I am trying to find a recipie for a traditional french dish which involved the bird being eaten by the diner with a cloth over their head and the dish. Any ideas?

These are called ortolans I think. I don't know what the english word is for them. They are a delicacy and I don't really know if you can find anywhere where they are served.

Hi James
Your are right : Patrick obviously refers to "ortolans" ("bunting" in English, a kind of a sparrow). This is a bird in danger of extinguishment in Europe where it is protected. Its sale is forbidden in France but unfortunately, in the southwest of France, few people cares about such protection ...