134 BIRDS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. 



two first parts thickly spotted with black, but the last 

 clear ; the side feathers are large, ^rey, have a black line 

 near the edge, and a chestnut red border ; the under parts 

 are buff, the flights reddish brown, and the back, wing 

 coverts, tail, etc., brownish grey ; the legs, which are 

 spurred, and the feet are red. Length of male, 1 foot 2 

 inches. The female has a much less distinctly marked 

 garget than the male, and is browner and smaller. Lengtli, 

 1 foot 1 inch. 



This species is an importation from the Continent, and is 

 so little esteemed in Britain as a table delicacy that in some 

 parts where it has thriven and ousted the native partridge 

 it is voted " vermin," and its nest and eggs are destroyed. 



They frequent cultivated grounds, and feed on grain, 

 seeds of weeds, and insects, grass, clover, etc. 



The nest is merely a shallow depression, sheltered by 

 Ions: grass or heather ; the efjcjs are ten or twelve in number, 

 and are of a reddish j-ellow colour, spotted with brownish 

 red. The female alone performs the duty of incubation, 

 but the male keeps near her while it is in progress, and 

 assists her to look after the young, which are able to run 

 about almost as soon as hatched. 



These birds arc easily domesticated, and bi-eed freely in 

 confinement. 



Although mostly found on the ground, they often perch 

 in trees, and are frequently seen on a hedge or rail, where 

 the male emits his call, " cokilekee," witli much distinctness 

 in the spring. 



Pheasant. — Bill yellowish horn-colour; head and neck 

 blue, with metallic reflections ; naked place round eye 

 scarlet ; eye hazel ; rest of body brown and grey, with 

 metallic gloss on breast; primaries leaden blue; feet and 

 legs bluish grey ; side feathers and wing coverts have 

 yellowish white angular markings. Length of male, 2 feet 



