It is generally supposed that red grous are peculiar to the British Islands. They are found in "packs," consisting sometimes of forty to fifty birds; and are an object of eager pursuit by sportsmen. They principally frequent high and heathy grounds, where they feed on mountain berries and the tops of heath; and they seldom descend into the valleys. The birds are eaten roasted, like most other game, but they are sometimes potted, and are in general much admired for the table.
Red grous have been bred, and successfully reared, in confinement, by supplying them almost every day with fresh pots of heath.
164. BLACK GROUS, or BLACK GAME (Tetrao tetrix, Fig. 37), is a species of feathered game of violet black colour, with the tail forked, and the secondary quill feathers white towards the base.
Its weight is from two to four pounds. These birds are found in mountainous and woody parts of the north of England, and in the New Forest, Hampshire; in Scotland, and several countries of the Continent.
The pursuit of this and other species of grous is a much more important occupation in the northern parts of the Continent than it is in this country. In some parts of Russia they are caught in traps of wickerwork baited with corn. Huts full of loop-holes are sometimes formed in woods that are frequented by them, and upon the adjacent trees artificial decoy-birds are placed. The persons in the huts fire upon the grous as they alight, being careful to kill those first which are upon the lower branches; and, in this case, so long as the men are concealed, the report of the guns does not alarm the birds.
These birds feed on mountain fruits, and in winter on the tops of heath; and, although they always roost on trees, they form their nests on the ground. Each female lays six or eight eggs, of dull yellowish white colour, marked with numerous small rust-coloured specks, and towards the smaller end with some blotches of the same colour. The young male birds quit their parents in the beginning of winter, and usually associate in small packs until the spring. Black grous will live and thrive, but they have not been known to breed, in aviaries.
165. The PTARMIGAN, or WHITE GAME (Tetrao lagopus, Fig. 38), is a species of grous which, in summer, is of pale brown colour, elegantly mottled with small bars and dusky spots; and has the bill and the tail feathers black. In winter it is almost wholly while.
These birds, which, are somewhat larger than a pigeon, are inhabitants of the extreme northern countries of the continents both of Europe and America. They are also found among the mountains of Scotland, and are sometimes seen in the alpine parts of Westmoreland and Cumberland.
By the inhabitants of Greenland not only the flesh but even the intestines of these birds are much esteemed as food. The skins, with the feathers on, are made into clothing; and the black tail feathers were formerly much in request among this people for female headdresses.
So numerous are these birds in the northern parts of America, as, at the commencement of winter, to assemble in flocks of 150 or 200 in number; and more than 10,000 have, in some years, been caught near Hudson's Bay, betwixt the months of November and May. They are killed in various ways; by snares, with nets, and with guns; and indeed so fearless are they of the approach of mankind that they may be knocked down with sticks or clubs, instances have occurred of their having been driven, almost like poultry, into nets or snares that have been laid for them.