THE COMMON AMERICAN PARTRIDGE. 59 



compact; wings short, concave, rounded. Tail short, rounded, of twelve 

 feathers. A bare space behind the eyes. Tongue triangular, fleshy; oeso- 

 phagus with an ovate oblique crop on the fore part of the neck; stomach a 

 very large and strong gizzard, broader than long, placed obliquely, with 

 concave grinding surfaces; intestine long and wide; cceca large. 



THE COMMON AMERICAN PARTRIDGE. 



-f Ortix virginiana, Linn. 

 PLATE CCLXXXIX Male, Female, and Young. 



The common name given to this bird in the Eastern and Middle Districts 

 of our Union is that of Quail, but in the Western and Southern States, the 

 more appropriate appellation of Partridge is bestowed upon it. It is abun- 

 dantly met with in all parts of the United States, but more especially 

 towards the interior. In the States of Ohio and Kentucky, where they are 

 very abundant, they are to be seen in the markets, both dead and alive, in 

 large quantities. 



This species performs occasional migrations from the north-west to the 

 south-east, usually in the beginning of October, and somewhat in the manner 

 of the Wild Turkey. For a few weeks at this season, the north-western 

 shores of the Ohio are covered with flocks of Partridges. They ramble 

 through the woods along the margin of the stream, and generally fly across 

 towards evening. Like the Turkeys, many of the weaker Partridges often 

 fall into the water, while thus attempting to cross, and generally perish; for 

 although they swim surprisingly, they have not muscular power sufficient to 

 keep up a protracted struggle, although, when they have fallen within a few 

 yards of the shore, they easily escape being drowned. As soon as the 

 Partridges have crossed the principal streams in their way, they disperse in 

 flocks over the country, and return to their ordinary mode of life. 



The flight of these birds is generally performed at a short distance from 

 the ground. It is rapid, and is continued by numerous quick flaps of the 

 wings for a certain distance, after which the bird sails until about to alight, 

 when again it flaps its wings to break its descent. When chased by dogs, or 

 started by ;*ny other enemy, they fly to the middle branches of trees of 



