[Illustration: Heathcocks Fighting.]
There is a great variety of Grouse and Prairie Chickens belonging to
this family of Birds. The Pinnated Grouse is a native of the prairies of
North America. Its feathers are light brown, occasionally spotted with
white. Its call is deep and sonorous, and can be heard for miles in
still weather. The Pinnated Grouse is frequently called the Prairie
Chicken. They lay from twelve to fourteen eggs and are the most devoted
parents.
The Black Grouse is about the size of a Pheasant, and is distinguished
by the tail, which is divided into two parts composed of four feathers
on each side curling outwards.
The Ruffled Grouse is an American Bird, but differs from the others in
size and habits. The hill-sides, densely covered with evergreens or
birch are its favorite resorts, and on the wing, it is remarkable for
its swiftness.
The Hazel Grouse is suspicious and timid, and hides among the thick
foliage of the green trees at the least appearance of danger. This bird
flies awkwardly, but runs very swiftly. It is about the size of a
Partridge, and its plumage is of a reddish brown color, mixed with
white.
The Heathcock is very similar to the Grouse. The heath plains with their
juniper bushes and birches are his favorite abode. His food consists of
all kinds of seeds and berries, especially the bilberry, juniper berry,
wheat, oats and buckwheat, besides Insects, Snails and Worms, and he is
particularly fond of Ants. The Heathcocks are great fighters. They fight
in the fashion of the domestic Cocks, but with much greater fury and
bitterness. With heads down, fan-shaped tails erected, and wings
hanging, the two opponents circle around each other. Suddenly they rush
together, spring at each other, and mutually endeavor to inflict wounds
with beak and claws, so that the feathers fly far and wide. Wearied,
they pause only to take up the battle again with equal bitterness after
a short rest, until finally one of the combatants is put to flight. Then
the victor flies to a neighboring tree and announces his victory in
clear, joyous tones to all the Hens that can be found in the
neighborhood. But very often this song of triumph is also his death
song. Already the hunter has long observed him from his place of
concealment, and awaited a favorable opportunity. Now he sends at him
the deadly lead, and in the midst of his triumph song the Cock falls
dead to the ground.
The Hens build a simple nest out of dry twigs, grass and feathers in
some hollow in the high grass, in the midst of the heath or under
bushes. The setting consists of from six to twelve yellow eggs with
brown spots of the same size as those of the domestic Hen’s eggs. After
three weeks the young are hatched out and are taken by the careful
mother under her wings, and anxiously guarded and followed. The flesh of
the Heathcock is more tender and finely flavored than that of the
Wood-grouse.