The Mountain Partridge is found breeding along the Pacific coast region from California north into Washington. According to the observer Emerson, it is found nesting in the higher mountain ranges, not below four thousand feet. In some portions of Oregon it is very abundant, and would be sought for by the sportsman with great assiduity were the regions that it inhabits more accessible. As it is, it is not only hard to find but very difficult to secure when once flushed, hiding easily from the dogs, who become discouraged by repeated unsuccessful efforts to find it.
The Mountain Partridge deposits its eggs on the ground, on a bed of dead leaves, under a bush or tuft of grass or weeds. Its habits are exceedingly like those of the Bob White. From six to twelve eggs are laid of a cream color, with a reddish tint. They have been described as miniatures of those of the Ruffed Grouse, only distinguishable by their smaller size.
This Partridge will usually run before the dog, is flushed only with much trouble, and often takes to the trees after being started. California is comparatively destitute of wood except on inaccessible mountain sites and canons, localities preferred by these birds. It is not known to descend to the valleys.
BOB WHITE.
“I own the country here about,” says Bob White;
“At early morn I gayly shout, I’m Bob White!
From stubble field and stake-rail fence
You hear me call, without offense,
I’m Bob White! Bob White!
Sometimes I think I’ll ne’er more say, Bob White;
It often gives me quite away, does Bob White;
And mate and I, and our young brood,
When separate—wandering through the wood,
Are killed by sportsmen I invite
By my clear voice—Bob White! Bob White!
Still, don’t you find I’m out of sight
While I am saying Bob White, Bob White?”
—c. c. m.
mountain partridge.
chicago colortype co.
From col. F. M. Woodruff. Copyrighted by
Nature Study Pub. Co., 1898, Chicago.