BIRDS OF KANSAS 129 



viting cover. They do not, like our Prairie Hens, collect 

 in large flocks, but move about in small coveys or family 

 groups ; pairing during the breeding season, and, although 

 not strictly true to each other in their marriage relations, 

 are very attentive and share alike in the duties of pro- 

 tecting and rearing the young. 



Their nests are placed on the ground, in a depression, 

 usually in the grass upon the prairies, sometimes in a 

 thicket, under a low bush; composed of grasses, and 

 usually arched over, with entrance on the sides. Eggs 

 fifteen to twenty, 1.20x.97; pure white; in shape, pyri- 

 f orm. !N"ests found with a larger number of eggs, I think 

 the product of two or more females. 



XLIL PKAIKIE HEN. 



Tympanuchus americanus (REICH.). 



Common in the eastern to middle portion of the State, 

 and spreading westward with its settlement. Formerly 

 abundant, but rapidly decreasing in numbers, and, unless 

 the law protecting them is strictly enforced, especially so 

 far as it relates to trapping, they will soon become exter- 

 minated; for during the extreme cold winters, when the 

 ground is covered with snow, hunger overcomes their fear, 

 and the last one is easily entrapped. 



HABITAT. Prairies of the Mississippi valley, east to 

 Indiana and Kentucky ; north to Manitoba ; west to east- 

 ern Dakota; south to Texas and Louisiana. (The eastern 

 bird, T. cupido, until of late supposed to be this species, 

 is now apparently extinct, except on the Island of Martha's 

 Vineyard.) 



Iris brown ; bill and claws dark brown ; feet yellowish. 



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