Jerdon, "are most pugnacious, especially about the breeding season; and this propensity is made use of in the south of India to effect their capture. To this end a small cage with a decoy-bird is used, having a concealed spring compartment made to fall by the snapping of a thread placed between the bars of the cage. This is set on the ground in some thick cover, carefully protected. The decoy-bird begins her loud purring call, which can be heard a long way off, and any females within earshot rapidly run to the spot and commence fighting with the caged bird, striking at the bars. This soon breaks the thread, the spring-cover falls, at the same time ringing a small bell, by which the owner, who remains concealed near at hand, is warned of a capture, and at once runs up, secures his prey, and sets his cage again in another locality. In this way I have known twelve to twenty birds captured in one day in a patch of jungle in the Carnatic, where only I have seen this practice carried on. The birds that are caught in this way are all females, and in most cases are birds laying eggs at the time, for I have frequently known instances of some eight or ten of those captured so far advanced in egg-bearing as to lay their eggs in the bag in which they were carried before the bird-catcher had reached my house."

The eggs, which are usually laid in a hollow in the ground, behind a bush, or sheltered by a stone, are from five to eight in number, of a dull stone-grey or green tint, thickly spotted and freckled with dusky yellowish brown; they are blunt in shape and very large in proportion to the bird. The affection of the male of this species for its offspring would appear to be by no means inferior to that of the mother; for we learn from Swinhoe that upon one occasion, having succeeded in capturing two young Bustard Quails that were almost fully fledged and placed them in a cage, he observed the female parent, as he supposed, clucking like a hen, as it ran and crept about the prisoners in a vain endeavour to lure them out of their strange abode. In order to secure a specimen the bird was shot, and on examination proved to be a male. The Javanese rear this species on rice and small grasshoppers, and train both sexes to fight for their entertainment.

THE AFRICAN BUSH QUAIL.

The AFRICAN BUSH QUAIL (_Turnix Africanus_, or _T. Gibraltariensis_), one of the largest members of the group, is about six inches long; the sexes resemble each other in the coloration of their plumage, but the female is of much greater size, and fully one-third heavier than her mate. The dark brown head of the male is enlivened by three yellow streaks, and the back marked with irregular black and brown zigzag lines; the feathers of the wing-covers are yellow, with a black spot on the outer and a reddish yellow spot on the inner web; the throat is white, and the region of the crop reddish brown, each feather being edged with a lighter tint; the sides are reddish brown, with a few dark spots, and shade gradually into the pure white that covers the belly; the outer webs of the quills have light edges; the eye is yellow, the beak yellowish, and the foot lead-grey.

This species is found in many parts of Sicily and Spain, and stragglers are sometimes seen in the plains of Languedoc; it is met with also in the north of Africa, especially among the thickets and dwarf palms of Mount Atlas. Tristram informs us that a nest found in Algeria was most carefully concealed in thick bushes, and contained several eggs, slightly spotted, and of a purplish blue shade.

THE COLLARED PLAIN-WANDERER.

The COLLARED PLAIN-WANDERER (_Pedionomus torquatus_) has the foot furnished with four toes. The beak, which almost equals the head in length, is straight and compressed at its tip; the wings are short and shell-shaped, with the first, second, and third quills of equal size; the tail is short, the tarsus long, and the hinder toe placed high. In this species the top of the head is reddish brown, spotted with black; the brow and sides of the neck are light fawn-colour, dotted with black; the broad white band on the throat also shows black spots; the mantle-feathers are reddish brown, striped with black, and edged with reddish yellow; the middle breast is red, the rest of the under side fawn-colour, each of the feathers being marked like those on the back, whilst those at the sides exhibit broad irregular black spots; the tail-feathers are striped with blackish brown. The eye is straw-colour, the beak yellow, with black tip, and the foot greenish yellow. The male is four inches and a half long, and his wing three inches and a quarter, whilst his mate, who also surpasses him in the beauty of her markings, is not less than seven inches long; her wing measures three inches and a half, and the tail of both sexes one inch and a quarter.

"The structure of this singular little bird," says Gould, "is peculiarly well adapted for inhabiting the arid and extensive plains that characterise the eastern portion of Australia. The lengthened and courser-like legs of the Collared Plain-Wanderer are admirably suited for running, while its short, round wings are as little fitted for extensive flight. Its general contour suggests the idea of a diminutive Bustard. On its native plains this bird has many singular habits, particularly that of secreting itself among the scanty herbage, or of remaining quiet on the bare ground until it is nearly trodden upon before it will rise, and when it does take wing its flight is more contracted than that of any other bird with which I am acquainted." Sir George Grey states that these birds are migratory; appearing at Adelaide in June, and disappearing about January. While running about they are in the habit of raising themselves in a nearly perpendicular position on the extremities of their toes, so that the hinder part of the foot does not touch the ground, and of taking a wide survey around them.

"While in confinement," says the same observer, "these birds eat pounded wheat, raw boiled rice, bread, and flies; the latter appear to be their favourite food. They soon become perfectly tame. The three in our possession we have had for upwards of four months. The call of those we have in confinement precisely resembles that of the Emu--not the whistle, but the hollow-sounding noise, like that produced by tapping on a cask, which the Emu utters--but is, of course, much fainter."

Gould received from Mr. Strange a fully-developed egg, taken from the ovarium of the female, which in general character resembled those of the _Turnices_. It was somewhat suddenly contracted at the smaller end. The ground-colour was stone-white, sprinkled with small blotches of umber-brown and vinous grey, the latter tint appearing as if beneath the surface of the shell, the sprinkled markings predominating at the larger end. The egg was one inch and one-eighth long, and seven-eighths of an inch broad.

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The _Phasianidæ_ of Brehm comprise not merely the PHEASANTS PROPER, but all nearly allied groups. The members of this important division generally possess a comparatively slender body, medium-sized or short and much rounded wings, and a long or broad tail, composed of from twelve to eighteen feathers. The moderately long bill is much vaulted, with its upper mandible curved over the lower part of the beak, and occasionally prolonged into a sharp, nail-like tip; the rather high foot is furnished with long toes, and in the male is armed with a spur; the partially bare head is sometimes adorned with combs and lappets of skin, and sometimes with horn-like appendages or tufts of feathers. The plumage is glossy and brilliantly coloured. This family is almost entirely confined to the Eastern Hemisphere, only two species being found in America; and even in the Old World their distribution is nearly completely restricted to the warmer part of the Asiatic continent and its dependent islands.

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The TUFTED PHEASANTS (_Lophophori_) constitute a group distinguishable by their short, rounded tail, the feathers of which are not placed as in most other Pheasants, but present a fan-like arrangement.

THE MONAUL, OR IMPEYAN PHEASANT.

The MONAUL, or IMPEYAN PHEASANT (_Lophophorus resplendens_, _refulgens_, or _Impeyanus_), possesses a comparatively powerful body, moderate-sized wings, and a rather long tail, composed of sixteen feathers. The upper mandible is curved and sharply pointed at its tip; the foot is of medium height, that of the male furnished with a spur. The plumage of the male is magnificently coloured and very glossy; the region of the eye is bare, and his head decorated with a crest formed of numerous feathers; these are denuded of web at the roots and very broad at the extremities. The head and throat of this beautiful bird are of a metallic green, the crest is also of that hue, but resplendent with a golden sheen; the nape and upper part of the throat are of such a glossy purple or carmine-red that they gleam with all the brilliancy of the ruby; the lower parts of the throat and back are bronze-green, shaded with gold; the rest of the mantle, the wing and upper tail-covers are brilliant violet or blueish green; some few feathers on the under side are white, but its surface is principally black, shining with green and purple on the centre of the breast, and lustreless on the belly; the quills are black, the tail reddish brown; the eye is brown, the bare place that surrounds it blueish; the beak is dark grey, and the foot greyish green. The length is twenty-six and the breadth thirty-three inches; the wing measures from eleven to eleven and a half inches, and the tail eight inches and a quarter. The female is white upon the throat, the rest of her plumage being pale yellowish brown, spotted, striped, and marked with dark brown. The primary quills are blackish, the secondaries and tail-feathers striped black and brownish yellow. The size of the female is inferior to that of her mate.