OF THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 31 



Family TETRAONID^.— The Grouse. 



The birds in the present family are characterised by having the hallux raised 

 above the level of the front toes; the nostrils entirely and the feet partially or 

 wholly concealed by feathers; the toes are either plumed or naked and pectinate; 

 spurs absent. 



Genus LAG0PU5, or Moor Grouse. 



Type, LAGOPUS ALBUS. 



Lag^OpUS, of Brisson (1760). — The birds comprising the present genus are 

 characterized by their densely feathered metatarsi and toes. The wings are 

 remarkably rounded and short ; the tail is composed of sixteen feathers, generally 

 nearly even. The bill is very short; nostrils basal, shielded by an arched 

 membrane, and concealed by feathers. Space above the eye naked. Three toes in 

 front, one behind very short, and only just reaching the ground. 



This genus is composed of about half-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 Moor Grouse are dwellers on moors, tundras, and mountains. They are 

 birds of rapid flight, which, however, is seldom long sustained, and on the' ground 

 they progress by running and walking. Their notes are loud and unmusical. 

 They subsist chiefly on fruits, berries, seeds, grains, shoots of herbage, and 

 insects. Their nests are rudely made, placed on the ground, and their eggs are 

 numerous and single-spotted. These birds pair annually. Their flesh is highly 

 esteemed for the table. 



