88 BIRDS OF THE WORLD 



and of black spots on the chest. See Plate 25, Fig. 

 145. 



Quails are frequently described as miniature Par- 

 tridges, and the two families are very closely related. 

 The Common European Quail is found in many parts 

 of Europe and northern Asia, These birds migrate 

 in the spring in vast numbers from Africa to various 

 parts of Europe, and this is the season for hunting 

 them. The European Quail has been imported into 

 the United States, but has failed to thrive in this 

 country. See Plate 24, Fig. 141. 



Their place here is taken by the Grouse and the Bob 

 White, of which there are many varieties. In the 

 northern States the Grouse is called "Partridge"; in 

 the southern States the same bird is called a "Pheas- 

 ant." The Bob White of the North is known as 

 "Quail," while in the South it is termed "Partridge." 

 But, as has been said, there are no true Partridges 

 and Quails in America. 



The Ruffed Grouse is a large bird, measuring 

 nearly eighteen inches in length, and its plumage is 

 a mixture of greys, browns, and buffs. On the neck 

 of the male are long, purplish-black feathers capable 

 of being erected. This is the principal Game-bird of 

 our Eastern States. Its home is in the dense coverts 

 of the woods, and so closely does it resemble the 

 ground colour and dead leaves that it is impossible 

 to see a flock until it takes flight. The suddenness 

 with which they start from the ground is very starthng 

 and disconcerting to a novice at shooting. They 

 spring into the air with a loud whirring sound and 

 fly so rapidly that they are almost instantly lost to 



