KEEL-BREASTED BIRDS. 259 



The white ptarmigan (Lagopus albus) somewhat re- 

 sembles the grouse ; the feet and toes, however, are cov- 

 ered with feathers. The general hue is a cinnamon- 

 brown, variegated with darker tints. The plumage changes 

 with the seasons, and in winter is a dazzling white, the 

 claws being shed also. They live in communities, and 

 during the breeding-season unite in large flocks. The 

 nests, of grass, earth, and feathers, are concealed with 

 great skill, and contain from twelve to sixteen yellowish 

 or reddish-brown, spotted eggs. 



VALUE. As game. 



The Wild Turkey (Meleagns gallopavo] of the Unit- 

 ed States is an allied form, four feet in length, the general 

 coloring a glossy, coppery black. The neck is unfeath- 

 ered, the breast of the male bearing a tuft of long bristles. 

 There are only two species, and from the Mexican vari- 

 ety is descended the common turkey. They are strictly 

 American birds. The Pheasants (Phasianida) form a 

 large and beautiful group of birds confined to the Old 

 World. The peacock (Pavo cristatus), that was first in- 

 troduced into Europe by Alexander the Great, is a familiar 

 type. The Argus pheasant (Argusianus giganteus), from 

 Sumatra, is one of the most remarkable. The Chinese 

 golden pheasant (Phasianus pictus) is a resplendent species. 



VALUE. Peacock oil, fat, and feathers, are all valuable articles of 

 trade. Pheasants as game, and their feathers in decoration. 



The Domestic Fowl (Gallince) came originally from 

 the jungle-fowl of India. Allied are the Guinea-fowl. 



Mound-Builders (Megapodida). This strange group 

 of Old World birds are allies of the preceding family, and 

 are confined to Australia and India. The wattled tale- 

 gallus ( Talegallus Lathami) * in general appearance resem- 



* In early spring the bird throws together a heap of decayed 

 leaves, etc., amounting often to two or three cart-loads, arranged in a 



