Identification - It is about the size of a plump robin with a mottled red-brown body, a striking black-and-white face pattern, and irregular streaking on the sides or flanks. It prefers to run and hide than to fly.
Morsels - In winter, these little birds join together in a covey or small group of 10 to 20 birds when they roost. The birds form a circle, each bird facing outwards and they squeeze themselves closely together. This provides the birds with the benefit of reducing their body heat loss. It also provides protection for the covey as the birds have an opportunity to see predators approaching from all directions. When a predator approaches, the birds explode into the air with a loud roar and disperse in all directions.
