382 



GALLIN^L 



SUB-FAMILY IV. 

 Odontopiiorin.e.* The American Fartridcjes. 



Gen. Charac. — Bill short, more or less compressed on the sides, and the eulmen 

 {generally elevated at the base, and arched to the tip, which is obtuse, and 

 prolonged over that of the lower mandible, the margin is bidentated on each 

 side ; the nostrils basal, and placed in a short and rounded groove, with 

 the opening covered by a membranous scale ; the wings moderate, concave, 

 and rounded ; the tail more or less long, broad, and rounded ; the tarsi 

 generally slender, long, and covered by divided scales; the foes long, 

 and the inner shorter than the outer toe; the claws modei-ate, slightly 

 curved, and acute. 





Fig. 154. — the black-throated American partridge. 

 {Ortyx nigrogalaris.) 



The Odontopliorin^ are found in the tropical parts 

 of the New Continent. They frequent the forests 

 or thick woods^ especially those that border upon 

 rivers. Then- usual food consists of grain and 



* oSovg, vOov-oc, odous, odontos, a tooth ; <pip(x), pliero, to carry ; 

 Having the bill toothed. 



