THE COMMON PARTRIDGE 107 



The RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE (Perdix rubra) is common in some 

 parts of England, especially in Norfolk and neighbouring counties, 

 having been introduced into Suffolk by the Marquis of Hertford 

 and Lord Rendlesham from the continent, where it is common, 

 being found in France, Southern Europe generally, and in Guernsey 

 and Jersey. It inhabits heathy places chiefly, but otherwise 

 closely resembles the common partridge in its habits. The flesh is 

 of a less succulent and tender character than that of the common 

 partridge. 



FIG. 66. THE COMMON PARTRIDGE. 



Partridges are far less destructive to farm crops than pheasants, 

 it being a moot question whether they do more good by devouring 

 insects and weed seeds than harm by feeding on grasses, clover, etc. 

 Proclivities for feeding upon grain are no doubt induced by over- 

 preservation, but this feeding is chiefly on stubbles ; and though 

 resort may be had to pheasant " feeds," even farmyards and gardens 

 in prolonged severe weather, partridges interfere but little with 

 small holdings, allotments, market gardens, fruit plantations, 

 orchards, and private gardens, these being too much frequented by 

 men to favour partridges. 



The COMMON QUAIL (Coturnix dactylisonans) , Fig. 67, is a Rasorial 

 bird included in the family of the Perdicinae or Partridges. The 

 quail attains a length of about 8 in. The feathers of the head 

 are black, edged with rusty brown. The hinder part of the neck and 

 crown of the head are divided by a Jong pale yellow line ; the breast 

 is of a yellowish-red, spotted with black, the scapulars and feathers 

 of the back are marked with a pale yellow line in their middle, and 

 with ferruginous and blackish bars on their sides, 



