SCALED PARTRIDGE 



Callipepla squamata. 10 in. 



With a whitish or buffy-white crest; plumage bluish- 

 gray, with darker edges giving the bird the appearance 

 of being covered with scales. The female is more brown- 

 ish, but is marked the same as the male. These birds 

 are locally abundant in arid, cactus-covered deserts, 

 often at a distance from water, and frequently in com- 

 pany with Gambel Partridge. 



Nest. 8 to 15 eggs are laid in some hollow under a 

 Low bush or cactus; they are creamy-white, dotted with 

 minute specks of pale brown. ( 1.25 x. 95); April, May. 



Range. Mexico north to Central and Western Texas, 

 New Mexico and Arizona. 



293a. Chestnut-bellied Scaled Partridge (C. s. castano- 

 gastris), is more richly colored and has a chestnut patch 

 on the middle of the belly. It is found in southern 

 Texas and northeastern Mexico. 



