BIRDS OF 



At different points througliout its extensive habitat, this 

 species is subject to considerable variation in phnnage. This 

 has recently led to the formation of several sub-species, one of 

 which (Bonasa umbellus togata) (Linn.), will, I daresay, be 

 found in Ontario, but between these new groups are always to 

 be found intermediate individuals which render the boundary 

 rather uncertain. All are more or less closely related to the 

 old original Bonasa umbellus. 



Genus LAGOPUS Brisson. 



123. LAGOPUS LAGOPUS (Linn.). :^01. 



Willow Ptarmig^an. 



Bill stout, as high as the distance from the nasal groov'e .to its tip. In 

 summer rufous, or orange-chestnut on the head and neck : the feathers of the 

 back black, barred rather closely with yellowish-brown and chestnut. In 

 winter white, the tail black tipped with white. Length, 15 to 17; wing, 

 about 8 : tail, 5-50. 



H.-VB. Arctic America, south to Sitka and Labrador. 



Nest on the ground. 



Eggs, 14 ; fawn color spotted with reddish-brown. 



The Ptarmigans are found both in the old and new world, 

 as far north as vegetation extends, and so thoroughl)^ boreal 

 are they in their habits, that they seldom come within even the 

 northern boundary of Ontario. C. J. Bampton, registrar 

 of the district of Algoma, who has furnished me with many 

 interesting notes regarding the birds of that remote district, 

 mentions the Willow Ptarmigan as a rare winter visitor at 

 Sault St. Marie. 



124. LAGOPUS RUPESTRIS (Gmel.). 302. 

 Rock Ptarmigan. 



Bill slender, distance from the nasal groove to the tip greater than 

 height at base. In summer the feathers of back black, banded distinctly 



126 



