152 GAME BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. 
The eggs are hardly distinguishable from those of the 
Willow Grouse, but are smaller, and the markings rather 
less inclined to run into blotches, and possibly more dis- 
tinct on that account. The female, like the Willow Ptar- 
migan, sits very closely on her nest, and it is very 
difficult to discover her, even when she 1s in an exposed 
position. During the mating season the male goes 
through similar antics to the Willow Grouse, uttering 
harsh, guttural notes in the air and descending on stif- 
fened wings. At this time the combs over the eyes 
become a brilliant orange red, and at each end is a fila- 
mentous fringe, very conspicuous. He struts also in a 
similar manner to his relative, with spread tail and trail- 
ing wings, the neck frequently outstretched and lowered, 
and uttering at the same time a curious croak. 
This species does not collect in large flocks, small 
parties usually going together as if they were only the 
members of one family, which is probably the case, and 
there is less pugnacity exhibited than is witnessed among 
the Willow Grouse. The change of plumage from win- 
ter to summer and zuce versa takes place about the same 
time as in the other species, and these birds always seem 
to have pin-feathers amid their plumage, as if the per- 
fect costume had never at any time been quite attained, 
and this, I believe, is the fact among the majority of 
individuals, for even when one part of the body is in full 
dress other portions are in a transition state, and when 
these last are perfected, the first have already begun to 
change. And if a bird succeeds in arranging himself 
entirely in a full suit, he must be able to wear it but for 
a very brief period. The habits of this species are very 
similar to the Willow Grouse. 
