PLUMED PARTRIDGE. 45 
The nest, a slightly contrived affair, is placed in some 
well-concealed spot on the ground, and the bird lays 
about the same number of eggs as the Mountain Par- 
tridge. These are smooth and glossy, varying from a 
pale cream to a reddish-buff in color, and are without 
any spots. In size they average about the same as those 
of the last species. 
The Plumed Partridge is a beautiful bird, one of 
the largest members of the Tribe, and with its long 
upright slender plumes decorating the head, and _ its 
strong contrasting hues, presents a very handsome and 
gallant appearance. Although resembling very closely 
in coloration the Mountain Partridge, it can be distin- 
guished by its hind-neck, which has the same plumbeous 
color as the breast, while its relative has this part olive- 
brown or umber. By some, however, the two forms are 
not considered even as subspecifically distinct, but as 
their habitats can be fairly well defined, it would seem 
best to recognize the two races. When alarmed this 
bird utters a sharp quick note like “ quit’ several times 
repeated; and evinces the same anxiety and solicitude 
for its young as do other members of the Family by 
feigning lameness and inability to fly, uttering all the 
time a shrill, plaintive cry. While the old bird is thus en- 
deavoring to draw the intruder away, the young are 
busily taking care of themselves, scattering in all direc- 
tions and hiding under leaves or in bushes, where they 
squat and remain motionless, effectually concealed by 
their close resemblance in color to the surrounding ob- 
jects. Their food consists of insects, seeds, buds, and 
leaves of various plants, and grain if obtainable. 
