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Genus COTURNIX. 



Perdix apud Brisson, Orn. i. p. 247 (1760). 



Tetrao apud Linnseus, Syst. Nat. i. p. 278 (1766). 



Cotumix, Bonnaterre, Tabl. Encycl. et Method, i. p. 217 (1790). 



Ortygion apud Keyserling & Blasius, Wirbelth. Eur. p. 66 (1840). 



This genus, of which a single species inhabits the Western Palsearctic Eegion, is represented in 

 the Palsearctic, Ethiopian, Oriental, and Australian Regions. 



In habits the Quails resemble the Partridges to some extent, frequenting similar localities ; but 

 they are migratory, travelling often in vast flocks, and they are not usually found in coveys, but 

 are generally flushed singly, though several birds may be flushed one after the other in close 

 proximity. They walk and run with ease and great swiftness, and when disturbed will either 

 crouch or run in preference to taking wing. Their flight is swift, direct, and whirring like that 

 of the Partridge ; but they usually drop into the nearest cover again, and seek safety in conceal- 

 ment. They feed on seeds, insects, &c, usually feeding early in the morning and late in the 

 evening. Like the Partridges they are fond of resting in sunny places and dusting themselves. 

 They are both polygamous and monogamous ; and the males are extremely amorous and 

 pugnacious during the pairing-season. The nest is a mere depression scratched in the ground 

 and lined with a few grass-bents ; and the eggs, which are numerous, are pale brownish yellow, 

 blotched and spotted with dark brown. 



Cotumix communis, the type of the genus, has the bill short, compressed, the upper 

 mandible sloping to the tip, which is narrow and sharp-edged ; head entirely feathered ; wings 

 rather short, full, the first and second quills about equal in length and longest ; tail short, much 

 rounded, the feathers weak and decurved ; tarsus stout, rather short, compressed anteriorly, and 

 posteriorly scutellate, but without spur or tubercle behind ; hind toe small, slender ; anterior 

 toes moderate ; claws slender, short, slightly curved, moderately acute. 



The Virginian Colin (Ortyx virginianus) has been included in the British list ; but the 

 specimens killed appear to have invariably been birds which have been turned out. Several 

 sportsmen have imported considerable numbers of the Colin ; and they have bred in some of 

 our southern counties, but scarcely appear to have become permanently naturalized in any part 

 of the country. 



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