'Dendragapus obscurus' definitions:

Definition of 'Dendragapus obscurus'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]