392 



REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



Francolins are distinguished from Partridges by a stronger and 

 more elongated bill, by a more largely-developed tail, and by the 

 existence in the male of one or two sharp spurs. They also differ 

 in their habits, for they frequent wooded and marshy districts, where 

 they subsist on berries, seeds, worms, insects, and young bulbous 

 plants. When not feeding, they are almost constantly perched on 

 trees, where they pass the night. These peculiarities excepted, they 

 bear a strong resemblance to the Partridge. Their flesh is highly 

 esteemed, the Francolin taking the first place among game birds. 



Fig. 152. — Californian Partridge. 



A beautiful variety of Francolin is found in the south of China. 

 Its favourite haunt is among the dwarf palmetto on the hill-sides. 

 It lies well to dogs, but is so quick in flushing, and so rapid in 

 flight, that even the best shots miss them. They are quite as large 

 as the Grey Partridge. 



Unfortunately, in Europe the Francolin is tending towards 

 extinction, for its wild nature prevents it accommodating itself to a 

 restricted range. It is found on the southern coasts of the Black 

 Sea, in Sicily, and the island of Cyprus. There are other species 

 inhabiting Africa and India, the most worthy of notice being the 

 Sanguine Francolin (Ithag niis truentus). 



The Turnix are closely allied to the Quails ; the only physical 



