64 THE PHEASANT SUBFAMILY 



are always of a sandy brown colour, and with wider and more con- 

 spicuous shaft-stripes. Mr. Grant further discovered that the 

 adult female similarly assumes a partial " eclipse " dress which is 

 worn from May to September a much longer period than in the case 

 of the male. The " eclipse " feathers here are of a sandy brown, with 

 a buff shaft-streak, and mottled or barred with black ; usually there is 

 also a buff subterminal spot. 



Having now reviewed what we may call the general life-history 

 of the partridge, we turn to the all-important series of events which 

 is associated with the continuance of the race. But it is somewhat 

 surprising to make the discovery that really, when all is said and done, 

 only glimpses of the pageant have yet been obtained. 



Both Perdix perdix and Caccabis rufa are monogamous species, 

 and, so far as is known, neither presents any very striking features in 

 regard to their courtship. Though the common-partridge pairs early, 

 it "jugs " for a time in company with its fellows, but on the first burst 

 of warm weather towards the end of February the coveys break up 

 and each pair betakes itself to some secluded spot. Whether this is 

 true also of the redlegged species or not no one seems to know. Of 

 actual courting habits, only a very nebulous history can be gleaned as 

 to the common-partridge, and nothing whatever of this important 

 phase in the life-history of the redlegged species. So far as the 

 amatory display of the common-partridge is concerned, all that we 

 can definitely fasten on is the fact that as soon as warm weather sets 

 in the cock, already paired, becomes demonstrative, calling loudly, 

 jerking his tail, and assuming a defiant attitude, challenging all whom 

 it may concern ; while the female squats in the demure acquiescence 

 of one who revels in being possessed ! Commonly the challenge is 

 accepted by some unattached male, who approaches either in a series 

 of jerky runs, or with a headlong dash. Then a fight begins, wherein 

 each bird flutters up a yard or two and endeavours to strike his 

 antagonist with feet, wings, or beak, aiming, generally, at the top of 

 the head. At last one is vanquished generally the challenged 



