The Virginia Quail (
Colinus virginianus) is a species of rasorial birds belonging to the family Odontophorinae, and nearly allied to that of the partridges or Perdicidae. In this genus the edges of the beak are sinuous or wavy, and the wings have the third to the sixth quills longest. The outer toe is united to the inner at the base. The Virginia quail is named also the Virginia colin. It attains a length of 8 or 10 inches, and is of a reddish-brown hue, mingled with grey and black above, and yellowish, white below. The head and breast are reddish brown and the chin pure white. The voice is clear, and the note resembled the words " bob-white "—a name often familiarly given to the bird. The Virginia quail feeds mostly on grains and inhabits open grounds, but in winter it approaches the habitations of man. The eggs may number as many as 24. The birds are trapped or shot in great numbers in winter.
