F^ 







■ 



152 



GAME BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. 



The eggs are hardly distinguishable from those of the 

 Willow Grouse, but are smaller, and the markings rather 

 less inclined to run into blotches, and possibly more dis- 

 tinct on that account. The female, like the Willow Ptar- 

 migan, sits very closely on her nest, and it is very 

 difficult to discover her, even when she is in an exposed 

 position. During the mating season the male goes 

 through similar antics to the Willow Grouse, utterinji^ 

 harsh, guttural notes in the air and descending on stif- 

 fened wings. At this time the combs over the eyes 

 become a brilliant orange red, and at each end is a fila- 

 mentous fringe, very conspicuous. He struts also in a 

 similar manner f.o his relative, with spread tail and trail- 

 ing wings, the neck frequently outstretched and lowered, 

 and uttering at the same time a curious croak. 



This species does not collect in large flocks, small 

 parties usually going together as if they were only the 

 members of one family, which is probably the case, and 

 there is less pugnacity exhibited than is witnessed among 

 the Willow Grouse. The change of plumage from win- 

 ter to summer and vice versa takes place about the same 

 time as in the other species, and these birds always seem 

 to have pin-feathers amid their plumage, as if the per- 

 fect costume had never at any time been quite attained, 

 and this, I believe, is the fact among the majority of 

 individuals, for even when one part of the body is in full 

 dress other portions are in a transition state, and when 

 these last are perfected, the first have already begun to 

 change. And if a bird succeeds in arranging himself 

 entirely in a full suit, he must be able to wear it but for 

 a very brief period. The habits of this species are very 

 similar to the Willow Grouse. 



