File:The American Museum journal (c1900-(1918)) (17973200519).jpg

Title: The American Museum journal
Identifier: americanmuseumjo03amer (find matches)
Year: c1900-(1918) (c190s)
Authors: American Museum of Natural History
Subjects: Natural history
Publisher: New York : American Museum of Natural History
Contributing Library: American Museum of Natural History Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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The American Museum Journal Vol.. III. KEllKUARV, 1903 No. 2.
Text Appearing After Image:
HE Guide Leaflet sent out with this number of the Journal describes in popular language the mem- bers of the family of Sphingid^, or "Hawk- Moths," which are to be found in the vicinity of New York City. The arrangement of the species in the Leaflet corresponds with that of the specimens in the cases, and the Leaflet, therefore, forms a convenient guide to the collec- tion. More detailed descriptions of these beautiful and interest- ing moths will be found in Mr. Beutenmuller's article on the Sphingidas which was published in Volume VII of the " Bulletin" of the Museum. THE PTARMIGAN GROUP. A GROUP, or rather an assemblage of four groups in one case, of the Ptarmigan was placed on exhibition in the Bird Hall on the main floor of the Museum in January. The four small groups together illustrate one of the most interesting cases of seasonal change known among birds. The group has been provided for through the liberality of J. D. Cadwalader, Esq. In the summer the birds are brown and black, in the autumn, grayish, and in the winter, white. These changes are accom- plished by molt and feather-growth, not by change in the color of existing feathers, as has been stated by some writers, and are designed to protect the birds from their enemies by keeping them in harmony with their surroundings, and thereby render- ing tliem inconspicuous. It will be observed that the wliite winter birds (group No. i) molt in the spring (group No. 2), and pass directly into summer plumage (group No. 3). IS

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