A First Glance at the Birds, 



the valley-quail being an erect tuft of 

 feathers, which is thrown forward over 

 the head when the bird is excited, that 

 of the mountain-quail being a long, 

 slender plume, extending backward. The 

 latter bird may also be known at a glance 

 by its larger size and its chestnut flanks. 

 Both birds are very showily ornamented, 

 and among the most characteristic species 

 of the west. Everyone knows the loud 

 clear, cu^ cu', cu of the valley-quail, but 

 the high, nervous whistle of the moun- 

 tain form is less familiar, since these 

 birds frequent the more remote moun- 

 tainous portion of the state. The valley- 

 quail becomes very tame when not 

 molested, and is a fascinating creature to 

 observe, so vigorous in its step and flight, 

 so alert and proud. 



Then there is the sooty grouse in our 

 pine woods which, in early spring, booms 

 mysteriously amid the tall trees ; and, 

 on the deserts, the sage-hen. 



The pigeon family is represented 

 within our confines by three species — 

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