Subfamily PERDICIN-iE. 

 Genus PERDIX or TRUE PARTRIDGES. 



Type PERDIX CINEREA. 



Perdix of Brisson (1760). — The birds comprising the present 

 genus are characterised by their bare tarsi, scutellated in front, re- 

 ticulated behind, by their short rectrices (sixteen in number), and 

 rounded wings. The bill is short and stout, the upper mandible 

 curved from the base to the tip ; nostrils basal, shielded by an 

 arched membrane or scale, and bare of feathers. Three toes 

 (long) in front, one behind, small and elevated ; spurs rudimentary. 



This genus is composed of about half-a-dozen species and 

 varieties, which are confined to the Eastern Hemisphere, being 

 inhabitants of the Palsearctic region. One species is resident in 

 the British Islands. 



The True Partridges are dwellers in open country, cultivated 

 districts, grain lands, and prairies. They are birds of rapid but 

 seldom long-sustained flight, and sedentary in their habits. 

 Their notes are shrill and unmusical. They subsist on grain, 

 seeds, fruits, shoots of herbage, insects and larvse. Their nests 

 are rudely made, placed upon the ground, often under the 

 shelter of bushes, and their eggs are numerous, whitish or 

 huffish olive in colour, unspotted in all known instances. These 

 birds, so far as is known, are monogamous. Their flesh is highly 

 esteemed for the table. 



