3902 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
Francolins are distinguished from: Partridges by a stronger and 
more elongated bill, by a more largely-developed tail, and by the 
existence in the male of one or two sharp spurs. ‘They also differ 
in their habits, for they frequent wooded and marshy districts, where 
they subsist on berries, seeds, worms, insects, and young bulbous 
plants. When not feeding, they are almost constantly perched on 
trees, where they pass the night. These peculiarities excepted, they 
bear a strong resemblance to the Partridge. ‘Their flesh is highly 
esteemed, the Francolin taking the first place among game birds, 
Fig. 152.—Californian Partridge. 
A beautiful variety of Francolin is found in the south of China. 
Its favourite haunt is among the dwarf palmetto on the hill-sides. 
It lies well to dogs, but is so quick in flushing, and so rapid in 
flight, that even the best shots miss them. ‘They are quite as large 
as the Grey Partridge. 
Unfortunately, in Europe the Francolin is tending towards 
extinction, for its wild nature prevents it accommodating itself to a 
restricted range. It is found on the southern coasts of the Black 
Sea, in Sicily, and the island of Cyprus. There are other species 
inhabiting Africa and India, the most worthy of notice being the 
Sanguine Francolin (/thag niis cruentus). 
The Turnix are closely allied to the Quails ; the only physical 
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