116 



THE COROMANDEL QUAIL. 



Coturnix textilis TEMMINCK. 



PLATE VIII. 



Coromandel Quail, Latham, General History, viii. p. 310. 

 Caille Nattee, Coturnix textilis, Temminck, Pigeons et 

 Gattinaces, iii. p. 512. PL Colonies, pi. 35. 



THE Quails, forming the genus Coturnix of mo- 

 derns, are at first sight so similar to the partridges, 

 that they are not to be distinguished without a know- 

 ledge of their habits, and examination of their forms. 

 In the bill and legs there are slight modifications, 

 but the form of the wing is quite different, the first 

 three quills being longest, while in the partridges the 

 third is the longest, and a rounded wing of less 

 power is the consequence. It may be recollected 

 that, though the partridges were said to migrate in 

 some countries, the migration is comparatively very 

 partial, and often only from one part of a con- 

 tinent to another ; on the other hand, almost all 

 the quails migrate to a certain distance, and hence 

 perform lengthened journeys often across the seas. 

 In their habits they also shew considerable dif- 

 ference, as they never perch. They often assem- 

 ble in large flocks after the breeding season : and al- 



