314 BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 



the bill of fare, and if there are any corn-fields 

 within its reach it will repair to them to feed upon 

 the grain. In the winter, Yarrell says he has found 

 their crops distended with the tips of the most recent 

 shoots of pines and firs. They do not appear to 

 pair, but the males or Black Cocks in the breeding- 

 season resort to some elevated and open spots, where 

 they may be heard morning and evening repeating 

 their call-note to the females, or " Grey Hens," as 

 they are called. 



The Grey Hen places her eggs on the ground 

 without much nest, but under cover of some tall 

 and thick heather or fern, and to her is left the 

 sole care of the eggs and young birds after they are 

 hatched. 



The Black Grouse has been known to cross 

 with the Pheasant, Capercaillie, Bed Grouse and 

 Ptarmigan. 



An old Black Cock in full plumage is a fine 

 handsome fellow, the general colour of the plumage 

 being a beautiful glossy blue -black, with a few 

 conspicuous white spots; the beak is black; the 

 irides dark brown; there is a spot of rough skin 

 over the eyes of a bright scarlet colour; the head, 

 neck, breast, back, rump and tail-coverts are a 

 beautiful glossy blue black; the wing- coverts are 

 brownish black, but not quite so glossy ; there are a 

 few white feathers on the shoulder making a con- 

 spicuous white spot ; the primary quills are brownish, 



