42 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, 



such a remarkable seasonal change of plumage occurs. All the 

 Ptarmigan are Grouse of boreal or alpine distribution, only reaching 

 sea-level in the higher latitudes, elsewhere confined to mountains. 

 The present species is immediately distinguished from the rest be- 

 having the tail w r hite at all seasons, as implied in its name. In 

 winter this Ptarmigan is entirely snow-white, in summer the plumage 

 is variegated with ochrey and tawny, in finely undulated patterns, 

 much of the under parts, however, and wings, remaining white. The 

 Ptarmigan feeds upon the leaves and stalks of various alpine plants, 

 being particularly fond of those of a species of Cassia. It also lives 

 largely upon insects, and in winter is said to subsist on the buds and 

 leaves of the pines and firs. It is found on the summit of most 

 mountains of the Mainland and snow peaks of Vancouver Island. 



PEDICECETES. (Baird). 



Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse. Prairie Chicken (Ped'urcetes 



phasianellus colum'bianus, Ord). 



At one time an abundant resident east of Cascade Range through 

 the southern portions of the Province. Common near Vernon. 



CENTROCERCUS. (Swaiuson). 



*Sage Grouse (Centrocercus uropliasianus, Bouap). 

 Found at Osoyoos Lake. 



FAMILY PHASIANID^E. PHEASANTS. 



PHASIANUS. (Linnaeus). 

 Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus torquatus, Linn). 



Abundant on Vancouver Island and in the Lower Fraser River 

 Valley and other portions of the Mainland. Introduced from China, 

 now thoroughly naturalised. 



ORDER COLUMBAE. PIGEONS. 



FAMILY COLUMBID.E. PIGEONS. 



COLUMBA. (Linnaeus). 

 Band-tailed Pigeon (Columba fasciata, Say). 



A common summer resident in the south-western portions of the 

 Province, including Vancouver Island. 



