4 FEATHERED GAME 
the lesser number,—rather pointed at the 
smaller end, of a dull, creamy-buff color, and 
splashed and freckled with brown or chestnut 
spots. As a rule the nesting season in Maine 
is about the first of April, but grows later as 
we go farther north. 
As has been before stated, the appearance 
of this bird is like the quail rather than the 
grouse, and in its gait and movements it is most 
graceful and attractive. The prevailing color 
is a dusky bluish gray, with minute barrings 
and mottlings of black. The breast is black 
with lines of white feathers across it low down, 
and other white feathers in greater numbers ap- 
pearing on the flanks and under the tail. On 
the throat a black patch bordered by a white 
band extending downward from each eye and 
meeting under the throat. Amn area of naked 
skin, bright vermilion, above each eye. Tail 
black, each feather terminated by a spot of 
deep orange yellow. Feet feathered to the 
toes. Length sixteen to seventeen inches; thus 
the male. . 
The female is more like the ruffed grouse in 
appearance, the general tone of coloring being 
a rufous brown with crossbars and mottlings of 
