102 



288. Jacana gymnostoma (Wagl.). [568.] Mexican Jagana. 



A southern species, coming north to the valley of the Eio Grande, in 

 Texas (Merrill). 



289. Colinus virginianus (Linn.). [480.] Bob-wliite; Quail. 



Kesident over all of the Mississippi Valley, except in the extreme west 

 and northwest. In Minnesota it has followed up the settlements, and 

 in the eastern part of the State has reached the line of the Northern 

 Pacific Eailroad, about latitude 46°. At latitude 47° I neither saw it 

 nor heard of it. In southeastern Dakota it is abundant and has ad- 

 vanced to about latitude 44° 30'. Northwestern Minnesota and most of 

 Dakota are yet to be occupied by this species. 



The question is often asked whether the habit Quail have of " lying 

 to a dog" is natural or acquired. To get a satisfactory answer one has 

 only to hunt in different parts of Indian Territory. In the region west 

 of Fort Sill the Quail never think of stopping when they see a dog, 

 but run as fast as possible, and upon his near approach they flush im- 

 mediately, just as we may suppose they do on the approach of a coyote. 

 In the eastern part of the Territory, near the railroad, the Quail lie quite 

 well to a dog, and as they are exceedingly abundant, excellent sport 

 may be had from November to March. 



289b. Colinus virginianus texanus (Lawr.j. [4806.] Texas Boly-white; Texas 

 Quail. 



This is the form which inhabits Texas, where all the stations reported 

 it as resident and common. Its range extends northward to western 

 Kansas. 



Mr. Atwater writes from San Antonio, Tex. : " These Quails often 

 come close to the ranch and lay eggs in hens' nests — I suppose on ac- 

 count of the protection thus afforded against snakes. I have hardly 

 ever found nests of any kind of bird on the ground. Lark Finches 

 always build in trees in this locality. These facts I explain on the 

 snake theory." Mr. Lloyd found nests at San Angelo, Tex., May 12 

 and 14, 1882. These Quails raise two broods a year, nests having been 

 found in 1883 as late as August 18. Clutches of 12, 13, 14, 15, 14, and 

 12 eggs have been taken. 



293. Callipepla squamata (Vig.). [484.] Scaled Partridge; Blue Quail. 



Like the last, the Blue Quail is resident in western Texas. It was 

 reported as rare at Eagle Pass, and common at San Angelo and Mason. 

 Mr. Henry says it is common for 75 miles north and west of Mason, Tex. 

 Mr. Lloyd gives the following information concerning its range : " The 

 habitat of this bird runs east [of San Angelo] about 30 miles, I shot 

 both male and female last May near the mouth of the [Concho] river, 

 and on inquiry found they were the first ever seen beyond the above 

 limit. The northeastern boundary of their range I believe is Eunnels 

 and Taylor counties, near Abilene, on the Texas and Pacific Eailroad.' 7 



