94 LLOYDS NATURAL HISTORY. 



The following account of its habits are given by Mr. 

 U'ilson. 



" In our part of the hills the Chukor is most numerous 

 in the higher inhabited districts, but is found scattered over 

 all the lower and middle ranges. In summer they spread 

 themselves over the grassy hills to breed, and about the middle 

 of September begin to assemble in and around the cultivated 

 fields near the villages, gleaning at first in the grain-fields 

 which have been reaped, and afterwards, during winter, in 

 those which have been sown with wheat and barley for the en- 

 suing season, preferring the wheat. A few straggling parties 

 remain on the hillsides, where they breed, as also in summer 

 many remain to perform the business of incubation in the 

 fields. In autumn and winter they keep in loose scattered 

 flocks, where numerous, sometimes to the number of forty or 

 fifty, or even a hundred. In summer, though not entirely 

 separated, they are seldom in large flocks, and a single pair is 

 often met with. They are partial to dry, stony spots, never go 

 into forest, and in the lower hills seem to prefer the grassy 

 hillsides to the cultivated fields. This may probably be 

 owing to their comparatively fewer numbers, as I have ob- 

 served that many others of the feathered race are much shyer 

 and more suspicious of Man when rare, than those of the same 

 species in places where more numerous 



"The Chukor feeds on grain, roots, seeds, and berries; 

 when caught young it soon becomes tame, and will associate 

 readily with domestic poultry. 



"From the beginning of October, Chukor-shooting, from 

 the frequency and variety of the shots, and the small amount 

 of fatigue attending it, is, to one partial to such sport, perhaps 

 the most pleasant of anything of the kind in the hills. About 

 some of the higher villages, ten or a dozen brace may be 

 bagged in a few hours. Dogs may be used or not, at the dis- 

 cretion of the sportsman ; they are not necessary, and if at all 

 wild, are more in the way than otherwise." 



