The bobwhite or quail 



ent in appearance from the eastern quail. It has a 

 nodding plume on its head and is largely black, 

 white, and brownish-gray. 



NO birds of my acquaintance, unless it be bluebirds, 

 goldfinches, chickadees, and thrushes, seem so lov- 

 able, so interesting, and so altogether desirable as quail. 

 Our summer meadows would lose much of their charm 

 without the cheery "Bob White" ringing across them. 



The character of human beings is shown in their voices; 

 that of birds seems likewise revealed. The note of the 

 quail breathes sweetness, tenderness, joy in life, and deep 

 contentment. Unless need of food compels it, the killing 

 of these nearly human creatures seems to me like the 

 "Slaughter of the Innocents." 



Few birds are so devoted to their mates or to their young 

 as the quail. Many human parents are less alive to pa- 

 rental responsibilities. It is a well-known fact that while 

 Mother Quail is sitting upon her second nestful of a dozen 

 or more eggs. Father Bob assumes die entire care of the 

 large, restless, older brood. 



Most birds love their mates and their young, but quail 

 seem to have affection for their brothers and sisters, also. 

 The parents and the two broods sometimes remain together 

 during the winter. When one member of the family is 

 lost, the others give their tender covey-call, to lure home 

 the prodigal. There are few sweeter sounds in nature. 

 Mr. Forbush says: "When the broods are scattered by 

 the gunner, they are reassembled again by a whistled call 

 of the old bird, which has been given, ^ka-loi-kee, ka-loU 

 kee,* and is answered by the whistled repeated response, 

 *whoil-kee.' The syllables almost run together. The 

 first call is uttered with a rising and the oilier with a falling 



[39] 



