GROUSE AND PTARMIGAN 



2167 



in the bird from the Caucasus these parts are black, like the rest of the plumage. 

 The two species also differ in their changes of plumage; in the former, the young 

 male assuming the black feathers of the adult more or less completely by the first 

 winter, while in the young male of the Caucasian bird a female-like plumage is re- 

 tained throughout the first winter and spring. During the autumn molt, when the 

 males are rarely met with, the black plumage of the head and neck is replaced by 



BI.ACK GAME AT HOME. 



brownish-buff and black feathers, barred like those of the female. No doubt this 

 temporary change is protective, enabling the blackcock to escape observation, when, 

 owing to the heavy molt in their wings and tail they are rendered almost incapable 

 of flight. Black game are polygamous, one male pairing with a number of females, 

 each of which undertakes the entire responsibility of rearing her young. During 

 the pairing season the males are in the habit of resorting to some spot where in the 



