which was covered for the most vart with a blanket of creepers and thorny vines. From 
this cover they occasionally ventured out into the coffee groves to scratch among the 
deep litter." They mentioned a flock of several observed in March scratching in a 
litter of oak leaves near a dense brushy area. They were heard and seen in the mountains 
near Hebaj up to 8,000 feet or higher in the ocak association. There they were less 
common than at lower elevations, but frequented similarly dense habitats. Those seen or 
heard at close range were in heavy second growth, the rank, shrubby undergrowth, or in 
brushy, weedy clearings. 
Griscom, quoting Anthony, wrote, "This species is by no means uncommon in the 
highlands of northern Guatemala, but one that is apt to pass unrecorded by many careful 
observers. Above 3,000 feet elevation it was often heard calling, at all hours of the 
day, from the heavy undergrowth of the mountain sides, but we were unable to gain sight 
of a single bird. Natives, who told me that they could easily bring me specimens, were 
offered a full day's wages for each and every bird delivered, but they were unable to 
claim the reward, I was told that when hunted by dogs the birds would tree and, froma 
perch a few feet above the animals, sit and watch them, while the hunter crept up and 
shot the birds, one by one, or even captured them alive by snaring them with a noose at 
the end of a slender pole. , 
"At Sepacuitd, while hunting Chachas, a bird that I took to be of that 
species darted across the trail and into the undergrowth ahead of me; an instant later 
another followed and, warned by the first, I was not taken entirely by surprise and fired 
at the hole in the brush as the bird flashed from sight. A moment later I was admiring 
the only specimen of the Tree Quail I secured in Guatemala. This species was quite 
common on the hille about Barrillos and Nebaj, the calls being heard at all hours. The 
single note, which has gained it the native name of Guachoque, is far reaching and 
melodious. On the lower slopes of VolcAn San Lucas I heard the notes several times, and 
learned the species was found above Tecpam, but did not see the bird." 
This species is reported to band together in flocks after the breeding season. 
According to Dickey and van Rossem, "It would appear that they habitually travel in small 
flocks which break up into pairs as the breeding season approaches. In December, on Mt. 
Cacaguatique, & roosting tree perhaps ten feet higher than the surrounding growth was the 
gathering place every evening for a fair number of birds, possibly members of more than 
one flock, for the calls of the entire neighborhood, as dusk came on, finally converged 
toward this one spot." 
Our field work was limited to months during which the guachogue was breeding 
and those encountered were singles or pairs. Because of the density of the cover and 
their shyness, none was seen at close range except as a blurred image disappearing into 
adjacent heavy vegetation. They evidently retreated farther on foot after such a flight, 
for those we pursued often were not flushed again. 
This is an exceedingly difficult bird to hunt, as the preceding notes have 
already indicated. We were unable to flush any in short cover, where a wing shot would 
have been possible; instead they eluded us by running quietly and unseen. In the woodland, 
the density of cover, poor visibility, and very brief view of the fast-flying bird 
combined to make shooting them almost impossible. | 
Our hunting, however, was being done to secure specimens for the museums, and 
was limited to the monthe of April and May, Hunting should be done during the period 
September through January, prior to the nesting season. At that season, they apparently 
occur in coveys and are said to be somewhat easier to hunt. In all probability the use 
of a well-trained dog will make this sport more productive since these localities have 
few ticks and insect pests, at least at the times of our visits. = 
29. Dendrortyx leucophrys nicaraguae Miller and Griscom 
Nicaraguan Long-tailed Partridge 
Other Names.-—- 
Guatemalan: guachoco, guachogue 
English: partridge 
Status.--A locally common resident, especially in secondegrowth, brushy woodland. 
Description.--Similar to the preceding form, D. 1. leucophrys, except as follows! 
aurieulars sooty gray instead of brown; general color of underparts gray instead of buffy 
brown, breast darker gray; in some specimens white and buffy areas on forehead, chin, and 
throat much more extensive. 
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