Björn Bergenholtz
(former alias "Calalp")
Here´s a possible (!?) explanation, made by the Swedish zoologist Professor Sven Nilsson (in 1817, here) on the name bonasia (as in "Tetrao Bonasia") for today's Hazel Grouse/Hen (Bonasa) Tetrastes bonasia LINNAEUS 1758:
If true or not, is beyond me (but it´s a good story) ...
For what it´s worth!
Björn
PS. However, if Bonasia originally was/is an Italian name for this species (which is often claimed), it must have originated from the Northernmost part of Italy. Otherwise a bit out of range for this particular species. Maybe it was simply an old (hunters) name for any, whatever tasty Italian grouse (Francolino/Urogalli)?
PPS. Might also be of interest for the generic names Bonasa and the invalid "Bonasia" ...?
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Simply because it was "good to eat"!?
If true or not, is beyond me (but it´s a good story) ...
For what it´s worth!
Björn
PS. However, if Bonasia originally was/is an Italian name for this species (which is often claimed), it must have originated from the Northernmost part of Italy. Otherwise a bit out of range for this particular species. Maybe it was simply an old (hunters) name for any, whatever tasty Italian grouse (Francolino/Urogalli)?
PPS. Might also be of interest for the generic names Bonasa and the invalid "Bonasia" ...?
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