154 tetraonidjE. 



complete establishment of the Prairie-hen, with all its 

 good qualities. 



The Ptarmigan, Willow-grouse, or White-grouse {Lago- 

 pus albus) is mentioned by Dr. Hall* as one of the birds of 

 the Montreal district, though its general range is in rather 

 higher regions, its northern limit being about latitude 70°. 



The male bird weighs on an average about two 

 pounds, and its plumage in summer is a reddish grey 

 on the upper parts, closely marked with zig-zag lines. 

 On the breast and sides are a great number of black 

 feathers waved with a light reddish colour, and the 

 under parts, breast and wings, together with the feet, 

 are pure white. The male has a black mark or stripe 

 crossing the eye, and a scarlet cicatrice over it. The 

 female has neither of the latter distinctions. 



The winter plumage is perfectly white, with the ex- 

 ception of the tail; this is chiefly black, and there are 

 one or two brown feathers in the wings. 



The female lays from eight to twelve eggs, and some- 

 times more ; they are of a yellowish colour, marked with 

 dark brown spots. 



The Ptarmigan lives in winter on the buds, seeds, and 

 young tops of the wiUow, whence its other name of 

 Willow-grouse. 



* Can. Nat. Geo., Montreal. 



