KEEL-BREASTED BIRDS. 289 
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 (A/e/eagris 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 (PAasianide) 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 (Ga//ing) came originally from 
the jungle-fowl of India. Allied are the Guinea-fowl. 
Mound-Builders .(/egapodide).—This strange group 
of Old World birds are allies of the preceding family, and 
are confined to Australia and India. The wattled tale- 
gallus ( Zalegallus 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 
