A Pioneer History of Becker County. 189 
the dense forests and dark swamps where it is rarely seen. In 
summer it feeds upon berries, the buds and leaves of plants and 
shrubs and insects. I11 the winter its food is mainly the buds 
and leaves of pine and other coniferous trees. 
The sharp-tailed grouse was the original “prairie chicken” of 
the west and was plentiful in Becker County, especially in the 
western part where prairie and woodland meet. They are about 
the same size as the pinnated grouse, and the distinguishing marks 
are: the pointed tail; lighter colored plumage, especially on the 
breast and lower part of the body; heavier feathering of the legs 
and extending well upon the feet. Its home is in the rolling 
country where there is brush or stunted growth of timber. A 
favorite bird with sportsmen, as they lie close for the dog; usually 
rise singly, and when flushed will fly but a short distance. In 
summer they feed upon berries and insects, in the winter upon buds 
of brush and trees. 
The pinnated grouse or prairie chicken was driven west by 
the advance of civilization and for many years has been found 
upon the prairies and in the openings in the timber of Becker 
County. The pairing season begins with the breaking up of winter, 
when the booming of the male bird sounds like the beating of 
a muffled drum. This sound is made by inflating the orange- 
colored receptacles at either side of the neck, and issuing the call 
for the female, which is at the same time a challenge to other 
males. Their nest is a crude affair of grass on the sod or in the 
stubble. The number of eggs laid varies from eight to sixteen 
and the female has entire charge of incubation and the care of 
the young. Coveys remain together until late in the fall when the 
birds “bunch,” the flocks often numbering from one to two hun¬ 
dred. Early in the fall the birds lie well to the dogs and, unless 
scattered, nearly all of the covey will take wing at the same time, 
the mother rising slightly in advance of her young. As the season 
advances the birds become wilder and, when disturbed, fly a long 
distance. They feed upon small grain and seeds, which are in¬ 
variably picked from the ground, and are fond of grasshoppers 
and other insects. I11 the winter they roost in trees, feed upon 
buds, around straw stacks and in cornfields and weed patches. 
The flesh is dark, of a gamey flavor and is highly prized. Dis¬ 
tinguishing marks are, the short rounded tail and the little wings 
of narrow, straight, pointed feathers at either side of the neck. 
