f $ Birds of Massachusetts. 195 
many miles around, are remarkably free from the 
_ green caterpillars, by which they are ^ i to be in- 
fested. 
ge 
^ .GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 
The Win» Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, was 
formerly common in all parts of the United States, 
but has gradually disappeared before the encroach- 
ments of civilization, and is rare, except in the un- 
settled regions of the west. It is still found occa- 
sionally in our western mountains, and also on the 
Holyoke range, where some are taken almost every 
year. Its migrations, like those of the pigeon, are 
irregular, having nothing to do with seasons, and are 
governed wholly by the supply of food. This fine 
bird is so uncommon in Massachusetts that it does 
not seem necessary to describe it at large ; in a few 
years it will doubtless leave us forever. 
The American Quair, or Parrriper, Perdix Vir- 
giniana, is quite common in Massachusetts, where 
it bears the former name; in the southern and west; 
ern states, it is always known by the name of 
Partridge. It remains with us throughout the year, 
and sometimes suffers so much from the deep snows, 
that it may be seen in the sheds and near the houses 
of our largest villages, in search of shelter and food. 
A party will sometimes resist the cold by collecting 
in a circle, pressing close, with their heads outward, 
