RUFFED GROUSE, OR PARTRIDGE 



Tufts on neck long and black; head, back, wings and tail 

 reddish-brown, buff and gray with black band near end of tail ; 

 throat and breast buff; remaining under parts mixed black, 

 white and buff. Female similar but with smaller neck tufts. 

 Length, seventeen inches. Nest, on the ground in the woods, 

 made of leaves and moss. Eggs, ten to eighteen, cream color, 

 1.50 X 1.10 inches. 



These fine game birds are found in the woods through- 

 out the United States and Canada. They are permanent resi- 

 dents and before game laws were enforced they were hunted 

 during every month of the year. Now, however, they may be 

 shot in the fall for a few weeks only. This plan protects the 

 species and prevents their complete destruction. 



The Grouse spend much time upon the ground searching 

 for food. When frightened they rise with a loud whirring 

 sound of the wings and fly away many rods. If they are 

 started by a hunter's dog, they perch in trees overhead and fall 

 an easy prey to the gun. Many are killed and sold in the city 

 markets during the open season. 



Their food in winter consists of acorrls, seeds and the buds 

 of trees ; but in summer they live principally upon wild berries. 

 Being fond of grapes, they sometimes wander to the fields in 

 search of them; but a dense forest, especially one containing 

 small evergreens, is their preferred home. 



The drumming of the male is a striking trait of this bird. 

 Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, he will perch on 

 an old log or rock in the woods and beat a resounding tattoo 

 with his wings. This is done by striking his sides with his 



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