CEUISE OF THE STEAMER COKVVIN. 119 



37. Lagopus albus (Gm.) Jnd. [474]. Tue Willow Ptarmigan. 



The White Ptarmigan, familiarly kuowu as the Willow Grouse, is one of the most al)undant 

 species in northern Alaska. Throughout the open portions of the interior and along the shores of 

 Hothani Inlet and Kotzebue Sound it is very common. During the nesting season comparatively 

 few are seen; but when the young are fully Hedged, about the middle of August, we find it every- 

 where. 



The nest consists of a slight depression in the ground, lined with grass or lichens. The young 

 are hatched the latter part of June. It subsists principally on berries, quantities of which are 

 found, and also the leaves of the dwarf willow. 



38. Lagopus rupestris (Gm.) Leach [475]. The Rock Ptarmigan. 



In the hilly or mountainous sections of the country the preceding is replaced by this hand- 

 some species. The Eock Ptarmigan is found in far less numbers, however; and I am incliued to 

 think it is somewhat rare in the present region. On two occasions I obtained the female, together 

 with the young. These are the only data I possess regarding them ; and it would seem, according 

 to this, that the Eock Ptarmigan is very uncommon. I hardly feel warranted in expressing a 

 decided ooinion in the matter. 



CHARADEIID^. PLOVERS. 



39. Strepsilas interpres (Linn.) Illig. [509]. Turnstone. 



40. Strepsilas melanscephala J'iij. [510]. Black Turnstone. 



One specimen of each of the Turnstones from Hoth am Inlet or Kowak River in the collection. 



41. Squatarola helvetica (Linn.) Cm. [513]. The Black-bellied Plover. 



This handsome species is a common resident of the present region. It is one of the first 

 arrivals in the spring. At this season it resorts to the hilly and well-drained sections, where it 

 nests. When the young are fully fledged we find it in almostevery section. The interior distribution 

 is somewhat restricted, and we find it much more common on the coast. This bird is quite shy at 

 all seasons; and when its haunts are invaded its warning whistle is heard on all hands. The 

 plumage of the mature bird, richly variegated with black and gold, renders this species a very 

 conspicuous object. The nest is generally placed on a knoll, and consists merely of a slight 

 depression in the ground. Four large and finely marked eggs are the usual complement. 



42. Cbaradrius dominicus Miill, [515]. The Americajs Golden Plover. 



Like the preceding species, the Golden Plover is confined to the high and well-drained table 

 lands. It is chiefly coastwise in distribution, although it nests to a limited extent in the interior. 

 The unsuitable character of the country doubtless has its influence in this respect. In the fall it 

 is very abundant along the shores of Hotham Inlet, where it assembles before leaving for the 

 south. 



43. .SJgialitis semipalmatus Bonap. [516]. The Semi-palmated Plover. 



The present species is the smallest representative of the Charadriidce in northern Alaska. It 

 has an inland distribution, although it is not an abundant species in any section. Along the river 

 I found it principally on the exposed sand-bars or mudflats. It never associates in flocks in this 

 region. This species nests on the river banks, and when its haunts are invaded it manifests its 

 alarm by incessant cries. In August it is more abundant and is found everywhere along the 

 river. At this season I found it at Kotzebue Sound in small numbers. The Semi-palmated 

 Plover is known in some sections as the Ringneck Ployer, so called from the beautiful baud 

 encircling the neck. 



SCOLOPACID^. SNIPE. 



44. GalUnago media wilsoni (Temm.) .Ri'djit'. [526a]. Wilson's Snipe. 



In the Kowak region this species is an uncommon resident. In the far interior not an 

 individual came under my observation, but along the delta and losver portions of the river I found 

 it in sparing numbers. It breeds in the wet marshes early in June, and in company with other 



