dendragapus obscurus

1 definition found

dendragapus obscurus - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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]