GALLINACEOUS BIRDS 203 



plumage of the males of the Gold and Silver Pheasants (Ph. pictus, 

 Gallophasis nycthemerus). In the plumage of the former a golden yellow 

 and a magnificent red are the predominating tints, whilst in the latter 

 species the silvery white colour of the back is in brilliant contrast with 

 the deep black of the under surface. Both species have been introduced 

 from China. 



Family 2 : Partridges and Quails (Perdicidae), 



The Partridge (Perdix cinerea). 

 (Length 12 inches.) 



In the structure of its wings and feet the partridge exactly resembles 

 the domestic fowl ; hence, like the latter, it is a bad flier, but a rapid 

 runner. In consequence of the hardness of the feathers, the flight is 

 noisy, rustling. Its food, too, is the same as that of the fowl (beak and 

 claivs also as in the latter). The plumage, like that of other denizens of 

 the fields (compare hare, lark), is of an inconspicuous earthy colour. 

 The ashy grey back is dotted and lined with numerous brown spots, 

 light streaks, and black zigzag lines, so that a bird sitting on the 

 ground can scarcely be distinguished, even at a short distance. (The 

 importance of this for the incubating hen !) The under surface in the 

 male is of a lighter colour, and bears a brown, horseshoe-shaped spot. 

 In the spring the "coveys" separate into single pairs (monogamy). 

 The female lays ten or more brownish-grey (protective colouring) eggs in 

 a flat, circular depression of the soil, which is padded with straw, grass, 

 etc. The nestling plumage is a mixture of black, brown, and yellow, and 

 renders the young not easily distinguishable. Nevertheless, in spite of 

 this protective colouring and the watchful care of the parent birds, many 

 a nestling falls a prey to its numerous enemies (see hare). The worst 

 foe of the partridge, however, is the winter. It may manage to survive 

 as long as it is still able to , scrape away the snow and get at the young 

 crops beneath. When, however, the surface layers of the snow freeze 

 to icy hardness, whole coveys of the birds often die miserably of hunger. 

 It is only owing to its great fecundity (see hare) that this delicate game 

 bird has not as yet entirely disappeared from our fields. 



The Quail (Coturnix communis). 



The quail nests in the concealment of high-standing corn. Its 

 familiar call-note has been considered by pious Germans to resemble the 

 words " Fiirchte Gott " (Fear God). The English rendering of the sound 

 is " Wet your lips." The plumage of this bird also, in accordance with 

 its habitat, is of an earthy colour (brown, with yellowish-white stripes). 



14 



