178 
SCALED PARTRIDGE 
Callipepla squamata. 10 in. 
With a whitish or buffy-white crest; plumage bluish- 
gray, with darker edges giving the bird the appearance 
of being covered with scales. The female is more brown- 
ish. but is marked the same as the male. These birds 
are locally abundant in arid, cactus-covered deserts, 
* often at a distance from water, and frequently in com- 
pany with Gambel Partridge. 
Nest.—8 to 15 eggs are laid in some hollow under a 
low bush or cactus; they are creamy-white, dotted with 
minute specks of pale brown. (1.25x .95); April, May. 
Range.—Mexico north to Central and Western Texas, 
New Mexico and Arizona. 
293a. Chestnut-bellied Sealed Partridge (C. s. castano- 
gastris), is more richly colored and has a chestnut patch 
on the middle of the belly. It is found in southern 
Texas and northeastern Mexico. 
