268 BRITISH BIRDS 



ing-times are early in the morning and in the afternoon. Towards 

 noon they repair to some secluded spot to take their ease and dust 

 themselves ; and, if the weather be genial, to lie basking in the sun- 

 shine. At dusk they resort to some open place, usually the central 

 part of a field of grass, to roost, or 'jug,' as it is called ; and it may 

 then be seen that the covey is not a mere chance assemblage, but a 

 community, under the leadership of one individual, presumably the 

 oldest and most sagacious cock bird among them. At the approach of 

 sunset, and until dark, the call of the leader may be heard from the 

 chosen roosting-ground. It is a familiar sound to everyone in the 

 rural districts a harsh and powerful cry ; but, like the clamour of 

 blackbirds and redwings on going to rest, and the cawing of rooks 

 at eventide, it has a great charm for the lover of nature. In cha- 

 racter it resembles the call of the guinea-fowl, but is somewhat more 

 metallic, and is more powerful and far-reaching. When the birds 

 are assembled, they settle down for the night a little distance apart 

 from each other, disposed in a circle, all with faces turned outwards. 

 Disposed in this form, it must be difficult for any prowling animal 

 to come upon them without being detected by some one bird in the 

 covey. 



In spring, usually in March, pairing takes place, and the coveys 

 break up ; but if snow or frost supervenes the birds pack again, and 

 wait in company for the return of milder weather. In the pairing 

 season the males are jealous and pugnacious, and two cocks are 

 often seen engaged in fierce fight, making the fields resound, mean- 

 while, with their angry cries. 



The nest is placed on the ground, among the growing corn, or 

 under the shelter of an untrimmed hedge, and is a mere hollow 

 scratched in the earth, with a slight lining of dead grass and leaves. 

 The eggs vary in number from six or seven to eighteen, and are of 

 a uniform olive-brown colour. "NVhen. the young have been hatched 

 by the female the male assists in rearing and protecting them, and 

 both birds display intense anxiety and great boldness in the presence 

 of danger, and will drag themselves over the ground, with flapping 

 and trailing wings, within a few yards of a man or dog, to entice him 

 away from their chicks. The young feed principally on insect food, 

 small caterpillars, and larvae of ants, of which they are extremely 

 fond. The old birds include green leaves, buds, grain, and seeds of 

 weeds, in their dietary. 



