106 
In the spring of 1884, at Iowa City, Iowa, the first flocks passed over 
March 10, and the bulk March 22; at Newton, Iowa, the bulk was noted 
March 23. The “ booming” of the species was recorded from March 7, 
at Caddo, Ind. Ter., to March 24, at Barton, Dak. In the spring of 1885, 
the commencement of “ booming” was noted at Richmond, Kans., March 
1, and at Argusville, Dak., March 27. At Newton, Iowa, the northward 
movement was very pronounced March 11. 
Early nesting was reported at Durand, Wis., March 28; while at Ver- 
million, Dak., in 1884, a nest with sixteen fresh eggs was found as late 
as June 9. 
In the fall of 1885, at Des Moines, Iowa, Pinnated Grouse were mov- 
ing south in large numbers October 17. 
307. Tympanuchus pallidicinctus (Ridgw.). [477a.] Lesser Prairie Hen. 
This Prairie Hen inhabits the eastern border of the Great Plains, 
from southwestern Kansas to western Texas. Colonel Goss records it as 
“resident in southern Kansas; rare.” In Texas Mr. Lloyd states that 
itis a winter visitor. He says: 
Seen in October and November in Concho county, and also in winter on Middle 
Concho, in Tom Green county. Abundant near Colorado City, on the Texas and 
Pacific Railroad. I believe this record extends the range to the southwest. West- 
ward it was abundant to the foot-hills of the Davis mountains. Said to have been 
driven from the Pan Handle counties by the numerous prairie fires, (The Auk, Vol. IV, 
1887, p. 187.) 
308. Pedioczetes phasianellus (Linn.). [478] Northern Sharp-tailed Grouse. 
The typical form is a British-American bird, reaching the United 
States only along our northern boundary. It is resident in Manitoba, 
and was reported as common at Portage la Prairie. Specimens sent 
to Mr. Ridgway from western Manitoba by Mr. E. E. Thompson are in- 
termediate between true phasianellus and phasianellus campestris. 
308b. Pediocztes phasianellus campestris Ridgw. [—.] Prairie or Common 
Sharp-tailed Grouse. 
The home of the Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse is on the plains and prai- 
ries of the United States east of the Rocky mountains and south to 
New Mexico. Dr. Agersborg states that at Vermillion, Dak., it ‘is get- 
ting rarer every year.” I am indebted to Mr. Carr, of Waupaca, Wis., 
for the boundaries of its range in that State. He writes: 
Sharp-tailed Grouse are quite abundant on Sisson’s prairie, Portage county, in the 
fall of the year, but as soon as cold weather sets in they keep in the edge of the 
woods. They are associated with the Prairie Hen (Tympanuchus americanus). They 
range in the northwestern portion of the State, from about the center of Waushara 
county, but are found most abundant in Waushara, Waupaca, Portage, Shawano, 
and Marathon counties, though there are not many in the two latter. 
Colonel Goss says they are still resident in middle and western Kan- 
sas, but are becoming rare; while Dr. Watson says that in the vicinity 
of Ellis, Kans., they disappeared in 1875 and since then the Prairie 
Hen (T. americanus) has taken their place. Even in Illinois a few are 
still found, according to Mr. Ridgway, on the prairies of the northern 
