108 
though not especially large, includes some species not ordinarily eaten 
by other birds and for that reason is specially important. It is one of the 
few birds that will eat the potato beetle. 
FAMILY—TETRAONIDA. GROUSE. 
The Grouse have their nostrils hidden in feathers that occupy an 
ntrusive space in the base of the bill at the sides (Figure 29, p. 23). The 
tarsus is either completely or partly feathered, in the Ptarmigan the 
feathering includes the toes. The toes when unfeathered, are bordered 
on each side by a small fringe composed of individual horny scales or 
pectinations (Figure 28, p. 22), which are shed in midsummer. ‘The 
Grouse comprise the bulk of our upland game birds and are great 
favourites of sportsmen. The sexes are alike or nearly so, and except m 
the Ptarmigans show slight seasonal variation in plumage and do not 
usually migrate. The Ptarmigan,which directly reverse each of these 
statements, are so well characterized otherwise that no confusion is prob- 
able. All species nest on the ground, making little preparation for the 
eggs. They lay unusually large sets of eggs, six to eighteen, and the 
young, chicken-like, follow the parent as soon as out of the shell. 
298. Spruce Grouse. CANADA GROUSE, SPRUCE PARTRIDGE, FOOL HEN. FR.—LE TETRAS 
DU CANADA. Canachites canadensis. L,15. Plate X A. 
Distinctions. Easily distinguished by colour, ete., from the Ruffed Grouse which 
is about the only species in eastern Canada that can possibly be mistaken for it. In the 
extreme west there are forms that closely resemble it. 
Field Marks. General bluish colour of the male. Absence of ruff or specialized neck 
feathers and the presence of the striking red comb over the eye, present in both sexes but 
more conspicuous in the male. 
Distribution. Through the northern coniferous wooded regions of Canada, resident 
wherever found. 
SUBSPECIES. The Spruce Partridge is divided into several geographical races, two 
of which, the Hudsonian Spruce Partridge Canachites canadensis canadensis, the type form, 
and the Canada Spruce Grouse C.. c. canace, occur in eastern Canada. The former occupies 
the Labrador peninsula and the more northern ranges and the latter New Brunswick, 
eOuEEe Ontario, etc. They are too similar, however, to be differentiated in a popular 
work. 
A northern bird of the spruce woods. Its super-confiding nature has 
given it the popular name of ‘‘Fool-hen”’ as, where not much disturbed, 
it can often be killed with a stick or with stones. Owing to its feeding 
largely upon spruce or evergreen buds its flesh is too strong for the ordinary 
civilized palate. 
Economic Status. Being of northern distribution and living in the 
evergreen forests, it has no economic influence. 
300. Ruffed Grouse. PARTRIDGE. BIRCH PARTRIDGE. FR.—LA GELINOTTE A FRAISE. 
Bonasa umbellus. L,17. Plate X B (Feet and bill, Figures 27, 28, p. 22). cr 
Distinctions. The Ruffed Grouse, with its prominent soft, black ruff at the sides of 
the neck, large fan-shaped tail, and eye-like spots on the rump and lower back cannot 
well be mistaken for any other species. 
Field Marks. Large size and fan-shaped tail. 
Distribution. The Ruffed Grouse is distributed throughout the wooded areas of Canada 
north to the tree limits. 
SUBSPECIES. Several geographic races of the Ruffed Grouse are recognized. 
The type form is of southern distribution and is replaced in eastern Canada by the Canada 
Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus togata, characterized by a greyer or less red coloration. 
