Page:Natural History, Birds.djvu/252

Rh found in the warmer regions of the earth, yet the majority of them, and those the most typical of the group, are natives of the cold regions of the north hemisphere, or of the summits of alpine ranges of mountains. Many of these are protected from the cold by having the feet more or less clothed with feathers, in some extending even to the extremities of the toes.

The Grouse in general depart from the polygamous habits of their Order; pairing at the breeding season, and remaining in associations, each composed of a single brood, for the rest of the year; there are several species, however, which do not pair. During winter they congregate in large flocks, without distinction of broods, and continue thus assembled till the nuptial season. In most of the genera, there is a nuptial change of plumage, more or less obvious, and in those of very cold countries, there is a state of plumage peculiar to the winter season. They all breed on the ground, and with few exceptions lay a great number of eggs at a time: they are terrestrial in their general habits, running with great ease and celerity; some perch on the low stunted trees of cold climates, on the unexpanded leaf-buds of which they largely feed. Various kinds of cultivated grain, and the seeds of grasses, and of leguminous plants afford food to others. The flesh of almost all is highly esteemed for its tenderness and high flavour.

The largest birds of the Family are found in this genus, the Capercailzie of Northern Europe,