THE THICK-BILLED PARTRIDGES. 151 



" When frightened, the whole bevy runs up the side of the 

 ravine, and only when approached quite suddenly do they take 

 wing. The consequence is (alas ! that it should be said) that 

 the sportsman is obliged to shoot them on the ground ; and 

 the only mode he has of quieting his conscience is, by a stretch 

 of the imagination, to suppose them ' fur,' and not ' feather,' 

 and take a running shot." 



Mr. G. F. Gaumer says : — *' This bird is common in all 

 the eastern forests of Yucatan, where it is much esteemed 

 for its fine flesh and as a household pet. As a pet it is not a 

 success, living but a few months in confinement. Like the 

 Quails, this bird lives upon the ground, where it is always seen 

 in pairs. At nightfall it sings a very pretty song, beginning 

 with a low whistle, which is three times repeated, each time 

 with greater force; then follow the syllables che-va-lieu-a re- 

 peated from three to six times in succession. The tone is musi- 

 cal, half sad, half persuasive, beginning somev>-hat cheerfully, 

 and ending more coaxingly. From its colour and its habit of 

 remaining immovable while one is passing, this bird is some- 

 what difficult to see. I have frequently seen it squatting 

 close to the ground while I passed within a few feet of it. 

 It seldom flies, and never flies far when compelled to take 

 wing." 



THE THICK-BILLED PARTRIDGES. GENUS 

 ODONTOPHORUS. 



Odontophonis^ Vieillot, Analyse, p. 51 (i 8:6). 

 Type, O. guianensis (Gmel.). 



Sexes similar or somewhat different in plumage. A mode- 

 rately long and full crest. 



First primary flight-feather shorter tha?i the tenth ; fourth or 

 fifth rather the longest. 



Tail composed of twelve feathers, 7wt more than half the 

 length of the wing. 



Tarsus not longer than the middle toe and claw. 



