_Bonasa umbellus umbellus. Case 1, Fig. 3_
The female resembles the male in color but has the
black neck-tufts smaller. The tail-feathers vary
from gray to bright rusty. L. 17.
_Range._ Eastern United States south in the
Alleghanies to Georgia. In the southern states the
Grouse is often called 'Pheasant.' A Permanent
Resident.
Washington, not common P.R. Ossining, common P.R.
Cambridge, P.R., formerly very common. N. Ohio,
rare P.R. Glen Ellyn, rare and local P.R.
On our western plains and prairies there is a Grouse which we call
Prairie Hen and we might well apply the name Wood Hen to this Grouse of
our forests. To flush a Grouse in the quiet of the woods always makes
the "heart jump." His whirring wings not only produce the roar which
accompanies his flight, but they are also responsible for the "drumming"
which constitutes the Grouse's song as sitting upright on some favorite
log, he rapidly beats the air with his wings.
The horny fringes which in winter border the toes of the Grouse, or
Partridge, as he is also called, form in effect snow-shoes which help to
support the bird on soft snow. At this season they also feed in trees on
buds and catkins, and they may roost in trees or seek a bed by plunging
into a snow-bank.
The nest, lined with leaves, is placed at the base of a tree or stump;
the 8-14 buffy eggs are laid in May.
The Canada Ruffed Grouse (_B. u. togata_), of northern New England and
northwards is grayer above and more distinctly barred below.