28G 
LIST OF NORFOLK BIRDS. 
which was prior to 1854), there were in 1883 only about nine 
brace. Six brace were turned out in the autumn of 1885, near 
Thetford, by Mr. W. D. Mackenzie (‘Field,’ March 6th, 1886), 
which we have been informed were pinioned, and therefore would 
have small chance of surviving. 
142. Pheasant {Phasianus colchicus). 
In such a game-preserving county it is needless to say the 
semi-domesticated Pheasant abounds, Avith numerous varieties, and 
crosses with Asiatic species, and the number killed on a big day 
on such estates as Holkham, Lyndford, Merton, and Gunton, 
is prodigious. On these occasions a few females assuming male 
plumage are generally met Avith, and are Avell knoAvn to keepers, by 
Avhoni they are termed “mules”: they very rarely assume more 
than tAVO-thirds of the masculine garb, and have been knoAvn to 
revert to the normal plumage in confinement. 
143. Partridge {Perdix cinered). 
Extraordinarily abundant considering the annual slaughter which 
takes place, shoAving Avhat may be effected by systematic protection 
in the spring and summer. 
144. Eed-legged Partridge {Caccabis riifa). 
Not quite so common as formerly in Norfolk {cf. ‘Zoologist,’ 
1883, p. 79), for although it is from Norfolk and Suffolk that 
it has noAV spread over a large part of England, it has become 
thinner at the centre, though much esteemed as a game-bird by some 
proprietors. — G. 
145. Quail (Coturnix communis). 
The Quail is strictly speaking a spring and autumn vi.sitant, 
although it nests occasionally in this county. There can be little 
doubt that its present scarcity is due far more to the captures 
Avhich annually take place in the south of Europe, than to any 
agricultural changes in Norfolk. The occurrence of a great number 
in the summer and autumn of 1870 has been placed on record by 
Mr. Stevenson, and it may be that this Avas OAving to certain 
Avinds having prevented their halting as usual on dangerous 
ground in Italy and elseAvhere Avhen going north in the preceding 
spring.*— G. 
*They were very abundant at the same time in Wales (‘Zoologist,’ 1870, 
p. 2391), also in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. 
P3 JUN 1880 
