AVES. 375 



one of the few birds which do not appear to diminish in numbers on 

 account of the proximity of man. All the other species seem to be quite 

 similar in their general habits to the two birds here mentioned. 



Suh-fam. 2. TurnicincB, or Quails. Bill moderate, straight, compressed ; 

 wings short, rounded ; tail short, almost concealed by the long feathers of 

 the back ; tarsi moderate, strong. Size (juite small ; colors plain. 



These birds are found in the South of Europe, India, Africa, and Aus- 

 tralia. They have much the same habits as the partridges, which they 

 resemble in appearance, though they are much smaller. They live entirely 

 on the ground, running with great swiftness, and seeking their food 

 amongst the grass and other herbage. The common quail of Europe, Tur- 

 nix dactijlisonans {pi. 95, fig. 15), is distributed throughout the continent 

 and Asia. 



Suh-fam. 3. OdontophorincB, or American Partridges. Bill short, curved 

 to the tip, upper mandible slightly prolonged ; wings mocferate, rounded ; 

 tail rather long; tarsi and feet moderate. Size various; colors various, 

 frequently gay. 



This sub-family embraces the partridges of America, of which there are 

 about thirty-five species, mostly natives of Mexico and Central America. 

 One of the most beautiful of these is the California partridge, Lophortyx 

 californicus {pi. 96, fig. 11), which is a common bird in that country. 

 This and other species of these elegant birds seem to prefer the sandy 

 plains or open woods, generally living in bands of several hundred indivi- 

 duals, and seeking their food on the ground. There are numerous species 

 of these birds found in California and Mexico, some of which are amongst 

 the most beautiful of the birds of North America. 



The common partridge of the United States {Odontophorus virginianus) 

 is spread over the whole of North America. It rarely frequents the forest, 

 but is most partial to the cultivated plantations where there is plenty of 

 grain. When not too much persecuted by gunners this pleasant bird 

 becomes almost half- domesticated, in winter approaching the barn and out- 

 houses, and feeding amongst the poultry of the farmyard. Buckwheat is a 

 particular favorite, in the fields of which the partridge may almost inva- 

 riably be detected. His note in the spring is somewhat similar to the 

 words " Bob White," which has been given to him for a name, and by 

 which he is extensively known. 



Suh-fam. 4. TetraonincB, or Grouse. Bill short, rather broad, curved ; 

 nostrils covered ; wings moderate, rounded ; tail wide, sometimes rounded 

 or forked ; tarsi rather short, feathered ; feet strong ; size various, frequently 

 large ; colors generally plain. 



These birds are residents of the northern parts of both continents ; 

 inhabiting all descriptions of localities, but rather preferring barren or 

 bushy plains. They are in much request as articles of food, and are much 

 sought after by hunters and sportsmen. 



The largest species is the cock of the woods, or capercailz^ Tetrao 

 urogallus {pi. 96, fig. 1), a European species, formerly abundant but now 

 more rare, and entirely extinct in Great Britain. It is not much inferior to 



579 



