_Tympanuchus americanus_
The Prairie Hen has a rounded or nearly square
tail and a barred breast; in the Sharp-tailed
Grouse the tail is pointed, the breast with
V-shaped markings. L. 18.
_Range._ Central Plains region from Texas to
Manitoba, east to Indiana. Migratory at its
northern limits.
Glen Ellyn, P.R. local, S.E. Minn., P.R. much
decreased in numbers.
The Ruffed Grouse sounds his rolling, muffled drum-call in the seclusion
of the forest, but the Prairie Hen beats his loud _boom-ah-boom_ in the
open freedom of the plains. Hardy and strong of wing, he can cope with
winter storms and natural enemies, but against the combined assault of
man, dog, and gun, he cannot successfully contend.
About a dozen buff-olive eggs are laid on the ground in April or early
May.