92 BIRDS OF THE WORLD 



In the West are found several species of "Par- 

 tridge," some of great beauty. One called Gambel's 

 Partridge has the upper parts of the neck and back 

 a delicate fawn colour, the breast being somewhat 

 lighter. In the middle of the breast is a large, irregu- 

 lar blackish patch of feathers. The sides are a rich 

 reddish-brown, streaked with pure white. The most 

 striking feature of this bird is the long, forward pro- 

 jecting crest of black feathers, normally drooping 

 over the bill. The top of the head is reddish, and the 

 feathers are very soft and velvety in texture. The 

 face and under part of the throat are deep black, the 

 eyes very dark brown, and around the face is a narrow 

 line of pure white. The feathers of the body are 

 rounded, and have much the appearance of scales. 

 See Plate 41, Fig. 245. 



The California Partridge is quite similar in colour- 

 ing to the Gambel, and has also a forward curving 

 crest of black feathers. Other Western species are 

 the Scaled Partridge, the Mountain Partridge, and 

 the Plumed Partridge. 



