Partridges

The very spits at the fire, as full as they could hold of partridges and pheasants, fell asleep, and the fire itself as well.

Other birds, such as cocks, quails and partridges, are commonly used in these decorative illuminations, and this class of ornament was probably derived from Persia, under the Sasanian Dynasty, when decorative art and skilful handicrafts flourished to a very remarkable extent.

Partridges seem to be very skittish.