From Opus

Bonasa umbellus

Photo by GaryT.
Photo taken: Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.
Displaying male.

[edit] Identification

40-50cm. Long square brownish tail with barring and a black band near the end, grey-brown head, neck and back, breast is light with barring, ruffs are on the sides of the neck. These birds also have a crest on top of their head, which sometimes lies flat. Both sexes are similarly marked and sized.

[edit] Distribution

Canada and northern United States.

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Habitat

Open areas.

[edit] Behaviour

Females nest on the ground, typically laying 6–8 eggs. The nests occasionally are parasitized by Ring-necked Pheasants or Wild Turkeys that lay eggs in the nests.

The diet includes buds, leaves, berries, seeds, and insects.

[edit] External Links