GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



197 



between five and six thousand feet above the sea-level, on wide plains, overgrown mth birch 

 bushes. It breeds in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains, and upon the arctic coasts ; but collecting 

 in flocks on the approach of winter, it retires southward as the severity of the weather increases. 

 Considerable bodies, however, remain behind, even in the coldest winters. In the year 181 9 its 

 earliest appearance at Cumberland House, latitude fifty-four degrees, was in the second week in 

 November, and it returned to the northward again before the beginning of spring. 



These Ptarmigans prefer the shelter of birch or willow trees, and where such abound are 







THE WILLOW PTARMIGAN {Lagoplis aJblls). ONE-THIRD NATURAL SIZE. 



frequently met with in very large numbers, one pair living close to another, but each holding its o\\n 

 small domain (usually measuring about fifteen paces) with the utmost intrepidity against all intruders ; 

 no sooner, however, is the breeding season over than the various families unite into large flocks, and 

 wander over the country to a considerable distance. In disposition this species is livel}', and its 

 movements generally restless and rapid, its broad, thickly-feathered feet enabling it to run witli equal 

 facility over fresh snow or unsafe moss-covered earth. Whilst in motion tlie head and tail are usually 

 held down ; but when the bird is quite secure from danger, the bod)" is kept much elongated, and the 

 head boldly raised erect. The flight is graceful and light, that of the male accompanied by a loud 

 resonant note as he is about to descend, but the female utters no sound when on the wing. During 



