OP THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 63 



Genus PERDIX, or True Partridges. 



Type, PEEDIX CINEEEA. 



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

 characterised by their bare metatarsi, scutellated in front, reticulated behind, by 

 their short rectrices (sixteen or eighteen in number), and rounded wings, the first 

 primary being intermediate in length between the seventh and eighth, and the 

 fourth the longest. 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 absent. 



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 larvae. Their nests are 

 rudely made, placed upon the ground, often under the shelter of bushes, and 

 their eggs are numerous, whitish or buffish-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. 



