236 TETRAONIDEH, GROUSE, PARTRIDGES.—GEN. 184. 
America. Sw. and Ricn., Fn. Bor.-Am. ii, 354, pl. 64; Nurr., i, 610; 
Aup., v, 122, pl. 801; Bp., 635. ?Z. americanus Aup., v, 119, pl. 3005 
based on Z. mutus Sw. and Ricu., Fn. Bor.-Am. ii, 350. .  RUPESTRIS. 
White-tailed Ptarmigan. Tail white at all seasons; in winter, no black 
anywhere ; in summer, barred with dark brown and ochrey; bill slender, 
and other proportions nearly as in the last. A species of alpine distribution 
in western North America, from the Arctic regions to New Mexico (lat. 37°). 
Sw. and Ricu., Fn. Bor.-Am. ii, 356, pl. 63; Nurr., i, 612; Aun., v, 
125; pl..302; Bp:,636:5) Goor., 542. (55 2. 6. | eS REUCURGR. 
Subfamily ODONTOPHORINE. American Partridges. 
Head completely feathered, and usually crested, the crest frequently assuming a 
remarkable shape. Nasal fosse not filled with feathers, the nostrils covered with 
a naked scale. Tarsi and toes naked, the latter scarcely or not fringed. 
Our partridges may be distinguished, among American Galline, by the foregoing 
characters, but not from those of the Old World; and it is highly improbable that, 
as a group, they are separable from all the forms of the latter by any decided 
peculiarities. I find that the 
principal supposed character, 
namely, a toothing of the under 
mandible, is very faintly indicated 
in some forms, and entirely want- 
ing in others. Pending final issue, 
however, it is expedient to recog- 
nize the group, so strictly limited 
geographically, if not otherwise. 
Several beautiful and important 
genera occur within our limits, but these partridges are most numerous in species 
in Central and South America. Odontophorus is the leading genus, with perhaps 
15 species ; Hupsychortyx and Dendrortyx are other extra-limital forms ; and in all, 
some forty-odd species are known. In habits, they agree more or less completely 
with the well known bob-white. Our species are apparently monogamous, and go 
in small flocks, called ‘‘coveys,” usually consisting of the members of one family ; 
they are terrestrial, but take to the trees on occasion; nest on the ground, laying 
numerous white or speckled eggs; are chiefly granivorous, but also feed on buds, 
soft fruits, and insects ; and are non-migratory. 
Fic. 150. Foot and bill of Partridge. 
184. Genus ORTYX Stephens. 
Virginia Partridge, or Quail. Bob-white. Quail; New England and 
Middle States, wherever the ruffed grouse is called “partridge.” Partridge ; 
Southern States, wherever the ruffed grouse is called “pheasant.” Coronal 
feathers somewhat lengthened, and erectile, but hardly forming a true crest. 
Forehead, superciliary line and throat, white, bordered with black; crown, 
neck all round, and upper part of breast, brownish-red, other under parts 
tawny-whitish, all with more or fewer doubly crescentic black bars; sides 
broadly streaked with brownish-red; upper parts variegated with chestnut, 
black, gray and tawny, the latter edging the inner quills. 9 known by 
