. Birds of America;. Birds -- North America. 12 BIRDS OF AMERICA GROUSE Order GallincE; suborder Phasiani; family Tetraonidcs. HE Grouse include the larger forms of the rough-footed, fowl-like game birds. They are characterized by completely feathered legs (except in the case of the Ruffed Grouse and its subspecies, the Canada Ruffed Grouse), and by the fact that the nostrils and nasal grooves are concealed by feathers. The toes are naked, except in the Ptarmigans, and are equipped along the edges with comb-like growths, which are shed from time to time. The tail, which may be rounded, forked,
. Birds of America;. Birds -- North America. 12 BIRDS OF AMERICA GROUSE Order GallincE; suborder Phasiani; family Tetraonidcs. HE Grouse include the larger forms of the rough-footed, fowl-like game birds. They are characterized by completely feathered legs (except in the case of the Ruffed Grouse and its subspecies, the Canada Ruffed Grouse), and by the fact that the nostrils and nasal grooves are concealed by feathers. The toes are naked, except in the Ptarmigans, and are equipped along the edges with comb-like growths, which are shed from time to time. The tail, which may be rounded, forked, or pointed, has from sixteen to twenty-two feathers. The region about the eye generally is more or less bare and some species have a naked spot on the side of the neck. The commonest colors in the Grouse's plumage (which is dense and soft) are various shades of brown, red, and gray, with dark greens and purples appearing in some species; but conspicuous colors and striking patterns do not occur. The male birds usually show more pronounced colors than the females, and there are some seasonal variations, especially in the Ptarmigans. Many species of Grouse prefer open plains and some even inhabit deserts. Generally, however. Grouse prefer the woods and spend most of their lives on the ground, where they get the greater part of their food and always build their nests; but some of the species when flushed will usually alight in trees nearby. Their nests are roughly fashioned of twigs and leaves. The eggs number from about six to twice as many, or more, of a brownish cast, more or less spotted or blotched, especially in the case of the Ptarmigans. Grouse subsist upon seeds, buds, berries, snails, worms, insects and various other animal and vegetable forms. They are polygamous, excepting the Ptarmigans, and the courtship performances of the cocks include various kinds of strutting and dancing, and also the peculiar drumming demonstrations, especially of the Ruffed Grouse. Also the c
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1920, bookidbirdsofameri, bookyear1923
