BLACK GROUSE. 
275 
tent, some examples having much black in the plumage and a 
very well developed forked black tail, each feather being 
prettily edged with white. One peculiarity of these birds is 
the colour of the throat, which in the most fully plumaged 
examples is pure white. 
The only time when the throat of the male is white, or 
partially so, is during the short period when the temporary 
hen-like plumage covers the head and neck. At that season 
the throat becomes white or thickly spotted rvith white. No 
doubt this is the source whence the pure white throat of the 
barren female is derived. 
Range in Great Britain. — Principally found in Scotland and 
the North of England at the present day, but formerly distri- 
buted over England in localities suited to its habits. It is still 
to be found in many parts of England and Wales, and is an 
inhabitant of the wilder districts of the south-western counties. 
Range outside the British Islands. — Europe and Northern 
and Central Asia, eastwards to the River Kolima, North- 
eastern Siberia, southwards to the Eastern Pyrenees, North 
Italy, Northern Caucasus, Tian Shan, and Peking, and north- 
wards to about 69° N. lat. {Ogilvte Grant). 
Habits. — Mr. Ogilvie Grant writes : — “ Pine and birch-forests 
are the true home of this bird, and though, when feeding, it may 
often be met with on the open moors or in the stubble-fields at 
a considerable distance from any covert, it is truly a denizen of 
the woods, and passes the greater part of its existence on the 
branches, tvhere, unlike the Red Grouse, it is perfectly at 
home. Black Grouse, like other Game-Birds, are extremely 
partial to grain, and in some parts of Scotland, where they are 
still numerous, frequent the stubble fields in enormous flocks, 
generally in the early morning and towards evening. They 
are polygamous that is to say, one male pairs with many 
females, and generally towards the end of March or beginning 
of April the pairing season commences, when the cocks are 
in the habit of repairing at dawn and sunset to some par- 
ticular spot to display their charms to the females and give 
battle to their rivals. 
“ 1 he extraordinary pantomime gone through by each male 
as he struts round the arena, generally an open patch of ground 
T 2 
