PARTRIDGE 
163 
but grazing and this is probably all that has saved it to us. The species 
still exists in limited numbers in out of the way localities. In general the 
large ranch holders have shown an admirable spirit of protection towards 
it and have done much to perpetuate the species. As a table bird the 
Sage Hen is not very desirable as it is apt to be too strongly impregnated 
with sage to be palatable. In the spring the male Sage Hen, like many 
other grouse, executes a most interesting mating dance. In it the star- 
shaped tail is opened to its fullest extent and thrown over the back, so 
as to give the appearance of a many rayed flower, and the under coverts 
are fluffed. A throat sac is inflated and the body is bowed down to the 
ground. It is to be hoped that the few individuals of this most interesting 
bird remaining in Canada may be preserved. 
FAMILY— PERDICIDAE. PARTRIDGES AND QUAILS 
This family includes the smaller of our upland game birds, which are 
easily distinguished from the grouse by the horny or fleshy scale over the 
nostril instead of the nostril being practically concealed in the feathering 
(Figure 232, compare with 219). The legs and toes are bare of feathers. 
From the pheasants they are easily distinguished by their much smaller 
size — the wing being under 7 inches instead of 9 or over. There is little 
specialization in the way of combs or air sacs. They do not indulge in 
ritualistic mating dances nor do they boom, hoot, or crow, as do species 
of many of the other families. 
Introduced: 
Gray Partridge. European gray partridge, common partridge. Hungarian 
partridge, la PERDRix d’europe. Perdix perdix. L, 12-6. Considerably smaller than 
our commoner grouse, but considerably larger 
than any of our so-called quail. A very 
fine, vermiculated intermixture of black, 
white, rusty, and cream on back, neck, 
and breast; more rufous on lower back 
and nearly clear black and white with 
a general greyish effect on breast. Wing 
coverts sharply shaft-streaked with cream. 
Flanks barred with white and chestnut. 
Face, throat, and superciliary line of tawny 
chestnut (.Figure 233). A conspicuous 
double spot or horseshoe mark of rich 
chestnut occupies the upper abdomen. 
Sexes similar in coloration, but female in 
duller tones. 
Figure 232 Figure 233 
Nostril concealed Hungarian Partridge; 
under scale. scale, J. 
Distinctions. The only partridge-like bird with such fine vermiculation, reddish throat, 
and chestnut abdominal patch. 
Field Marks. In localities to which it is likely to extend it cannot be mistaken for any 
other bird, the ptarmigan being the only grouse-like bird of similar size or fine vermiculations. 
In flight it is dull, obscurely coloured, and shows a large amount of rufous brown in tail. 
Distribution. Europe and west-central Asia. Introduced into Alberta near Calgary 
about 1908 and by 1923 had extended its range north nearly to Edmonton, south to the 
International Boundary, and east to the central parts of Saskatchewan. Within this 
area it thrives and good bags are being made in season. Introduced into southern Mani- 
toba in 1924 and appears to be doing well there. 
It was also introduced on southern Vancouver Island and the adjoining mainland 
about 1905. Here, it met with varying fortune, but on the whole has become well estab- 
lished and is now present in fair numbers. It has also spread north from the State of 
Washington into Okanagan district where it is increasing and spreading radpidly. 
The objection to the importation of foreign species does not apply as 
strongly to game birds as to others. Species that are systematically hunted 
for economic use are in very little danger of becoming too plentiful; the 
