THE CALIFORNIAN QUAIL 
73- 
HABITS— Keeps to the thick “bush” country. 
When resting, is usually seen on branch of a hig 
tree with tail half-spread and head drawn m (c . 
hen at “roost”). When disturbed, it shoots out its 
neck and sways its body, at the same time coo-ing. 
It is a shy bird and shuns the haunts of men. 
NOTES—Its chief usefulness is its help in the 
spread of the growth of native trees by causing 
the seeds of the berries and by the pollination of 
tree flowers. 
THE CALIFORNIAN QUAIL 
SONG—The female seldom makes any kind of 
vocal sound, but the male has two distinct calls, 
one of which it continues to make all day long in 
the nesting season. It resembles the syllables, 
“Pa-rah-ho,” uttered in a pleasant-sounding ‘‘call.” 
When disturbed, it makes a warning “call,” rapidly 
repeated several times, and resembling the sounds 
“pit-pit” or “whit-whit.” 
DESCRIPTION— Upper parts, mottled brownish 
grey. Under parts, medium grey. Legs, dull grey. 
Head, grey, with a line of white feathers extending 
from the eye under the “bill.” It also has a distinc¬ 
tive black top-knot or crest, directed to a forward 
point. 
FOOD—Seeds, tender shoots and roots—a serious 
pest in some districts to farmer and gardener— 
also larvae and insects. 
NEST—Made in a depression on the ground or 
in a tussock, in the month of November. (See pp. 
43, 46.) 
