Nezo Species qf^ Grouse from North America. 375 



described, with which they associate, and which they resemble 

 much in their habits. The number of their eggs varies from 

 12 to 15, in size not much exceeding those of a pigeon, and in 

 colour of a light ash, — The fourth species has been named, in 

 honour of Mr Sabine, Tetrao Sahini. The plumage is rich 

 ^nd varied, and presents those singular appendages or shoulder- 

 knots, so conspicuous in the wood-partridge of the United States 

 and Canada (Tetrao Umbellus.) The colours in the plumage 

 of the female are greyer, and less richly toned — in other respects, 

 the sexes do not much differ. The weight of an individual bird 

 is two pounds. Their voice is a continuation of measured 

 sounds, not unlike the ticking of a large clock. Their flight is 

 rapid, and consists of a quick clapping of the wings, and then of 

 a sudden shooting forwards, without any perceptible motion of 

 the individual parts. They feed on the buds of Pinus, Fraga- 

 ria, Riiius, Corylus, Ahius, and the berries of Vaccinium- 

 They pair in March, and build upon the ground, in coppices of 

 Coryhis, Amelanchier, and Pterls, and on the outskirts of pine 

 forests. Their nests are composed of the slender fronds of 

 Pteris, dry leaves, and gi-ass. Their eggs are of a dingy white, 

 with red spots, and vary in number from 9 to 11. They are 

 remarkable for attachment to their young. The Tetrao Sabini 

 is a rare bird. During spring, it is found in small flocks, 

 rarely exceeding eight or twelve; at other seasons, it seldom 

 happens that more than three or four are seen together. 

 Like the Tetrao Umbellus, which it resembles in the prevail- 

 ing character of its plumage, it is in the habit of perching upon 

 the stumps of decayed trees, in the darkest parts of the forests, 

 and there performing the singular operation called drumming ; 

 which is effected by giving two or three loud distinct claps with 

 its wings, followed by many others, which become quicker and 

 quicker, until the noise appears to die away in the distance, like 

 the sound of a muffled drum. This beautiful species was dis- 

 covered by Mr Douglas, in the woody parts of the N. W. coast 

 of America, between the parallels of Lat. 40 deg. and 49 deg. 



The fifth and last species exhibited, is called, in honour of tlic 

 distinguished connuander of the over-land Arctic Expedition, 

 Tetrao Frankiiui'u Mr Wilson has as yet seen only the male. 



