OF THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 39 



Genus TETRAO, or Wood Grouse. 



Type, TBTEAO UBOGALLUS. 



Tetrao, of Linnaeus (1766). — The birds comprising the present genus are 

 characterised by their feathered metatarsi 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. 



This genus is composed of about half-a-dozen species, which are confined to 

 the Northern Hemisphere, being inhabitants of the Palaearctic region. 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. 



*Mr. Grant separates the Black Grouse under the generic title of Lyrurus, the chief character 

 being the curved outermost tail feathers, but as this distinction applies only to male birds we fail 

 to recognise its generic importance. ^ 



