ORTYX. COLIN. 227 



broad, concave, much rounded ; primary quills incurved, the 

 third, fourth, fifth, and sixth longest; secondary quills decurved, 

 rounded, the inner long. Tail of moderate length, much 

 rounded. 



The Colins are intermediate between the Partridges and 

 Quails, from both which groups they are readily distinguished 

 by the form of their bill, although at first sight one can 

 scarcely perceive much difference in their general appearance. 

 They are migratory birds, having habits similar to those of the 

 Partridges, frequenting bushy places, breeding on the ground, 

 and feeding on seeds and other parts of vegetables. Their 

 pugnacity at least equals that of the other groups, and they are 

 not less gregarious. One species, Ortyx borealis, the Virginian 

 Colin, has been reared in several preserves in England, and is 

 said to be naturalized in Sussex, so that it has nearly an equal 

 claim to our consideration as the Red Partridge. 



