RUFFED GROUS. 



51 



also crossed by a broad band of black within half an inch of the 

 tip, which is bluish white thickly sprinkled and specked with 

 black; body below white, marked with large blotches of pale 

 brown ; the legs are covered half way to the feet with hairy down 

 of a brownish white color ; legs and feet pale ash ; toes pectinated 

 along the sides, the two exterior ones joined at the base as far as 

 the first joint by a membrane; vent yellowish rust color. 



The female and young birds differ in having the rulF or tufts 

 of feathers on the neck of a dark brown color, as well as the bar 

 of black on the tail inclining much to the same tint. 



