Description

John Cassin (1813-1869)
Plate 19, The BluePartridge
From: Illustrations of the Birds of California, Texas, Oregon, British and Russian America
Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1856
Chromolithograph
Paper dimensions: 10 x 6
Framed dimensions: 16 x 17

With text below image:
The blue partridge, also known as scaled quail, is a chicken that commands the eye. Huge and upright, they give off an impression of regal reign. The fierce, eagle-like gaze is a complete facade however, as these creatures are actually extremely calm and personable. These birds are distinguished by the plumage tipped with black that give it a “scaled appearance” running down their neck, chest, and stomach. They can be found from southeastern Colorado and southwestern Kansas through the Oklahoma Panhandle, New Mexico, western Texas, and southern Arizona into central Mexico. They have also been introduced into parts of Nevada and Washington.