Bob Whites, Grouse, Etc.

Order Grouse, Quail & Kin

Of the two hundred species contained in this great family, one-half belong to the Old World, where they are known as partridges and quail, names miscellaneously applied to our grouse and Bob Whites, that differ greatly in structure from their European allies, and the source of endless confusion in the popular mind. Three subfamilies go to make up this large family: the Perdicinoe, or Old World partridges and quail; the Odontophorinoe, or New World partridges and Bob Whites; and the Tetraoninoe, or grouse. These fowl-footed birds have the hind toe raised above the ground, differing from the pigeon-footed gallinaceous birds, that have four toes on the same level; and the grouse have feathered legs, like many birds of prey, to keep these parts from being frozen, since they frequent high altitudes. None of these American species is migratory, yet their rapid, whirring flight, performed with quick strokes of small, concave, stiffened wings, is well sustained, and sometimes for long distances. The heads of grouse especially, high at the rear to contain the unusually developed brain, indicate that rare degree of intelligence among birds which so taxes the wits of the sportsman; but certainly the Bob White is not lacking in mental calibre. The latter birds are devoted lovers and parents, whereas grouse are generally polygamous, and the males are either indifferent to the eggs and young, or, in some cases, destructive of them. Mr. D. G. Elliot remarks: "It is a rather singular fact that in most polygamous species the plumage of the sexes is very dissimilar, while there is usually but little difference observable between those that are monogamous."