TEXAN BOB WHITE. 



CXCEPTING the Stakcd-Plains in the northwest part 

 "^ of the State, th s bird is a resident of the greater por- 

 jtion of Texas, and grades in the east into the true Bob 

 [White of the Atlantic States. It has a general resem- 

 blance to the Northern bird, but is lighter in color, and 

 Itlic male has usually a pale cinnamon chestband beneath 

 itlic black collar. In habits it does not differ from Bob 

 [Wliite, and the notes and calls it utters are the same as 

 those of the common Quail. In most parts of the State 

 Ithcy are tame and unsuspicious, hardly. taking the trouble 

 Itf) get out of the way of approaching danger. The males 

 [arc pugnacious, though, and frequent battles occur be- 

 Itueen rivals for the affection of some shy female, who 

 jail the time regards the combatants with seeming indif- 

 [fcrence, as if not caring especially which one came oflF 

 nctorious. 



The Texan Bob White is a bird of the lowlands, 

 [not going above 2000 feet, and is very common in 

 the Rio Grande Valley, where it visits the ranches and 

 feeds about the buildings. On the open prairies, where 

 ft is very numerous, it feeds on the seeds of the various 

 grasses, grain, berries, and different species of insects 

 from grasshoppers to ants, and, if alarmed, seeks to 

 lide in mesquito bushes and dense thickets. Two, some- 

 [inics three broods are raised in the season. The nest, 

 slight cavity made in some thick grass and lined with 

 Straws and arched over with the same, contains usually 

 [rem twelve to fifteen eggs, in shape and color no way 



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