438 



ZOOLOGY BIRDS. 



After, however, leaving the central pails of Colorado, their numbers appear 

 to diminish ; and, in the vicinity of Fort Garland, I did not see it, although 

 the region appears to be well adapted to its mode of life. 



LAGOPUS LEUCUKUS, Swaius. 

 White-tailed Ptarmigan. 



Tctrao (Lagoptix) Icucitrus, SWAINS. & RICH., Fn. Bor.-Am., ii, 1831, 356, pi. Ixiii. 



Lugopus leitcuni-s, BD., Birds N. A., 1858, 636. COUES, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 

 I860, 94 (Cantoumeut Burgwyu, New Mexico, latitude 37). COOPER, Birds, 

 Gal., i, 1870, 542. ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 1872, 181 (mountains of 

 Colorado, above timber line). COUES, Key N. A. Birds, 1872, 236. AIKEN, 

 Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist,, xv, 1872, 209. BD., BREW., & RIDG., N. A. 

 Birds, iii, 1874, 404, pi. 62, f. 6. COUES, Birds Northwest, 1874, 425. 



This beautiful species was found by Dr. J. T. Rothrock abundant in the 

 mountains of South Park during the latter part of June and July. It ranges 

 from the timber line to the summits of the highest peaks, showing always a 

 preference for rocky localities. It was found at the extreme height of 

 14,400 feet, in the most sterile districts, where no vegetation existed. Their 

 habits, as observed by Dr. Rothrock, were as follows : " During the heat of 

 the day, they remain quiet beneath the shelter of the rocks, but in early 

 morning and evening were seen running over the ground, actively engaged 

 in searching for food, and keeping up a constant chirruping. They usually 

 seemed fearless, allowing themselves to be almost trodden upon before taking 

 flight, but sometimes were very shy and wild. The young birds well grown 

 were seen July 10, so that the eggs are deposited by the first of May. The 

 nest is simply a small cavity scratched in the earth under a projecting rock, 

 sometimes with a slight lining of sticks and grasses, but oftener without. 

 In winter, they descend into the timber, and are then so tame as to be often 

 killed with clubs." 



Mr. Aiken thus speaks of his experience with these birds on Elaine's 



'Peak, at an altitude of 13,000 feet: "Here the White-tailed Ptarmigan 



was found in large numbers ; one flock of twenty-five, and several smaller 



