California Quail {LophortyxcaUfornica and varieties) 



Length, about 9^2 inches. Distinguished from Gambels' quail by the reddish 

 instead of black belly. 



Range. — Resident in the Pacific Coast region from southwestern Oregon and 

 western Nevada through California and Lower California. 



The California quail is one of our most beautiful game birds and the sight 

 of a large covey running daintily along, with crests nodding and fine plumage 

 gleaming in the sun is a sight to remember. Before quail were so much perse- 

 cuted, covies were common in the gardens of Oakland and other California towns, 

 seemingly as much at home among calla lilies and rosebushes as in the stubble field. 

 The numerous families in the fall associate in bands of three or four hundred, 

 or even more. The California quail has learned one lesson never acquired by our 

 l)ob-white — to roost in trees and brushes instead of on the ground, and no doubt 

 the safety thus obtained during the hours of darkness is one reason for its great 

 abundance. 



This quail is the greatest vegetarian of any of our game birds, the vegetable 

 food eaten by over 600 individuals examined amounting to 95 per cent of the 

 total food consumed. Unfortunately the California quail consumes much grain 

 when germinating and thus damages the growing crop ; it also attacks grapes 

 and. while it does not eat a great many, it seriously damages bunches by punctur- 

 ing a few grapes here and there, so ruining the fruit for market. 



Protect Our Migratory Birds 



The effect of recent legislation for the protection of migratory birds is 

 already apparent, but more is needed. At the present there is before the senate 

 for ratification a treaty between the United States and Canada for the protection 

 of these birds. It has been signed by the plenipotentiaries of both governments 

 and by the president and has been reported favorably by the senate committee on 

 foreign relations. It would be a great pity and loss to both countries if it should 

 fail of ratification in the press of the senate's other affairs before adjournment. 



T\\t protection of our bird life is of importance not only to the naturalist 

 and nature lover, but to the farmer and to all classes, for all have an interest in 

 the service birds perform in the checking of insect scourges, to say nothing of the 

 pleasure they give. Unregulated destruction by shortsighted sportsmen and by 

 men who sell for the market already had done serious damage when the campaign 

 of the .Audubon society began to make itself felt. Local control, where accom- 

 plished, was inefficient, and this has been supplemented by interstate regulation. 

 The next and last step for protection is continental co-operation, which will be 

 established bv the treaty now before the senate with an enabling act to carry it 

 into eft'ect. 



The senate should not fail to act at this session. 



540 



