198 GAME BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. 



Two species are included in this genus, both of which are es- 

 sentially Mexican, the present one only coming within our bor- 

 ders. They are remarkable for the fantastic coloring of the 

 head, short tail, and long claws, as well as for their unsuspicious 

 dispositions, which have earned for them the soubriquet of 

 " Fool quail." The species found in the Southern United States 

 is not very abundant any^vhere, and will probably soon be very 

 much less so. as making but little effort to escape their pursuers, 

 the members of a flock, when met with, usually all fall victims to 

 their misplaced confidence in man's forbearance. 



\ 



A 



A 



