22 UNITED STATES AND MEXICAN BOUNDARY. 



J. H. Clark. — 8757. San ElizariO; Mexico^ December 14, 1854. Dr. Kennerljj 8. — 4560 and 

 4559. Colorado riyer^ California. A, Schott. 



The vicinity of Ringgold Barracks seems to be a resort of many birds of this family, for the purpose of nesting. The luxu- 

 riant development of the opuntia and other vegetation equally as impassible afford at once the means of defence. Hundreds 

 of at least a half dozen species may be seen in the evening watering on the banks of the river. — (Clark.) 



In great numbers from the Rio Grande to beyond the Sierra Madre ; generally near the ranches, though often in the forests. 

 It seems to be inclined to court society, probably for protection and food. — (Couch.) 



Very abundant in the vicinity of San Elizario, going in large flocks, and feeding in the wheat and corn fields. Observed also 

 as far west as Santa Cruz, Sonora. — (Kennerly,) 



163. SCAEDAFELLA SQUAMOSA, Bonap, (p. 605.)— Scaly Dove. 

 4110 ?. Cadereita, New Leon, Mexico. April 18, 1853. Lieutenant Couchj 128, 



164. CHAMAEPELIA PASSERINA, Swain, (p. 606.)— Ground Dove. 



4105. Mataniorag^ Mexico. Dr.. Berlandier. — 4104 ? and 4103 ^ . Tamaulipas. Lieutenant 

 Couch, 5'7 and 58. 



Generally found in the forests or open fields at a distance from dwellings ; flies low and for short distances, though keeping 

 generally on the ground. — (Couch.) 



165. ORTALIDA McCALLI, Baird. (p. 611.)— Chiacalacca. 

 4106 $ . Boquilla, New Leon, spring of 1853. Lieutenant Couclij 137. 



Does not occur higher up the Rio Grande than the vicinity of Ringgold Barracks. Inhabits the densest chapparal, which it 

 never quits ; inactive, and for the most of the time silting ahout in flocks or gangs in these thickets feeding on leaves. Its Mexi- 

 can name, CkikilaJca^ is, without doubt, derived from the noise with which at times it makes the valleys ring again, and may 

 be pretty well imitated in kind, but not in strength, by putting the most stress upon the last two syllables. No sooner does one 

 take up his song than others chime in from all quarters, till, apparently exhausted, the noise gradually dies off* into an inter- 

 lude, but to be again renewed . Tlicse concerts take place in the morning and evening. They are gentle and easily tamed, and 

 are said to cross with the common dunghill fowl. — (Clark.) 



Gregarious. In part or wholly seeks its food on trees. — (Couch.) 



156. ORTYX VIRGINIANUS, Bonap. (p. 640.)-Partridge. 



Eastern Texas. 



167. ORTYX TEXANUS, Lawrence, (p. 641.)— Texas Quail. 



Plate XXIV. 



r 



9354. Devil's river, Texas, November, 1854. Dr. Kennerly, 20.— 9349 $ . Laredo, Texas, 



J. H. Clark. — 4101. Matamoras. Lieutenant Coucli. — 4099 5 , New Leon, Mexico. Lieutenant 

 Couch.— 4098. Do., May, 1853. Do., 208. 



Not seen in abundance west of the valley of the Pecos, where, as well as in all southwestern Texas, they are very abundant. 

 They arc as much like the Virginia quail in habits as they are in general appearance. Nothing short of direct comparison would 

 satisfy me that they were specifically distinct. Its note, to my ear, was absolutely identical with that of the Virginia quail. 

 Have often been a spectator of fights among the cocks. — (Clark.) 



Observed everywhere in considerable numbers from the coast to the head of Devil's river, and also along the Pecos, but fur- 

 ther west than this was not seen. In the open prairie lands great numbers were always found early in the morning in the road 

 In its habits it very closely resembles the common Virginia partridge — (Kennerly.) 



168. LOPHORTYX CALIFORNICUS, Bonap. (p. 644.)— California Quail. 

 9390 5 . Near San Diego. A. Scliott. 



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