222 CASSELL'S BOOK OV BIRDS. 



dreary region, where one would suppose it impossible for any creature to subsist, they were running 

 about in small parties, occasionally uttering a low guttural call of recognition ; this call is often 

 composed of several notes, and very different from that of the common species. When in flight they 

 emit a sharp whistle, and conspicuously display their long crest. 



The QUAILS {Coturnices) are recognisable by their comparatively small size, powerful, compact 

 bodies, proportionately long, pointed wings, and very short, rounded tail, formed of twelve soft 

 feathers, and almost concealed by the long feathers on the rump. The beak is small, and high at its 

 base, the foot short, or of moderate size, without a spur, and the plumage, which completely covers 

 the head, alike in both se.xes. These birds are met with over a larger portion of the globe than any 

 other members of the entire order, as they not only inhabit the whole of the Eastern Hemisphere, but 

 are particularly numerous in Australia and the Malay Islands. Unlike other Rasores, the Quails are 

 by no means social, but live strictly in pairs and rarely congregate into flocks, or associate freely with 

 others of their kind, except during the migratory season, at which time they undertake journeys of 

 considerable extent, their long wings enabling them to fly with far less effort or fatigue than do the 

 Perdices. The incubation of this group is also somewhat peculiar, for wherever the means of 

 subsistence are to be found, there they will breed as readily as in their native lands. As regards their 

 general development, the Quails will bear comparison with any of their relations, and far exceed most 

 of them in the rapidity and ease of their movements. In most respects the food of this group is 

 the same as that consumed by other Rasores, although, perhaps, they may be said to eat a less 

 proportion of vegetable matter. 



THE COMMON QUAIL. 



The Common Quail {Coiurnix communis) is brown, striped with reddish yellow on the upper 

 parts of the body; the head is somewhat darker than the back, the throat reddish brown, and the 

 region of the crop reddish yellow ; a pale yellowish line passes from the base of the upper mandible 

 over the eyes and down the sides of the neck across the throat, where it is bounded by two narrow 

 dark brown lines. The blackish brown primary quills are spotted with reddish yellow in such a 

 manner as to form stripes, the first quill has also a narrow yellow border; the reddish yellow tail- 

 feathers have white shafts and are spotted with black at their edges. In the female all these colours 

 are comparatively indistinct, and the reddish brown of the throat but little conspicuous. The eye is 

 light brownish red, the beak horn-grey, and the foot either reddish or pale yellow. The length is 

 seven inches and a half, and the breadth thirteen inches ; the wing measures four inches and the tail 

 one inch and three-quarters. 



This species is found in most parts of the Old World. It arrives on the south coast of Europe 

 and the islands of the Grecian Archipelago in immense flocks about April, and thence spread 

 over Europe. 



"The European Quails," says Jerdon, "are found throughout India in considerable numbers 

 during the cold weather, most migrating during the rains and breeding elsewhere, but a few pairs 

 remaining and breeding in various parts of the country, especially towards the west and north-west. 

 The Grey Quail, as it is termed in India, generally rises singly or in pairs, but considerable numbers 

 are found together ; and in some localities and in certain seasons it occurs in great profusion, and 

 affords excellent sport to the gunner. It is found in long grass, corn-fields, stubble, and fields of 

 pulse, wandering about, according as crops ripen in different parts of the country. It is less 

 numerous towards the south of India than farther north." In Great Britain it has been considered 

 as a summer visitor ; but, according to Yarrell, many instances have latterly been recorded of its 

 occurrence in Ireland, as well as in England, during the winter months. 



