THE BUFFED GROUSE. 



81 



Although it should be universally known as the 

 ruffed grouse, it is called, in different localities, part- 

 ridge, pheasant, drumming-grouse, tippet-grouse, birch- 

 partridge, white-flesher, etc. 



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RUFFED GROUSE. 



Specimens from each of the three varieties, umbellus, 

 umbelloides, and sabini, are occasionally found with part 

 of the plumage shading into one or both of the other 

 varieties. As a rule, however, we find the lighter-plum- 

 aged birds at high altitudes, and in cold countries, 

 though exceptions are numerous. The winter coat is also 

 slightly lighter in color than that of summer, and it has 



