556 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



This Game-looking bird appears peculiar to the upper Hima- 

 layan region near the snows, several travellers having stated that 

 they had not seen them on the Thibet side of the hills. It is 

 found however along the whole extent of the Himalayas, having 

 been found in the extreme North-west as well as in Sikim. 

 Hodgson states that " these birds have the habits and manners 

 of Tetrao rather than Perdiv. They are gregarious in coveys, 

 nestle and breed under jutting rocks, feed on the aromatics, seeds, 

 and insects found in the proper Himalayan region, which they 

 never quit, and amid the glaciers of which they take impene- 

 trable refuge when disturbed. Trees they wholly avoid, and are 

 usually found on the flatter and quasi-heathery ledges which 

 form steps from the snow-bound summits of the Himalayas. The 

 Lerwas moult, I think, twice a year,-^ but certainly in autumn, 

 their plumage being most imperfect in August. They are 

 splendid game, with a vigorous flight, shy, and in size and strength 

 equal to a Grouse. Their flesh is white, succulent and possessed 

 of a very high flavour." 



Dr. Hooker observed it in Sikim, and calls it a small gregarious 

 bird which inhabits the loftiest stony mountains, and utters a 

 short cry of quiok, quiok ; in character and appearance, it is 

 intermediate between Grouse and Partridge, and is good eating, 

 though tou";h. 



" In general haunts and habits," says Mountaineer " this bird 

 much resembles the Snow-pheasant, frequenting the same high 

 regions near the Snow in summer, and migrating to the 

 same bare hills and rocks in winter. The Pheasant, however, 

 prefers the grassy slopes and softer parts of the hill, the 

 Partridge the more abrupt and rocky portions, where the 

 vegetation is scantier, and more of a mossy than grassy charac- 

 ter. They are also more local, and confined more to particular 

 spots, and do not, like the pheasant, ramble indiscriminately 

 over almost every part of the hill. They are generally re- 

 markably tame ; when approached, they utter a harsh whistle, 

 and if they keep still, it is often several moments before 

 they can be distinguished, their plumage much resembling and 

 blending with the general colour of much of the ground they 



