318 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



gratory, seldom moving any considerable distance from their 

 breeding-grounds, even in search of food. They affect 

 grounds which are more or less open, and manifest a de- 

 cided preference for places which are abundantly supplied 

 with low trees and shrubbery ; and also low meadows in 

 secluded localities, or where there is a profusion of dense 

 and rank vegetation. Such grounds are most usually bor- 

 dered on one side or both by thick woods, into which they 

 repair to roost, or to conceal themselves from danger. They 

 invariably roost, upon the lowest branches, but during the 

 day not unfrequently find safe and convenient hiding re- 

 treats in the dense and closely matted meadow-grasses. 

 In certain localities, in which they are protected from the 

 ravages of the sportsman, they become exceedingly tame, 

 and are reduced to a semi-domesticated condition. They 

 manifest considerable confidence, and frequently repair to 

 the barn-yard, where they mingle with the poultry. In a 

 certain neighborhood, not very remote from Germantown, 

 we have a most striking confirmation of this fact. Care- 

 fully protected by a generous and law-abiding farmer, they 

 have been permited to increase in numbers, until they 

 constitute the only noteworthy covey for miles around. 

 Such kindness, they have repaid with their confidence. 



Few species evince stronger attachment for their kind. 

 They keep in flocks, ranging from ten to thirty and even 

 more, as well by day as by night. On the approach of 

 dusk they repair to their coverts, and roost upon the ground 

 underneath sheltering bushes. They huddle closely to- 

 gether in a circle, their bodies touching each other, and 

 their heads being directed outwardly, which position is 

 conducive alike to their safety and to their comfort. 



Their flight is considerably labored, and but briefly sus- 

 tained. Even when alarmed, they fly to an exceedingly 

 short distance and alight, but manage to escape their pur- 

 suer by running sw r iftly on the ground. In low meadow 

 lands overgrown with variously interlacing grasses, several 



