Genus TETRAO or WOOD GBOUSE. 



Type TETRAO UROGALLUS. 



Tetrao of Linnaeus (1766). — The birds comprising the 

 present genus are characterised by their feathered tarsi and bare 

 toes. The wings are rounded and short ; the tail is composed of 

 eighteen feathers, and varies considerably in shape. The bill is 

 short and stout, and arched from the base to the tip ; nostrils 

 basal, shielded by an arched membrane, and almost concealed 

 by feathers. Space above the eye naked. Three toes in front, 

 one behind, the latter short ; edges pectinated ; spurs absent. 



This genus is composed of about a dozen species which are 

 confined to the Northern Hemisphere, being inhabitants of the 

 Palsearctic and Nearctic regions. Two species are resident in 

 the British Islands. 



The Wood Grouse are dwellers in forests and on the broken 

 ground near them. They are birds of rapid if somewhat laboured 

 flight, and on the ground they progress by running and walking. 

 Their notes are loud and, in the males, considerably varied. 

 They subsist chiefly on the buds and leaves of conifers, also on 

 fruit, berries, grain, seeds, and insects. Their nests are rudely 

 made, placed on the ground, and their eggs are numerous and 

 single-spotted. These birds are polygamous, and the female 

 takes sole charge of the eggs and young. Their flesh is highly 

 esteemed for the table. 



