42 



CIVIC BIOLOGY 



Bobwhite Colinus virginidnus. This species, if sufficiently abun- 

 dant, could probably become our most important insect- and weed-seed- 

 destroying ground bird for garden and field. The crop of one bird 

 contained 101 potato beetles, another two tablespoonfuls of chinch 

 bugs, and another 15,000 weed seeds. Winter protection and feeding 

 is another problehi which should receive attention. 



Ruffed grouse Bondsa umbellus. Wherever at all scarce, this finest 



of our game birds should be provided 

 with safe covers which will insure 

 its increase in the locality. 



Heath hen Tympanuclius cupido. 

 This species presents the problem of 

 a numerous and valuable game bird, 

 once generally distributed over New 

 England and now reduced to a few 

 pair confined to the oak barrens of 

 Marthas Vineyard. It is a slightly 

 variant woods form of the Western 

 prairie chicken, which is rapidly 

 being exterminated from the Missis- 

 sippi Valley. Every effort should be 

 made to save this remnant, and with 

 it restock the mainland under condi- 

 tions which shall insure the heath 

 hen's regaining its original range. 



Mongolian or ring-necked pheas- 

 ant Phasidnus torqudtus. This is 

 an introduced species, concerning the 

 value of which there is much ques- 

 tion at present. 



Wild turkey Meledgris gallopdvo. As far as New England is con- 

 cerned we must write the word " exterminated " after the name of this 

 our largest game bird. By concerted action, and with a suitable game 

 preserve, might the wild turkey not be reintroduced ? Would it not be 

 worth while ? 



Order Columba (columba, "a dove"). The pigeons and doves 

 the world over are among our most valuable food and game 

 birds. The dodo of Mauritius and the solitaire of Rodriguez 

 were gigantic ground pigeons as large as swans, but with wings 



FIG. 18. Ruffed grouse cock 



drumming 

 Photograph by the author 



