OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 311 



sides of the neck are provided either with modified feath- 

 ers, or with a naked distensible skin, or with both. 



Bonasa umbellus, Stephens. 



The Ruffed Grouse or Pheasant as this species is popu- 

 larly called in the Middle States, is abundant throughout the 

 timbered regions of Eastern North America. It ranges from 

 the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains, and from Geor- 

 gia to Nova Scotia. Richardson found it as high as the 56th 

 parallel of latitude. On the banks of the Saskatchewan, 

 it was rather plentiful, and was found in flocks varying from 

 ten to twelve birds, which were readily approached. Through- 

 out the Southern States they abound, but in some states 

 more than in others. They are not known to occur in 

 Louisiana. Dr. Newberry did not find any specimens in 

 California ; but in the wooded parts of the Cascade Range, 

 and also in the valley of the Willamette River in Oregon, 

 it was a common denizen. 



In Eastern Pennsylvania, along the Blue Mountains in 

 Northampton County, as well as in the adjoining counties, 

 these birds are quite common. But nowhere more so, than 

 in the counties of Northumberland and Union. In the 

 winter, whilst perched upon tall trees to the number of a 

 dozen or more, they are easily approached. Several birds 

 may be picked from their perch by a careful and expert 

 gunner, without exciting the suspicion of the rest. But 

 when they become alarmed, they take to instant flight, pro- 

 ducing a loud whirring sound, and do not pause until they 

 have gone to a great distance. The habits of this species 

 differ most markedly, in many particulars, from those of 

 Cupidonia cupido. The latter seems to prefer open plains, 

 while the former affects densely wooded sections. Their 

 disposition is more solitary, being only occasionally observed 

 in groups, but generally singly, or in pairs. The craggy 

 mountain side, and the borders of rivers and streams, are 

 favorite quarters ; but low lands, especially where there is a 



