116 
THE COROMANDEL QUAIL. 
Cotumix textilis. — TEiunNCii. 
PLATE VIII. 
Coromandel Quail, Latham, General Hittory, viii. p. 310 
Caille Nattde, Cotumix textilis, Temminck, Pigeons et 
Gallinacis, iii. p. S12. PI. Coloriees, pi. 35. 
The Quails, forming the genus Cotumix of mo- 
derns, are at first sight so similar to the partridges, 
tliat they are not to be distinguished without a know- 
ledge of their habits, and examination of their forms. 
In the bill and legs there are slight modifications, 
but the form of the wing is quite different, the first 
three quills being longest, while in the partridges the 
third is the longest, and a rounded wing of less 
power is the consequence. It may be recollected 
that, though the partridges were said to migrate in 
some countries, the migration is comparatively very 
partial, and often only from one part of a con- 
tinent to another ; on the other hand, almost all 
the quails migrate to a certain distance, and hence 
perform lengthened journeys often across the seas. 
In their habits they also shew considerable dif- 
ference, as they never perch. They often assem- 
ble in large flocks after the breeding season : and al- 
