220 BIRDS OF FIELD, FOREST AND PARK 



or grass tuft. The white eggs are numerous, 

 from twelve to twenty, and frequently two 

 broods are reared in a season. The young run 

 as soon as hatched and will hide in the leaves 

 like little Grouse. There are few more cunning 

 creatures than these little chicks when a few 

 days old. At night and whenever they need pro- 

 tection, the little mother gathers her brood 

 under her like a hen, spreading her wings and 

 feathers to cover them all. 



Bob-white is a permanent resident through- 

 out his habitat, which covers the Eastern States 

 and lower Canada. They rarely venture far 

 from their native woods and fields, and, if left 

 undisturbed, will breed year after year in the 

 same locality. The families remain together 

 through the winter unless broken up by the 

 hunter, prowling fox or weasel. Toward 

 spring they scatter, mating in April. Then is 

 heard their well known call, ''bob-white, bob- 

 white,'''' so plainly uttered that their name is de- 

 termined by it. There is a plaintive tone to this 

 call that is quite appealing, and heard in the 

 twilight of a soft spring day it compels a feeling 

 of pity for his loneliness. They are friendly 

 little fellows, visiting the garden to pick up 

 grubs, seeds and scattered grain. But for our 

 unfriendliness they would become as tame as 

 Sparrows. 



