PLUMED PARTRIDGE. 



45 



The nest, a slightly contrived affair, is placed in some 

 will-concealed spot on the ground, and the bird lays 

 about the same number of eggs as the Mountain Par- 

 tridge. These are smooth and glossy, varying from a 

 pale cream to a reddish-buff in color, and are without 

 any spots. In size they average a'^ DUt the same as those 

 of the last species. 



The Plumed Partridge is a beautiful bird, one of 

 tlie largest members of the Tribe, and with its long 

 upright slender plumes decorating the head, and its 

 strong contrasting hues, presents a very handsome and 

 jrallant appearance. Although resembling very closely 

 in coloration the Mountain Partridge, it can be distin- 

 guished by its hind-neck, which has the same plumbeous 

 color as the breast, while its relative has this part olive- 

 brown or umber. By some, however, the two forms are 

 not considered even as subspecifically distinct, but as 

 their habitats can be fairly well defined, it would seem 

 best to recognize the two races. When alarmed this 

 bird utters a sharp quick note like " quit " several times 

 repeated; and evinces the same anxiety and solicitude 

 for its young as do other members of the Family by 

 leigning lameness and inability to fly, uttering all the 

 time a shrill, plaintive cry. While the old bird is thus en- 

 deavoring to draw the intruder away, the young are 

 busily taking care of themselves, scattering in all direc- 

 tions and hiding under leaves or in bushes, where they 

 squat and remain motionless, effectually concealed by 

 their close resemblance in color to the surrounding ob- 

 jects. Their food consists of insects, seeds, buds, and 

 leaves of various plants, and grain if obtainable. 



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