90 BIRDS OF THE WORLD 



place and the bird becomes a mixture of brown and 

 white, this gradually giving place to the winter coat 

 of snow-white. Thus the Ptarmigan is at all seasons 

 practically invisible in its environment. This and 

 other species are remarkable for their extreme tame- 

 ness, allowing themselves to be closely approached and 

 actually touched without taking flight. Whether this 

 character is due to lack of fear or stupidity it is diffi- 

 cult to say, but it is one that is certainly not shared by 

 its near relative, the Ruffed Grouse. See Plate 24, 

 Fig. 143. 



The Willow Ptarmigan is also found in the north- 

 ern parts of both continents. 



Largest of the Game-birds of Europe is the Caper- 

 cailzie, or Cock of the Woods, also belonging to the 

 Grouse family. At one time common in Great 

 Britain, it became extinct, but of late years has been 

 reintroduced into Scotland, where it is found in con- 

 siderable numbers. It is nc^ an inhabitant of Amer- 

 ica. This is a woodland bird, living in trees, and in 

 this respect unlike most other Game-birds, which seem 

 to prefer the ground. The males go through with 

 many curious performances during the breeding sea- 

 son, when they are so engrossed as to be unconscious 

 of the approach of enemies, and are often shot down. 

 The female is smaller than her mate, and quite dull in 

 colour. See Plate 24, Figs. 138, 139. 



The Black Grouse is a particularly handsome bird, 

 remarkable for the curious shape of its tail, which is 

 divided in the middle, the feathers curving to right 

 and left, like hooks. There is a brilliant red skin 



