Volume 6, Plate X / Ornithology (Birds)

Virginian Quail or Partridge

Ortyx Virginianus

Ortyx Virginianus, a thick billed New World partridge of brown, red, orange, grey, and white with a crested head, inhabits North America from Canada to Florida, living on the borders of woods and grassy plains, roosting on trees, and feeding on grain and roots. Becoming half domesticated near plantations, it builds early in May a covered ground nest of leaves and dry grass, the female counterfeiting lameness, and great numbers are taken by gun, snare, and driving nets.