- Bonasa umbellus
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.
Distribution
Canada and northern United States.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Open areas.
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.
