This handsome species is marked similar to the “[Bob-white]” on the upper parts, but has a black throat, and the rest of the under parts are of a reddish brown.
MOUNTAIN QUAIL.
292. Oreortyx picta. 11 inches.
This is a beautiful bird, with its long black crest and rich coloring. Upper parts an olive brown; the top of the head a rich gray. Throat and sides a beautiful shade of chestnut, with wide bands of black and white on the sides; breast a clear gray. Female very similar to the male, but not as brightly marked and with a shorter crest.
Nest.—These birds nest abundantly in the mountainous region of northern California, and in Oregon, and gradually increasing more northerly. The nest is placed on the ground under bush or grass for protection. Eight to fifteen eggs of a pale reddish buff color are laid (1.35 × 1.05).
SCALED QUAIL.
293. Callipepla squamata. 10 inches.
This is a bluish gray colored bird nearly all over. The feathers on the neck and under parts have narrow dark borders, which give the appearance of scales, from which the bird is given its name. They have a small tuft of whitish or buffy feathers on the top of the head.
It is especially abundant in the dry arid portions of its range, being found often many miles from water.