130 BULLETIN 162, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 



and its snow tracks are rarely observed, which contrasts markedly with the 

 network of telling ptarmigan trails that everywhere enliven the barren snow 

 wastes. In the heart of the dense spruces, such as it frequents, the beautiful 

 dark plumage pattern gives it almost complete coloration protection, and if 

 it did not reveal itself by movement, this bird would seldom be observed. 



Nesting. — According to A. H. Twitchell the Alaskan spruce grouse nests 

 regularly in the vicinity of the Beaver Mountains at the head of the Distna 

 River, and here he has noted nests containing from five to eight eggs. One 

 nest found by him on June 10, 1924, was placed out in the open in winter-dried 

 grass near a small, dead spruce, which afforded but scant concealment. This 

 bird chose a site about 100 yards from the reindeer corral in a scattered growth 

 of small spruce, and in an area where there was often considerable activity. 

 The male bird was frequently seen flying about, but the female was very wary. 

 The nest was sunken 5 inches in the moss and made of circular-formed dry 

 grass and a few dead spruce twigs, and contained a number of feathers of the 

 sitting bird. The nest was found on June 1, when it contained one egg, and on 

 June 10 the clutch numbered eight eggs, all of which proved to be fresh. During 

 the egg-laying period, when the bird was off the nest the eggs were hidden 

 beneath a covering of surrounding dead vegetation, artfully arranged before 

 the bird departed. 



Eggs. — In shape, the egg of the Alaskan spruce grouse is elongate-ovate, and 

 the surface reflects a noticeable luster. The shell is somewhat greasy and quite 

 sturdy. The ground color is prominent, as the spots occupy less than one-third 

 of the surface, and the egg, on account of the bold richness of its markings, is 

 quite handsome. The ground color varies from " salmon color " to " chamois " 

 and " cream buff." The spots are flecked over the entire surface, but are sparsest 

 on the larger end. In size these markings range from dots to those the size of a 

 pea. There are only a few of the larger spots on each egg and these are well 

 scattered over the surface, seldom exhibiting confluence. In contour the spots 

 tend to be circular, with their rims well defined. When the pigment is thin the 

 color is " chestnut " to " chestnut-brown," but the usual shade is " haematite 

 red." When the egg is newly laid it is evident that both the ground color and 

 markings are soft and moist, like those on the egg of the willow ptarmigan, as 

 each egg somewhere on the surface is streaked with feather scratches, which 

 often show distinctly the individual feather barbs. Occasionally a considerable 

 area is so rubbed, exposing the ground color. When the egg dries, however, the 

 markings are very durable. 



Food. — Dr. Frank M. Chapman (1902) quotes from J. D. Figgins's 

 notes, as follows : 



In all the timber region I visited, the Canada Grouse was found common and 

 breeding. Their chief food during early summer is the leaves of various decidu- 

 ous bushes and spruce needles. About the 1st of August they repair to the 

 edge of the barren grounds for berries which are then ripening. These are 

 their food until September, when they return to the timber where raspberries 

 and currants are abundant. During winter and spring their food consists en- 

 tirely of spruce needles. Both adults and young appreciate their protective 

 coloration, and when approached remain perfectly motionless until the danger 

 is past. During the winter their color is to their disadvantage, and they become 

 very shy and will not allow a close approach. 



