Dendragapus obscurus
(gcide) | Grouse \Grouse\ (grous), n. sing. & pl. [Prob. after the analogy
of mouse, mice, fr. the earlier grice, OF. griesche meor hen:
cf. F. piegri[`e]che shrike.] (Zool.)
Any of the numerous species of gallinaceous birds of the
family Tetraonid[ae], and subfamily Tetraonin[ae],
inhabiting Europe, Asia, and North America. They have plump
bodies, strong, well-feathered legs, and usually mottled
plumage. The group includes the ptarmigans (Lagopus),
having feathered feet.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Among the European species are the red grouse ({Lagopus
Scoticus}) and the hazel grouse (Bonasa betulina).
See Capercaidzie, Ptarmigan, and Heath grouse.
Among the most important American species are the
ruffed grouse, or New England partridge ({Bonasa
umbellus}); the sharp-tailed grouse ({Pedioc[ae]tes
phasianellus}) of the West; the dusky blue, or pine
grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) of the Rocky Mountains;
the Canada grouse, or spruce partridge ({D.
Canadensis}). See also Prairie hen, and Sage cock.
The Old World sand grouse (Pterocles, etc.) belong to
a very different family. See Pterocletes, and {Sand
grouse}.
[1913 Webster] |