Grouse (?), n. sing. & pl. [Prob. after
the analogy of mouse, mice, fr. the earlier grice, OF.
griesche meor hen: cf. F. piegrièche shrike.]
(Zoöl.) Any of the numerous species of gallinaceous
birds of the family Tetraonidæ, and subfamily
Tetraoninæ, 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.
&fist; 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
(Pediocætes 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.
Grouse, v. i. To seek or shoot
grouse.
