226 QUAIL, OR PARTRIDGE. 



remarks, that they have been lately introduced into the island 

 of Jamaica, where they appear to thrive greatly, breeding in 

 that warm climate twice in the year. Captain Henderson 

 mentions them as being plenty near the Balize, at the Bay of 



ensue between the males, which not un frequently end in the destruction 

 of one or both combatants, if we may judge from the number of dead 

 birds daily seen plucked, mutilated, and covered with blood. When 

 feeding, they move in compact bodies, each individual endeavouring to 

 outdo his neighbour in obtaining the prize. The voice is quich-quick- 

 quick, pronounced slowly, with a gentle suspension between each syllable. 

 At such times, or when surprised, the crest is usually thrown forward 

 over the back ; and the reverse when retreating, being brought back- 

 wards, and laid quite close. Their favourite haunts are dry upland, or 

 undulating, gravelly, or sandy soils, in open woods or coppice thickets 

 of the interior ; but during the severity of winter, when the ground is 

 covered with snow, they migrate in large flocks to the more temperate 

 places in the immediate vicinity of the ocean. Seeds of Bromus altissimus, 

 Madia sativa. and a tribe of plants allied to Wadelia, catkins of Corylus, 

 leaves of Fragaria, and various insects, are their common food. Nest 

 on the ground, in thickets of Pteris, Aspidium, Jtubus, Rhamnus, and 

 Geanothus ; neatly built with grass and dry leaves ; secreted with so 

 much caution, that, without the help of a dog, they can hardly be found. 

 Eggs, eleven to fifteen, yellowish white, with minute brown spots • 

 large in proportion to the bird. Pair in March. Common in the in- 

 terior of California ; and, during the summer months, extending as far 

 northward as 45° north latitude, that is, within a few miles of the Col- 

 umbian "Valley. 



Ortyx Douglasii. — Vigors. 



Male. — Bill, brown ; crest, linear, black, one inch long ; irides, hazel 

 red ; body, fuscous brown, with a mixture of lead colour, and rusty or 

 yellow streaks ; throat, whitish, with brown spots ; belly, foxy red or 

 tawny, white spotted ; scapulars and outer coverts, bright brown ; under 

 coverts, light reddish brown ; tail, twelve unequal rounded feathers ; legs, 

 reddish ; length, nine inches ; girth, twelve inches ; weight, ten ounces ; 

 flesh, pleasant, dark coloured. 



Female. — Crest, scarcely perceptible, dark. 



This species appears to be an inhabitant of a more temperate climate 

 than the preceding one, as it is never seen higher than 42° N. latitude, 

 and even that very sparingly in comparison to 0. Picta and Californica. 

 The species do not associate together. In manner they are similar, at 

 least as far as the opportunity I had of observing them went. I have 

 never seen them but in winter dress, and know nothing of their nesting. 

 —Ed. 



