THE THICK-BILLED PARTRIDGES. I51 
* When frightened, the whole bevy runs up the side of the 
ravine, and only when approached quite suddenly do they take 
wing. The consequenc? is (alas! that it should be said) that 
the sportsman is obliged to shoot them on the ground; and 
the only mode he has of quieting his conscience is, by a stretch 
of the imagination, to suppose them ‘fur,’ and not ‘ feather,’ 
and take a running shot.” 
Mr. G. F. Gaumer says :—‘ This bird is common in all 
the eastern forests of Yucatan, where it is much esteemed 
for its fine flesh and as a household pet. Asa pet it is not a 
success, living but a few months in confinement. Like the 
Quails, this bird lives upon the ground, where it is always seen 
in pairs. At nightfall it sings a very pretty song, beginning 
with a low whistle, which is three times repeated, each time 
with greater force; then follow the syllables che-va-/ieu-a re- 
peated from three to six times in succession. ‘The tone is musi- 
cal, half sad, half persuasive, beginning somewhat cheerfully, 
and ending more coaxingly. From its colour and its habit of 
remaining immovable while one is passing, this bird is some- 
what difficult to see. I have frequently seen it squatting 
close to the ground while I passed within a few feet of it. 
It seldom flies, and never flies far when compelled to take 
wing.” 
THE THICK-BILLED PARTRIDGES. GENUS 
ODONTOPHORUS. 
Odontophorus, Vieillot, Analyse, p. 51 (1816). 
Type, O. guianensis (Gmel.). 
Sexes similar or somewhat different in plumage. A mode- 
rately long and full crest. 
First primary flight-feather shorter than the tenth ; fourth or 
fifth rather the longest. 
Tail composed of ¢welve feathers, not more than half the 
length of the wing. 
Tarsus zot /onger than the middle toe and claw. 
