GROUSE, PTARMIGAN 



(298) Canachites canadensis 

 canadensis 



{Linn.) (Gr,, a noise maker). 



HUDSONIAN SPRUCE PAR- 

 TRIDGE. Similar to the next and 

 better known variety; female said 

 to be less rusty. Found in Labrador 

 and west to the Rocky Mountains. 



(298c) C. c. canace (Linn.) 

 CANADA SPRUCE P.AR- 

 TRIDGE; CEDAR PARTRIDGE; 

 CANADA GROUSE. Tarsi feath- 

 ered to the toes. A bare strip of 

 red skin over the eyes. Plumage 

 as figured, the male being the upper 

 bird. L., 16.00; W., 7.00; T., 5.50. 

 Eggs — Nine to si.xteen, buff, boldly 

 dotted and blotched with chestnut. 

 Range — N. B., Ont. and Man. 

 south to northern New England, 

 N. Y., Mich., Wis. and Minn. 



They are perhaps more often known in the western region 

 that they inhabit as Blue Grouse. They are of a peculiar 

 color that harmonizes almost perfectly with the bark of the 

 gigantic trees, the shadows of the immense ferns and the 

 rocky ground; consequently they are very difficult to detect 

 either while on the ground or in trees. When any one 

 approaches, they usually hop up among the branches and 

 remain motionless, hoping the intruder will pass without 

 noticing them; usually they are not seen, but when they are, 

 (young birds especially) they may still remain and allow 

 themselves to be stricken down with sticks. Because of this 

 foolish habit, they are locally termed "Fool Grouse." 

 Older birds, however, when discovered disappear with a rush 

 and speed that are bewildering. 



During si)ring love-making, the males strut about like 

 little turkey cocks, then hopi^ing to low branches, stumps or 

 logs, they fill air sacs on the sides of the neck and produce a 

 low booming of a penetrating character such as to greatly 

 deceive any one as to the distance of the performer. 



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