2l6 CASSELL'S BOOK OF BIRDS. 



that they might be secure from the attacks of snakes and other enemies ; but this is also a mistake, 

 for were such a precaution necessary, it would be adopted by all the birds in the country, whereas 

 numerous species, especially the Tinamous, constantly breed on the ground. The sport afforded by 

 the Capueira very closely resembles that afforded by the Hazel Grouse. When a covey was disturbed 

 by the pointers they flew to the trees, the motion of their wings causing the same rusding sound as 

 those of the Partridge. Occasionally tliey might be killed very easily ; at other times it was very 

 diflScult to sight them among the dense foliage of the woods. Tlieir flesh, which is very palatable, 

 forms an excellent article for the table. 



THE VIRGINIAN OR AMERICAN PARTRIDGE. 



The Virginian or American Partridge {Ortyx Virginianus) represents a group distinguishable 

 by the following characteristics : — Their body is short and powerful, with the neck and head of 

 medium size ; the beak is strong, short, much vaulted, and has the lower mandible incised, the upper 

 mandible terminates in a hook, while the margin of the lower portion near its apex presents two or 

 three distinct notches. The moderate-sized and arched wing has the fourth quill longer than the rest ; 

 the rounded tail is composed of twelve feathers, and the foot is protected by rows of smooth, homy 

 plates in front, and covered with small scales at the back and sides. The plumage is glossy, and 

 prolonged into a crest on the head. In the male all the feathers of the mantle are reddish brown, 

 spotted and lined with black and edged with yellow ; those on the under side are whitish yellow, 

 striped with reddish brown and marked with black. Two bands, the one white, the other black, pass 

 across the brow ; the white throat is separated from the sides of the neck — which is mottled with 

 black, brown, and white, by a black line. The upper wing-covers are principally reddish brown ; the 

 dark brown primary quills are bordered with blue on the outer web ; the secondaries are irregularly 

 striped with brownish yellow ; the centre tail-feathers are greyish yellow, dotted with black ; the rest 

 are greyish blue. The eye is reddish, the beak dark brown, and the foot greyish blue. The female 

 has more yellow on the brow and neck, and the rest of her plumage is less clearly marked than that 

 of her mate ; the young resemble the mother. This species is nine inches long, and thirteen inches 

 and five-sixths broad ; the -wing measures four inches and a half, and the tail two inches and a quarter. 



Canada forms the northern, the Rocky Mountains the western, and the Gulf of Mexico the 

 southern limit of the range of these birds. They have been introduced into the island of Jamaica, 

 where they thrive, breeding in that warm climate twice in the year. In the southern part of the 

 United States they are stationary, but in the north they make yearly expeditions, which resemble 

 migrations. They are principally met with in open fields, or about fences sheltered by bushes or 

 briars, and they sometimes visit the woods, but are rarely found in the depths of the forest. In their 

 general demeanour they very much resemble our own Partridge. They run nimbly and fly swiftly, 

 making a loud whirring sound with their wings. When chased by dogs they take refuge in the trees, 

 where they remain until danger is past, walking with ease on the branches. Their usual cry is a clear 

 whistle. The love-call of the male consists of three clear notes, the two last being the loudest, and 

 resembling the syllables, "Ah ! Bob White !" 



" The male," says Audubon, " is seen perched on a fence, stake, or on the low branch of a tree, 

 standing nearly in the same position for hours together, and calling, 'Ah ! Bob White,' at every 

 interval of a few minutes. Should he hear tlie note of a female, he sails directly towards the spot 

 whence it proceeded. Several males may be heard from the different parts of a field, challenging 

 each other, and should they meet on the ground they fight with great courage and obstinacy until the 

 conqueror drives off his antagonist to another field." About the beginning of May the female 

 proceeds to build her nest ; this is placed on the ground, close to a tuft of grass, and partly sunk in 



