no BIRDS 



very well. In Florida it is represented by a smaller, darker 

 subspecies (C. v. Horidanus). The Texan Bob white (C. 

 V. texanus) is paler than the eastern bird, and less boldly 

 marked with black and white. It is found from western 

 Kansas to northern Mexico. Although the Texan Bob- 

 white was freely used in the earlier experiments, better re- 

 sults now are being obtained with the hardier northern 

 birds. 



The Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) is easily dis- 

 tinguished from all others by the crest of long, straight 

 plumes. They are rather difficult to sex, but the female has 

 a shorter crest than her mate. 



The California Quail (Lophortyx calif ornicus) has a 

 short, recurved crest, which inclines forward toward the 

 beak. It resembles the Gambel Quail (L. gamheli), but 

 the latter may be known by the absence of the scales at the 

 side of the breast. The California Quail is a particularly 

 easy species to breed, the hens being the best of mothers. 

 This species has long been kept and bred in England as an 

 aviary bird. 



Of the less hardy southern species, the Montezuma 

 Quail {Cyrtonyx montezumcB) ^ of Mexico, is one of the 

 most attractive. It is larger than the Bobwhite. The male 

 is a dark, mottled brown above, the sides of the breast being 

 black, with numerous round, white spots. The head is 

 strikingly marked with bold bands of black and white, with 

 a broad, full crest of a tawny cast at the back. The female 

 lacks the handsome markings of the male, and is dull colored 

 throughout. 



Montezuma Quail are inclined to be quarrelsome after 

 they become accustomed to their quarters, and it is seldom 

 that more than a single pair can be kept together. They are 

 not hardy, and require artificial heat in winter. 



The Scaled Quail {Callipepla squamata) is light slate 



