4 FEATHERED GAME 



the lesser number, — rather pointed at the 

 smaller end, of a dull, creamy-buff color, and 

 splashed and freckled with brown or chestnut 

 spots. As a rule the nesting season in Maine 

 is about the first of April, but grows later as 

 we go farther north. 



As has been before stated, the appearance 

 of this bird is like the quail rather than the 

 grouse, and in its gait and movements it is most 

 graceful and attractive. The prevailing color 

 is a dusky bluish gray, with minute barrings 

 and mottlings of black. The breast is black 

 with lines of white feathers across it low down, 

 and other white feathers in greater numbers ap- 

 pearing on the flanks and under the tail. On 

 the throat a black patch bordered by a white 

 band extending downward from each eye and 

 meeting under the throat. An area of naked 

 skin, bright vermilion, above each eye. Tail 

 black, each feather terminated by a spot of 

 deep orange yellow. Feet feathered to the 

 toes. Length sixteen to seventeen inches ; thus 

 the male. 



The female is more like the ruffed grouse in 

 appearance, the general tone of coloring being 

 a rufous brown with crossbars and mottlings of 



