SUBFAMILY ODONTOPHORIN^. 



) 1 



This division of the family Tetraonid/E comprises 

 the American Partridges, vvliich dififer from those of the 

 Eastern Hemisphere in having the mandible notched on 

 either side, although in some species this is hardly appar- 

 ent. The group throughout the Western Hemisphere 

 consists of about nine genera and between forty and fifty 

 species, of which in North America, according to my 

 views, five genera and thirteen species and subspecies 

 are found. They are birds of shapely, sometimes grace- 

 fully formed bodies, and with an attractive plumage, 

 which indeed, in some species, may be called beautiful. 

 The American Partridges go in coveys generally con- 

 sisting of one family, but some species, notably of the 

 genus LopHORTvx, gather at certain seasons in packs, 

 often of five or six hundred individuals, resembling in 

 this respect the Prairie Grouse of different species. Tlic 

 North American Partridges, excepting perhaps those 

 that ** pack," are game in the highest sense of the term, 

 lie well to the dog, and afford the greatest sport in the 

 field. Brave little birds, with well-sharpened wits, fertile 

 in resources that promise to insure their own safety, 

 and wide-awake to seize every advantage that offers for 

 their own benefit. Gallant " Bob White " and his near 

 relatives certainly have a warm place in the heart of every 

 true sportsman in the land. » 



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