20S 



CASSELL'S BOOK OF BIRDS. 



From a writer in the Bengal Sporting Magazine we learn that " the male is very bold, and is 

 tamed for the purpose of fighting. In a domesticated state he makes no hesitation in offering battle 

 to every animal, and pecks very fiercely, always searching for a tender part ; the nose of a dog or the 

 naked feet of the native servants immediately attract his attention, and he soon makes the object of 

 his attack fain to run." 



" When reclaimed," says another contributor to the same periodical, " this bird is peculiarly bold, 

 fearless, and entertaining. It trots about the house, and is as familiar as a little dog. It is amusing 

 to see its antipathy to quick motions in others. It will follow a servant who hurries into a room, 

 pecking at his heels, scouring away when he attempts to turn upon it. It is still more persevering 



THE RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE {Caccabis ruhro). ONE-THIRD NATURAL SIZE. 



against the poor wight who moves backwards and forwards as he pulls the punkah. Half asleep at 

 his task, he is roused by a fierce attack on his legs. He attempts to continue his work, and at the 

 same time to drive away the intruder ; but it is of no use, and he is at last obliged to call for 

 assistance to rid him of his persecutor." 



THE RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE. 



The Red-legged Partridge [Caccabis rubra), a species inhabiting South-western Europe, differs 

 from the last-mentioned bird in the deeper shade of the red on its mantle, and in the broad stripe and 

 spots that adorn its neck. The back of the head and nape are bright rust-red, the crown of the head 

 is grey, the breast and upper belly are greyish brown, the under belly and lower tail-covers reddish 

 yellow ; the long, light grey feathers on the thighs are marked with whitish red and dark brown 

 streaks, edged with black. A white line, commencing on the brow, passes over the eye to the sides 



