CLASS AVES. 



149 



FIG. 255. 



Or' tyx vir gin i a' nus. 

 Bob-white, or American Partridge. 



They are mostly polygamous, feeding in flocks of ten or 

 twelve females to one male. 



The Partridge is not mi- 

 gratory, but passes the winter 

 in swamps.* It is monoga- 

 mous, the young remaining 

 with their parents till spring, 

 and then pairing. At night, 

 the whole covey roost on the 

 ground in a close circle, their 

 heads directed outward, in close watch for enemies. 

 The Grouse is distinguished by having the tarsi and 



the nasal groove partly feathered, f 

 Not being migratory, it is hunted 

 during the colder months. In the 

 spring, it drums upon a log with 

 its wings, closely imitating distant 

 thunder. AVhen the young are 

 hatched, they follow the mother, 

 and the males joining the flock, 

 all remain together during the 

 winter, after which they separate, 

 the young selecting their own 

 homes, not far from their parents. 

 This species is in great demand 

 and would quickly become extinct if unprotected by law.J 



FIG. 256. 



Bonn' sa vm bfl'lus. 

 Ruffed Grouse. ( J.) 



* In New England, the Partridges are called Quails. The true Quail (Co l&r'- 

 nix com mun' is) is found in the Old World, and is migratory in habit, leaving 

 Africa in the spring and returning from Europe in the autumn. Passing the 

 Mediterranean in immense flocks, millions are captured as they alight upon the 

 rocky islands. 



t The Ruffed Grouse is called Partridge in New England and the West, and 

 Pheasant in the Middle States. 



J The Pinnated Grouse (Cu'pido cupido'nia) is kindred to the Ruffed, and 

 formerly abounded in New England, but is now limited to the prairies of the 

 Western States, though shipped to the Eastern cities in the winter by the car-load. 



