208 LEWIS'S AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



FLIGHT. 



If surprised, the pinnated grouse rises with a moderate whirring 

 sound ; but, if they discover the sportsman at a distance, they run 

 off with the utmost speed, then squat and remain perfectly silent 

 till passed by or put up by the dog. Their flight is strong, regu- 

 lar, and tolerably swift, and at times, according to Audubon, pro- 

 tracted to several miles without intermission. They fly less rapidly 

 than the ruffed grouse, and often repeat two or three duckings 

 when about to spring or when on the wing ; they also frequently 

 take to the branches of the highest forest-trees, and, if then shot, 

 they fall and turn round and round with great violence, not unlike 

 a common chicken, till dead. If slightly wounded only, they run 

 with great swiftness, and hide themselves in some secluded spot, 

 where they remain motionless. 



FEEDING AND ROOSTING. 



Prairie-chickens resort to their feeding-ground at a very early 

 hour of the day, and retire towards noon to preen and dust them- 

 selves in the ploughed fields or along the roads, and do not come 

 out again till late in the afternoon. 



They do not, as a general thing, roost on trees, but, like the 

 partridge, they select a little eminence of ground in the open field, 

 and squat about within a few feet of each other; at all events, 

 such is their usage during a greater portion of the year. 



When the several broods have united and formed packs, they 

 are said to resort to the trees and fences to roost, which habit they 

 continue till the following season of pairing. 



