REINHARDT'S PTARMIGAN. 



XJORTHERN Labrador, the islands on the west of the 

 ^ Cumberland Gulf, Greenland, and both shores down 

 to Hudson Strait, include the range of this Ptarmigan. 

 It is common in Greenland and in the more elevated por- 

 tions of Labrador. It appears to be a bird of the open 

 and barren country, differing in this respect from the 

 other species just preceding, which pass much of the 

 year in wooded districts. The coveys scatter in May, 

 when nesting and courting begin. Mr. Turner, who has 

 had excellent opportunities for observing this bird in 

 Labrador, says that at this period the male does not 

 spring into the air like the Willow Grouse, but, with 

 spreading tail and dragging wings, runs around the 

 object of his affections, or else, with his breast pressed 

 against the ground and outstretched neck, he strives to 

 push himself along with his feet. At such times his 

 feathers are all ruffled, his combs swollen and erect, and, 

 while executing the most astonishing antics, such as toss- 

 ing himself in the air unsupported by his wings, and even 

 rolling over and over, as if quite crazy, he continues to 

 utter a peculiar, growling kurr-kiirr-like sound. The 

 males are very pugnacious and fight desperately, and 

 keep it up until one is completely exhausted, while the 

 feathers that cover the ground attest the fierceness of 

 the struggle. The hen seems quite indifferent as to the 

 result of these conflicts, and shows little of the affection 

 toward the male which he exhibits for her. The young 

 are very delicate when first hatched, and doubtless many 



154 



