LEONHARD rfTEJNEGER. 



A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE LAGOPODES BELONGING 

 TO THE GROUP ATTAGEN RAUP. 



By Leonhard Stejneger. 

 (Plate V.) 



When examining the. Ptarmigans from the different islands of the 

 Aleutian Chain a short time ago I was compelled to go over an extensive 

 series of these birds in order to decide upon their rautual relationship. 



This group of birds is more difficult than perhapsany other on ac- 

 count of the peculiarity of the almost continuous moulting, by which the 

 different plumages usually are blended and mixedtosuch a degree, that 

 specimens in this füll plumage of a certain season — except the winter- 

 plumage — are rather searce even in very extensive collections. It is also of 

 the greatest importance, that the specimens should be accurately labelled 

 as to locality and date, as birds from the different habitats will have to 

 be compared while in absolutely corresponding plumages. Only the most 

 serious mistakes will result — and have indeed resulted — by making 

 conclnsions from a specimen in spring-plumage of one form as compared 

 with one in autumnal dress of another form. 



I present the following notes particularly for the reason that I have 

 had a comparatively rieh material at hand, especially of American birds. 

 It is, however, by far less complete than could be desired, and I would 

 be very obliged for specimens of adult males in summer-plumage from 

 any locality. 



It is but expected that some over-zealous ornithologist will sneer at 

 the author for belonging to «C. L. Brehm's family» or for »Splitting 

 hairs».If soundand correct the views, expressed in the following revision, 

 will survive the sneers ; in the mean time I will be very glad by having 

 them thoroughly tested. 



