UPLAND GAME BIRDS 121 



two species may the lighter coloring of tlie latter be dis- 

 tinguished. In habits they are alike, but in range they 

 differ, the former being a coast bird and found from 

 Monterey northward, while the latter occurs in the 

 interior and southern valleys. In spite of being dubbed 

 the Valley Partridge, it is found on the mountains of 

 Lower California sometimes at an elevation of eight 

 thousand feet. 



It breeds throughout suitable localities in Southern 

 California, and is hunted wherever resident, though not 

 so extensively as formerly, when it was the favorite game 

 bird of that region. 



The eggs are laid on a mat of leaves or grass, or on 

 the bare ground either in underbrush or in the farmer's 

 door-yard. Incubation requires three weeks, and usu- • 

 ally the hen alone broods the eggs. After the young 

 are hatched they are kept in the underbrush or heavy 

 stubble and can rarely be discovered, so expert at hiding 

 are they. Like the California partridge they run to cover 

 rather than fly, and they are so swift-footed that it is 

 almost impossible to flush them. When the young are 

 feeding, the adult males constantly call them, either to 

 keep the covey together or to give warning of danger, 

 and they answer each call with a faint piping note. This 

 is not unlike the scatter call of the Eastern Bob White, 

 but consists of two syllables in one tone, or one longer 

 note. It is not unusual to come upon a covey of these 

 when driving through the foothills and valleys of South- 

 ern California, but the sensation is simply of something 

 scampering into the brush rather than a definite sight 



