I liavc at various times obtaiiieil liybviils between this species and Cupidonia Cupido, nnd also bet*vccn it and the more northern Sharp-tail,
Podiaeoactes Plin.siancUna, Some of the offepvhig of this spccios and tho Prairie Chicken arc very Imiidsoine birds, having a good deal of tlic
pure white nndcv parts of the Sharp-tail, but the upper part of the breast and the flanks arc crossed with bars scolloped oa the lower edge,
instead of tho single heart-shaped spots, making a very peculiar and striking effect. Of course these hybrids vary a good deal in their markings,
accordingly as the Prairie Chicken ov the present species prodomiiintcs, for some incline to one species move than to tho other. This species is
disti ibiitcd from the Mis.sissi|>pi, throughout the northern and western prairies, to Oregon and AVnshington Territories.
Head und throat hi'oivnisli-ycilow, the front, crown, occiput nnd checks irregularly marked with black or very dark brown ; superciliary stripe
wliitisli; back ferruginous brown, variously spotted witli black or brow iiisli yellow; wings brownish gray, with large spots of white on all the
coverts; transverse bars on the secondaries, anil the outer webs of tho primaries, which are dark brown, spotted with the same; the tail feathers
have the inner web white, outer, brownish gray, dotted with darkev brown, tlic central feathei-s are elongated and of the same color as tho b a ck ;
under parts pure white, the fcnthci-s on the breast and flanks having a brown U-shaped mark. Bill black ; feet brown. There is no difference
iu color of plumage botweca the sexes. The yonng have the upper parts a light brownish yellow, crossed irregularly with lines of blackish
brown; wings pinkish white, barred with black. Entire imdor parts yellow, darker on the sides and upper part of breast. Thighs and tarei
same color ns belly. Bill light yellow, with a central brown lino on upper mandible.