80 BARBARY PARTRIDGE. 



of the Common Partridge, and we accordingly find it generally frequenting, in its native 

 haunts, such parts of lonely mountainous districts as are covered with small under- 

 wood, and where it can follow its instincts unmolested by man. 



The nest is placed on the ground, and the female lays about fifteen eggs, which have 

 a yellowish ground colour, thickly spotted with oil-green spots. 



It is mentioned by Yarrell that "the Zoological Society have received skins of this 

 Partridge, sent by Messrs. Dickson and Ross from Fezzan. The note appended was as 

 follows: — "Killed in December, 1842. Very common all over the country, frequenting 

 ravines, hills, and all places where they can find cover, and often met with even in 

 our gardens ; flies in covies ; a shy bird ; used as food by the natives, though its flesh 

 is dry and without flavour. Its heart is so small that it does not exceed that of a 

 Sparrow." 



The bill is red; irides, hazel; naked skin round the eyes, red. Top of the head and 

 back of neck, burnt umber, prolonged into a broad gorget of the same colour dotted 

 with white spots, which runs to the bottom of the neck in front. Sides of the face, 

 chin, and throat, light ash-colour; ear coverts, wood brown, joining the gorget. Neck 

 above and below the gorget, light ash-colour; breast, buff; back and rump, grayish 

 brown. Quill feathers, brownish black on inner web; the outer web of the first, gray 

 brown, of the others yellow brown. Wing coverts, slate-colour, the feathers edged with 

 reddish brown. Side feathers with broad bars of white, black, and red brown. Belly, 

 vent, and under tail coverts, buff. Tail, grayish brown. Legs, feet, and claws, red. 

 The legs have a small blunt spur. 



The female is like the male, but with less brilliant colouring, and is without the spur. 



The length of the male is thirteen inches. The female is rather smaller. 



