286 ORNITHOLOGY. 



well known, and frequently brought in collections, generally, however, 

 from localities east of the Rocky Mountains. Next to the Wild Tur- 

 key, this is the largest game-bird of the United States. 



2. Genus CALLIPEPLA, Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 277. 

 1. Callipepla californica {Shaw). — The California Partridge. 

 Tetrao californicus, Shaw, Nat. Misc. IX (not paged, 1798). 



Shaw, Nat. Misc. IX, Plate CCCXLV ; Aud. B. of Am. Plate 

 CCCCXVIII; Oct. ed. V, Plate CCXC ; Gould, Mon. Odont. Plate 

 XVI. 



This fine species is frequently mentioned by the naturalists of the 

 Expedition, and numerous specimens are in the collection. It may 

 now be said to be well known as a bird of California, but, as the 

 researches of few of the American travellers and naturalists have 

 extended to Oregon, this bird has been but little noticed in its 

 northern district, and the notes of Dr. Pickering and Mr. Peale are, 

 therefore, of especial value. The former mentions this bird as re- 

 peatedly occurring, and sometimes in large numbers. His observa- 

 tions are, however, substantially the same as those of Mr. Peale, 

 which are as follows : 



" This beautiful species was first observed by the Expedition in the 

 mountainous regions of Southern Oregon, near the forty-third degree 

 of north latitude, which may be considered as about its furthest 

 northern range. There the flocks were small, but, as we proceeded 

 south, they conthiued to increase, and in California great numbers were 

 seen daily. Several flocks or coveys unite in the autumn months, 

 and delight in bushy flats, near the banks of streams. During our 

 march through the Indian countries, north of California, we frequently 

 observed them collecting at night to roost in trees. At such times, 

 their call-note was plauitive, and had a slight resemblance to the 

 words cut-cut-cut me too. 



" This bird is hardy. A few specimens were kept alive by the 

 members of the Expedition, and brought to the City of Washington 

 by a route equal to the circumference of the earth, having crossed the 



