GAME BIRDS OF INDIA AND ASIA. gt 



The Snow-Partridge. 



Lerwa nmcola, Faun. Brit. Ind., Birds, 



Vol. IV, pa,ge 145. 

 Native names : — Lerwa, Bhutia ; Jangu- 



ria, Kumaun ; Quoir monal, Garhwal ; 



Golabi, Bhair, Ter Titar, Bashahr, etc. ; 



Barf ka Titar, Kulu ; Biju, Chamba. 

 This is a much smaller bird than the Snow-cocks, 

 and in appearance and habits much recalls a 

 Ptarmigan. The cock and hen are alike in plum- 

 age, but the former is distinguished by possessing 

 spurs. 



The head, neck and upper plumage generally 

 are closely barred with black and white, the latter 

 colour running into buff in places ; the under -parts 

 are mostly of a dark chestnut. This rich plum- 

 age is well set off by the red beak and legs. The 

 eyes are dark. Young birds are less distinctly 

 barred and are mottled with black below. The 

 length is about fifteen inches, with a wing of nearly 

 eight, tail four-and-a-half, bill nearly one, and 

 shank half an inch longer. 



The Snow-partridge inhabits the Himalayas 

 from Kashmir to Sikkim and extends to Moupin 

 and Western China. It is locally distributed with 

 us, and is usually found at very high elevations,, 

 close up to the snow, among stones and stunted 

 herbage. Its usual elevation is about 11,000 feet, 

 though in winter it may come down as low as 7,000. 

 It goes in pairs in the breeding season, and its 

 chicks have been found late in June. Later on 

 it is found in coveys, and affords excellent sport ; 

 it is also remarkably good to eat. But as it is 

 commonly found on the same ground as Burrhel 



