494 



THE SHARP-TAILED GROUSE. 



It is a constant resident where it has been bred, and is not, as a rule, migratory. Audu- 

 bon, however, says, it sometimes, when gathered in considerable numbers in one locality, 

 moves away in the autumn, probably in search of food. 



A variety called the Mountain Partridge occurs among the Rocky Mountains. It is one- 

 third smaller than the Eastern bird : its plumage is grayer, and the ruffle shorter. It is known 

 there as the Pine Hen. 



Another variety is called Oregon Grouse, and found on the Pacific coast. The same pale, 

 gray plumage is seen in it. The nest, usually placed under a log, and lined with dried grasses, 

 bits of moss, and feathers, has from ten to fourteen eggs. The chickens leave the nest at once, 

 and follow the mother, who clucks and otherwise acts like the domestic hen. The mother 

 exhibits various schemes to lure an intruder away, always giving time for the clucks to hide, 

 when she flies or runs off quickly. 



& KiwM 



WII.LOW GROUSE.— Layojius alius. (Summer Plumage.) 



The Sharp-tailed Grouse (Pediocetes phasianellus) is a species resembling very closely 

 the common prairie chicken. It inhabits the British provinces, and westward to Alaska. It 

 prefers the open lowlands and thickets near lakes and rivers. At all seasons, it seems to be 

 found in small Hocks of a dozen or more. In winter it perches on trees, probably in the same 

 manner as the other species, in a partially hybernation;' state. 



It is said to have its own peculiar method of parading in the breeding season. It selects 

 a clear space, and in numbers, a small covey, run around in a circle of about twenty feet in 

 diameter. This is kept up so persistently a bare space is worn in the grass. 



If disturbed, the birds squat closely. Some run to the right and others to the left, when 

 not disturbed, meeting and crossing each other. These dances continue several weeks, or until 

 incubation commences. 



In winter, the Sharp-tail penetrates the soft snow, and is able to gather food among the 



