





THE CAl^lFOKMAN QUAIL. 



There is a group in America representing the quails and partridges of the Old World, 

 to which has been given the name of Orti/.r. These birds have a greater stoutness of bill 

 than those just mentioned ; the tail, which is somewhat wedge-shaped and rounded at 

 the extremity, is also more elongated. The}' closely i-esemble the quails in their general 

 manners and pugnacious habits, biit they have no spurs on the tarsi. They frequent 

 thickets and bushes, building their nests on the ground, and migrate during the winter 

 to more temperate regions. 



The most beautiful species is that of which we give an engraving. This bird was first 

 discovered by the imfbrtunate Ija Perouse ; and it is stated by the editor of his voyage, 

 that it was found in great abundance in the low woods and plains of California, assembled 

 in bands of two or three hundred, and that it was fat and well- flavoured. 



Little, however, was known of the Californian Quail till Captain Beechey brought over 

 several, as one result of his voyage of discovery. The beautiful crest on the head adds 

 greatly to their appearance. 



THE \'tRGINIAN COLIN. f 



This bird is a general inhabitant of North America, from the northern parts of Canada 

 and Nova Scotia, in which latter place it is said to be migratory, to the extremity of the 

 peninsula of Florida. Audubon says, its common name in the eastern and middle 

 districts is that of quail, but in the western and southern states it is called a partridge. 

 Their food, in a wild state, consists of grain, seeds, insects, and berries ; but buck-wheat 

 and Indian corn are also particular favourites. 



The following interesting narrative appeared in the " Magazine of Natural History," 

 from a correspondent residing in Staffordshire : — " A few years ago I purchased two 

 brace of these elegant little birds from Mr. Cross, of Exeter Change, Ijondon, and brought 

 them home with me in the coach. I have a small garden, walled round, and covered 

 over with wire, into which I turned them, but each separated from the other by a 

 wire partition. Towards the latter end of May, I perceived one of the cock birds 

 carrying straws, and twisting them about over his head ; and I found they were making 



Oityx California. 



t Perdix Virginiana. — Wilson. 



