92 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. 



COLUMBIDJE (the Pigeons). 



88. Zenaidura carolinensis (L.) Carolina Dove. 

 Abundant between 7,000 and 10,000 feet. 



TETRAONID.^ (the Grouse). 



89. Canace obscura (Say). Dusky Grouse. 



Abundant. Found during the summer on the mountain -ridges, in 

 groves of pine and aspen, from 7,000 feet up to timber-line. Dr. Roth- 

 rock obtained specimens and found the species numerous at an altitude 

 of from 10,000 to 12,000 feet; those at the former elevation frequenting 

 the cotton wood-groves, while at the latter they were found in the pines 

 only. It is quite tame and unsuspicious, and when forced to fly, which 

 it does unwillingly, takes to the nearest tree, and then, as if incapable 

 of further effort, stands gazing at the intruder with outstretched neck 

 till brought down by a shot from a gun or a revolver. A nest found June 

 16 contained seven eggs just on the point of hatching. The nesting- 

 site was a peculiar one, being in an open glade, where the grass had 

 been recently burned off. The nest proper was a slight collection of 

 dried grass, placed in a depression between two tussocks, there appar- 

 ently having been no attempt made at concealment. The eggs are pale 

 yellowish-white, spotted irregularly with reddish brown ; length, 1.95 ; 

 diameter, 1.39. 



90. Centrocercus uropliasianus (Bon.) Sage-Cock. 



Not found by me in vicinity of Garland. A single flock was seen by 

 Dr. Eothrock on the headwaters of the Arkansas in August. 



91. Lagopus leucurus, Sw. White-tailed Ptarmigan. 



This beautiful species was found by Dr. Kothrock abundant in the 

 mountains of South Park during the latter part of June and July. It 

 ranges from the timber-line to the summits of the highest peaks, show- 

 ing always a preference for rocky localities. It was found at the ex- 

 treme height of 14,400 feet, in the most sterile districts, where no vege- 

 tation existed. Their habits, as observed by Dr. Eothrock, were as follows : 

 During the heat of the day they remain quiet beneath the shelter of 

 the rocks, but in early morning and evening were seen running over the 

 ground, actively engaged in searching for food, and keeping up a con- 

 stant chirruping. They usually seemed entirely devoid of fear, allowing 

 themselves to be almost trodden upon before taking flight, but some- 



