480 PHASIANID^E ; TURKEYS, PEACOCKS, PARTRIDGES. 



wattles, which are larger in them than in any other birds of this 

 family, are loose flaps of skin, copiously supplied with blood- 

 vessels, and capable of being contracted or dilated at pleasure ; 

 they are greatly affected by the emotions of the animal, becoming 

 distended, and of a heightened colour, under the influence of 

 fear or anger, probably in the same manner as the cheeks of 

 Man are reddened by the blush of shame or the excitement of 

 rage. Turkeys are natives of the forests of North and Central 

 America, where they feed on grain and other vegetable sub- 

 stances; and their introduction into Europe, therefore, has 

 been of comparatively recent date. The Peacocks are at once 

 distinguished by the great length of the tail, and by the peculiar 

 arrangement of the numerous feathers, which enables the bird to 

 spread them out into a complete circle at will. They are inhabit- 

 ants of Asia, where they inhabit the woods and jungles, feeding 

 on grain, buds, &c. The Partridges and Quails seem to be 

 the only birds of this family that naturally inhabit cold or tem- 

 perate regions, and that are common to both hemispheres ; but 

 even these are more abundant in warmer climates. Like the 

 other birds of this family, they prefer the neighbourhood of Man, 

 resorting for their food to cultivated grounds, and finding shelter 

 in the enclosed fields. They run with great speed ; and have a 

 strong, steady, uniform flight, performed by regular beats of the 

 wings, and producing a whirring sound; but they generally 

 prefer skulking, to avoid danger. They nestle on the ground, 

 and bear a numerous progeny; seldom breeding, however, more 

 than once in the season. They present, in several particulars of 

 their structure, an approach to the succeeding family, with which 

 they are sometimes classed. 



432. The family of TETRAONID^E, or Grouse, may be regarded 

 as representing the preceding group in the northern parts of 

 Europe, Asia, and America, to which it is nearly restricted. It 

 has many characteristics in common with it ; but the wings are 

 generally long and acute, and the legs more or less covered with 

 feathers. The Grouse, of which only a single species the 

 Black Cock now exists in Britain, but of which there are several 

 on the Continent of Europe, are generally strong heavy Birds, 



