The Red-legged Partridge. 



315 



THE EED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE. (Perdix rufus.) 



THESE Partridges are natives of Guernsey and Jersey ; 

 but are also very frequently found on the adjoining 

 coasts of France. Of late years they have spread very 

 rapidly in England ; and as they are stronger and fiercer 

 than the common partridge, the latter becomes scarce 

 wherever the Red-legged Partridges are abundant. In 

 the Western districts of France they are very abundant, 

 and their flesh is plump and juicy. In England it is as 

 white as in France, but more dry. The side-feathers are 

 very handsomely speckled, and there is a rich black mark 

 beginning behind the eye and forming a kind of gorget 

 on the breast. The eyelids are of a bright red, as are 

 the bill and feet, and the claws are brown. They build 

 their nests on the ground; but are sometimes found 

 perched on trees, or on a fence or paling. 



