Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 



433 



Quail. 



narrow dusky bars; primaries, grayish brown; crown showing more 

 or less black mixed with chestnut brown; bill, black. 



Adult female: Similar, but has the throat and the line over the 

 eye tawny buff instead of white, and little or no black on the breast. 



Length, about 10; wing, about 4.50; bill, about .45; tarsus, i. 



This species is a common resident throughout Illinois and Wiscon- 

 sin, except in the northern part of the latter state. It is found in 

 small flocks and is terrestrial, although when frightened will occasion- 

 ally alight in trees. The note is a clear loud whistle, crudely described 

 as hu-hui or hu-huit, which by a slight effort of the imagination is 

 supposed to sound like the words Bob-white. The loud notes are 

 often preceded by a short low one, which can only be heard at a com- 

 paratively short distance. 



It breeds throughout its range, nidification commencing about the 

 first of May. The nest is on the ground, usually in open places, such 

 as grassy fields. The eggs are white or creamy white, and number 

 from 10 to 15 (occasionally more); they measure about 1.20 x .95 

 inches. 



Specimens are often taken in southern Illinois, which are somewhat 

 dark and small and which are apparently intermediate between C. 

 virginianus and the Florida form C. v. floridanus. 



