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Range (Island of Martha's Vineyard)

Island of Martha's Vineyard, Mass.

Nest, "in oak woods, among sprouts at the base of a large stump" (Brewster). Eggs, six to thirteen, creamy buff in color, with a slight greenish in color, with a slight greenish tinge," 1.73 x 1.29.

In the early part of this century the Heath Hen was found locally throughout the Middle States, where, unlike its western representative, its western representative, the Prairie Hen, it lived in wooded districts. It is now restricted to districts. It is now restricted to the island of Martha's Vineyard, an excellent illustration of the proillustration of the protection afforded by an insular habitat. Mr. William Brewster, writing in 1890 (Forest and Stream, p. 188; see also p. 207), estimated that there were from one hundred and from one hundred and twenty to two hundred Heath Hens then on the island, but he has then on the island, but he has recently informed me that since then, owing to insufficient protection, owing to insufficient protection, they have been nearly exterminated. 308b. Pediocætes phasianellus campestris Ridgw. PRAIRIE