112 MR. T. E. BUCKLEY ON THE [Jan. 17, 
2. On the Variability of Plumage exhibited by the Red 
Grouse (Lagopus scoticus). By T. E. Bucxuey, B.A., 
F.Z.8. 
[Received December 27, 1881.] 
At the commencement of this paper I wish to remark that I do 
not propose to speak of what are commonly termed varieties, such 
as albinos, melanisms, &c., but of such variations in plumage as I 
think may be met with by any one in a season’s grouse-shooting, 
only specifying that they should be obtained late enough in the 
season for the birds to have attained the highest perfection of 
plumage, which would be by November. 
Although many authors have remarked on the variations of the 
plumage of the Red Grouse, it seems to have been generally supposed 
by them that these variations had reference to the locality or district 
inhabited by the birds. Thus Yarrell writes (Br. B. ed. 3, ii. p. 368):— 
“‘The Red Grouse of N. Wales are said to be large in size and 
light in colour ; those of the Western Highlands are also light in 
colour, and are said to be earlier breeders than those of the eastern 
parts of Scotland, which are, however, of large size and dark in 
colour.” Mr. Gray writes (B. West of Scotland, p. 234), in reference 
to examples from the Hebrides, that “‘ they may be said to be smaller 
and lighter in colour than those from moors on the mainland, 
especially the mountain-ranges of the north-east of Scotland, which 
invariably yield, in good seasons, the largest and most beautifully 
marked Grouse. In many districts the native Grouse partake of the 
coloration of the ground in their markings: thus the finest and 
darkest birds are those frequenting rich heathy tracts; while on 
broken ground of a rocky character, such as may be seen in the south 
of Wigtonshire, the Grouse are either more or less mottled, or are 
altogether lighter in colour, and less in weight.” The same gentleman 
adds in a note, on the information of Mr. Elwes, ‘that in the district 
of Gareloch, west of Ross-shire, Grouse vary very much in the breast- 
markings.” Mr, Colquhoun, on the same subject writes (‘ The Moor 
and the Loch,’ 3ed.p.1 12):—‘ThePerthshire Grouse are much smaller 
and darker in colour than those of Argyllshire. The West High- 
lander is a beautiful rich red and very large. . . . In the low corn- 
districts, such as Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, and the Border counties, 
the Grouse are a light brown, borrowing a tint from the stubbles on 
which they delight to feed. ... All these birds are so light in 
the colour as more nearly to resemble Partridges.” Mr. Dresser 
(B. of Europe, vii. p. 166), after describing some specimens, makes 
this observation:—‘ The Grouse differ somewhat in colour according 
to locality. Judging from the series I have before me, I consider that 
those from Scotland are somewhat the larger, and considerably darker 
in colour. Those from the north of England are more rufous ; and 
the Irish bird is considerably the lightest, and has a yellowish red 
tinge in the plumage; the feathers on the legs are also darker and 
