298 The Fowl-like Birds 



number, have the tail much less than half the length of the wing, the feathers 

 being soft and hardly to be distinguished from the coverts, while the claws are 

 very large and broad, and the head provided with a full, soft crest of blended 

 feathers. They are 'handsome birds, the sides of the head and neck showing 

 a distinct black and white pattern and the breast and sides beautifully ocellated 

 with white or buff. The Massena Partridge, which is known in western Texas 

 as the Black or Black-billed Quail and in Arizona as the " Fool " Quail, is a 

 resident of the mountainous districts within its range, although often coming 

 to lower altitudes in winter. They are exceedingly tame and confiding in many 

 parts of the habitat, often remaining crouched on the ground within a few feet 

 of the intruder, or when flushed flying for a short distance and stupidly attempt- 

 ing to hide in the most conspicuous places, where they are often killed with stones. 

 With the advent of civilization they have readily adapted themselves to the change, 

 and may frequently be seen about the ranches feeding on grain. Of their habits 

 in New Mexico, Mr. E. W. Nelson says they " were commonly found dusting 

 themselves in the roads, and usually stood and watched our approach until we 

 were within a few yards, and then flew into the bordering thicket and laid very 

 close. When a covey was surprised among the grass, they arose at our feet and 

 scattered in every direction, but never went very far, and while flying off would 

 utter low notes of alarm, sounding like ' chuk-chuk-chuk.' " The nest is usually 

 carefully concealed in a bunch of grass or under a low bush that is reached by 

 a narrow entrance or tunnel. The pure white eggs are ten or twelve in number. 

 The other species, such as the Ocellated Partridge (C. ocellatus), Salle's and 

 Merriam's Partridges (C. sallcei and C. merriami), are found in various portions 

 of Mexico; but little is known of their habits. 



Of the Long-clawed Partridges (Dactylortyx) of Mexico and Central America 

 we may only mention one of the four known species. This bird (D. thoracicus), 

 found from southern Mexico to Yucatan, Guatemala, and Salvador, is about 

 nine inches long, and has the mantle and crown reddish brown mixed with black, 

 the lower back and rump olive-brown, while the throat, cheeks, and stripes 

 through the eyebrows are reddish chestnut and the lower parts are grayish; 

 there is also a black patch on the sides of the throat. Of the habits of this species 

 G. F. Gaumer writes as follows: "This bird is common in all the -eastern forests 

 of Yucatan, where it is much esteemed for its fine flesh and as a household pet. 

 As a pet it is not a success, living but a few months in confinement. Like the 

 Quails, this bird lives upon the ground, where it is always seen in pairs. At 

 nightfall it sings a very pretty song, beginning with a low whistle, which is three 

 times repeated, each time with greater force; then follow the syllables che-va- 

 lieu-a repeated from three to six times in succession. The tone is musical, half 

 sad, half persuasive, beginning somewhat cheerfully, and ending more coaxingly. 

 From its color and its habit of remaining immovable while one is passing, this 

 bird is somewhat difficult to see. I have frequently seen it squatting close to 

 the ground while I passed within a few feet of it. It seldom flies, and never 

 flies far when compelled to take wing." 



Thick-billed Partridges. Very closely related are the so-called Thick- 



