BOB-WHITE
Colinus virginianus virginianus. [Case 1]. Figs. 1, 2
The black and white markings of the male are respectively buff and brown in the female. In flight the Bob-white, or Quail, suggests a Meadowlark, but the tail is without white feathers. L. 10.
Range. Eastern United States north to Minnesota and Maine south to the Gulf. A Permanent Resident. Severe winters and much shooting have made it rare in the more northern parts of its range.
Washington, common P.R. Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, P.R. N. Ohio, not common P.R. Glen Ellyn, rare P.R. SE. Minn., common P.R.
Except when nesting Bob-whites live in flocks or "coveys" usually composed of the members of one family. Their song, heard in spring and summer, is the clear, ringing two- or three-noted whistle which gives them their common name. Their fall and winter notes, which sportsmen term "scatter calls" are signals by which the members of a flock keep within speaking distance of one another. "Where are you?" "Where are you?" they seem to say. As with other protectively colored, ground-inhabiting birds, Bob-whites do not take wing until one almost steps upon them. Then, like a bursting bomb, the covey seems to explode, its brown pieces flying in every direction. The nest is on the ground and the 10-18 white, pear-shaped eggs are laid in May or June.
The Florida Bob-white (C. v. floridanus, [Case 3], Figs. 1, 2), a smaller darker race is resident in Florida, except in the northern part of the state. It begins to nest in April.
GROUSE. FAMILY TETRAONIDÆ
CANADA SPRUCE PARTRIDGE
Canachites canadensis canace
The male is a grayish bird with a jet black throat and breast, the former bordered with white; the skin above the eye is red. The female is barred with black and reddish brown with a black mottled tail tipped with brown. L. 15.