2i BRITISH BIRDS. WITH THEIR NESTS AND EGGS. 



Family PH A SIANID/E. 



THE OUAIL. 



f~s 



Colurnix commmiis, BONN. 



THB Quails, though closely resembling the Partridges, are distinguished from 

 them by their pointed wings and extremely short tails. They are birds of 

 small size and migratory habits, and, though often found in vast flocks, do not 

 associate in coveys. Their flight is swift and whirring like that of the Partridge, 

 although they run with great speed. Their food consists of small grain, seeds, 

 and insects. Some species are polygamous, but others pair. The common species, 

 which is the only one found in Europe, may be taken as a typical representative 

 of the whole group. 



At the present time the Quail, though formerly much more abundant, is but 

 sparely distributed throughout the British Islands during the summer months. 

 Formerly, as we are informed by Mr. Booth, considerable numbers were hatched 

 in the fen-lands, and he himself has secured seven brace in half a day's shooting 

 in the pastures and arable lands situated in the outskirts of the fens. During 

 the same period, Quails were abundant even in the immediate neighbourhood of 

 Brighton, nesting near the town on the various parts of the downs. The total 

 disappearance of the bird from this latter locality, for Mr. Booth stated that he 

 had not heard their well marked and characteristic note for ten years, affords one 

 of those strange occurrences in the distribution of birds with which naturalists 

 are so familiar. In many cases in which the conditions of the country remain 

 unchanged, the habits of migratory birds have altered greatly. 



The Quail is a migratory bird, arriving in this country in May, and proceeding 

 at once to nest in corn-fields as well as in the coarse tussocky grass of the less 

 cultivated districts. In Ireland they are far more common than in England, and 

 a considerable number remain in that country during the entire winter season. In 

 Scotland it is well known in the western counties, and breeds in limited numbers. 

 It has also been obtained from Stornoway, and the Islands of North Uist and Lewis. 

 It is not so common on the east coast, but has been met with in all the counties 

 as far north as the Orkney Islands. On the Continent of Europe it is generally 

 distributed, and in some parts is exceedingly numerous, thus in Spain it is 



