DCHP-1 Online

willow grouse

• 1 a widely distributed ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus albus.

  See also: willow ptarmigan  

  • 1823  The White Grouse of the countries round Hudson's Bay . . . have acquired the appellation of Willow Grouse, or Partridges among these others.
  • 1866  The Ptarmigan, Willow-grouse, or White-grouse (Lagopus albus) is mentioned by Dr. Hall as one of the birds of the Montreal district. . . .
  • 1959  Willow Ptarmigan [is also called] willow grouse ("Keewatin," "N.W.T."). . . .

• 2 Esp. B.C. a partridge-like game bird, Bonasa umbellus, occurring in many subspecies across Canada.

  See also: ruffed grouse  

  • 1907  The Newfoundland willow grouse . . . fly in large bodies from one district to another, and often visit the outer islands of the east coast. . . .
  • 1960  In the fir tree behind us we listened to the resonant call of the willow grouse. . . .

• 3 Local See quote.

  • 1959  Sharp-tailed Grouse [is also called] willow grouse (Y.T.).