66 



GAME BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. 



birds do not seem to have any regular time to commenci 

 laying, some being much later than others, and on this 

 account, and the number of broods raised, young or half- 

 grown birds are met with nearly throughout tht entire 

 summer. The pretty little downy chicks run as soon as 

 hatched, and soon become exceedingly expert in hiding, 

 which they arc quick to do at the warning chirp of the 

 mother, squatting close to the ground and remaining 

 absolutely motionless, or crawling under leaves, or any 

 shelter that is available. Danger past, at a cluck from 

 the anxious mother, who all the time has probably been 

 crouching near by, watching her brood, the chicks gather 

 around her, and are led to a more retired and secure 

 locality. When able to use their wings and fly with some 

 degree of freedom, the young take refuge in the trees 

 and perch on the branches, but as they grow older the 

 one particular habit they have inherited prevails over all 

 the rest, and their legs arc depended upon for escape 

 more than upon any other means at their disposal, and 

 they run with considerable swiftness, only using the 

 wings as the last resort. 



Gambel's Partridge has niiiny enemies, foremost 

 among which is man, both white and red, who destnivs 

 vast numbers both with gun and snares of various in- 

 genuity. Hawks, wolves, foxes, and other predatory 

 animals kill numbers, and doubtless many fall a prey to 

 rattlesnakes and other reptiles. Still if the species only 

 had to combat with its natural enemies, it would probably 

 be able to maintain itself in undiminished numbers, but 

 whenever man, especially Caucasian man, takes a hand 

 in destroying, the time of diminution and final extinction 

 of any wild creature is near at hand. 



This Partridge has a number of calls, which it utters 

 at various times and on especial occasions, some of which 



W-. 



