Virginian Partridge Bird Print by John James Audubon

An archival premium Quality Art Print of the Virginian Partridge by John James Audubon for sale by Brandywine General Store. The artwork shows a covey of the Virginia partridges or now more commonly known as the Northern Bobwhite or also quail. There are males, females including young and old and also very young chicks shown, some are in the grassy nest and a couple are flying in the air. These game birds were plate or picture number 76 in the 1st Havell Edition of the great ornithology book, The Birds of America. We have taken the liberty of adding blue to the sky in this print. Mr. Audubon describes these quail or partridges thus "The common name given to this bird in the Eastern and Middle Districts of our Union is that of Quail, but in the Western and Southern States, the more appropriate appellation of Partridge is bestowed upon it. It is abundantly met with in all parts of the United States, but more especially towards the interior. In the States of Ohio and Kentucky, where they are very abundant, they are to be seen in the markets, both dead and alive, in large quantities.This species performs occasional migrations from the north-west to the south-east, usually in the beginning of October, and somewhat in the manner of the Wild Turkey. For a few weeks at this season, the north-western shores of the Ohio are covered with flocks of Partridges. They ramble through the woods along the margin of the stream, and generally fly across towards evening. Like the Turkeys, many of the weaker Partridges often fall into the water, while thus attempting to cross, and generally perish; for although they swim surprisingly, they have not muscular power sufficient to keep up a protracted struggle, although, when they have fallen within a few yards of the shore, they easily escape being drowned. As soon as the Partridges have crossed the principal streams in their way, they disperse in flocks over the country, and return to their ordinary mode of life. The flight of these birds is generally performed at a short distance from the ground. It is rapid, and is continued by numerous quick flaps of the wings for a certain distance, after which the bird sails until about to alight, when again it flaps its wings to break its descent. When chased by dogs, or started by any other enemy, they fly to the middle branches of trees of ordinary size, where they remain until danger is over...." Audubon Birds art print #76