121 



Genus Zensedura Bonap. 



191. Z. carolinensis Bonap. Cauolina Dove. A very common 

 suiniiier resident. The majority arrive tlie last of March and first of 

 April, and depart by the middle of October. Strairgling parties are 

 occasionally observed during the winter. In many places this species 

 becomes semi-domesticated, breeding in the trees in the yard and 

 showing but little fear when approached. 



Family MELEAGRID-ai. 

 Genus Meleagris. 



192. M. gallopavo IJnn. Wild Tuhkey. Formerly plentiful. 

 No specimens have been observed for many years. Still abundant in 

 Soutiiern Illinois and in the bottom-lands along the rivers in Central 

 Illinois. 



Family TETRAONID^. 

 Genus Pedioecetes Bd. 



193. P. phasianellus var. columbianus (Orel.). Sharp-tailed 

 Grouse. If this species now occurs it is extremely rare. Mr. Ken- 

 nicott notes it as "not uncommon formerly." At present it is re- 

 stricted to the north-western portion of the state. The last record 

 of its occurrence in this vicinity is furnished by my friend Mr. T. H. 

 Douglas, who informs me that in the fall of 18G3 or 1864^, while two 

 gentlemen were shooting prairie chickens near VVaukegan, they found 

 and secured a covey of these birds, numbering fourteen individuals. 

 These had, in all probability, be*;n raised in the immediate vicinity. 



Genus Cupidonia lieich. 



194. C. cupido Bd. Prairie Chicken. Once excessively abun- 

 dant; now rather scarce within thirty miles of Chicago. Still exists 

 in large numbers on the larger prairies, but is becoming much less 

 numerous in all the more settled districts. In many places the farmers 

 are in the habit of collecting their eggs by the pailful to use for culi- 

 nary purposes. Such a drain as this, with the annual slaugliter by 

 sportsmen, and the restriction of their breeding grounds by cultiva- 

 tion, is rapidly lessening their numbers except in the remote prairie 

 districts. 



Genus Bonasa Stej^h. 



195. B. umbellus Steph. Kuffed Grouse. Common resident in 

 the wooded portions. Farther north, in the forests of Wisconsin and 

 Nortiiern Michigan, it is very abundant and so unsophisticated that it 

 may almost be captured with sticks. 



ESSEX INST, bulletin. VIII 10 



