BONNSIA, a genus of gallinaceous birds of the grouse (q.v.) family or tetraonidtr, perhaps more properly only a sub-genus of grouse (tetrao), distinguished by having the toes and the lower part of' the tarsus (or shank) destitute of feathers; also by ,the elongated feathers of the upper part of the head. To this genus belongs theliazel grouse of the continent of Europe (tetruo bonasia of Linnreus), a species which, although not found in Britain, is very widely distributed from Siberia to Africa, and throughout that continent. In size, it scarcely exceeds the common partridge, is prettily mottled with gray and reddish-brown, and has a black band near the extremity of the lateral tail feathers. It loves the deepest solitudes of forests. The eggs are 12 to 18 in number. The flesh Otitis bird is highly prized, and German etiquette has long assigned it a place above all other dishes at the tables of princes, as the only dish which may be served twice in succession.—Another species of B. is the ruffled grouse of America (B. umhellus, r tetrad Itanbellas), known also in some parts of the United States by the names of pheas ant and partridge. It is nearly equal in size to the black-coek of Europe. Besides
having the feathers of the upper part of the head elongated, the male has a large shoulder tuft ou each side. This bird is found in almost all parts of North America, from the gulf of Mexico to Hudson's bay, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean. It is polyg anions, and in spring the males make a noise called drumming, by rapid clapping of their wings, to attract the attention of the other sex, whilst they also strut with ereefed ruff and tail, and with wings depressed, after the manner of the turkey-cock. At this time they have fierce battles with one another, and advantage is sometimes taken of their jealous pugnacity to attract them within .shot, by an imitation of their drumming, accomplished by means of a. bladder and a stick. The nest is formed on the ground in the woods, often under a bush, and 5 to 12 eggs are laid in it. The flesh of the ruffled grouse is much esteemed, and the markets of the American cities and towns are well supplied with it in the winter months..—It seems probable that both these species of B. might be easily introduced into Britain, and they would be very desirable additions to the game of woods and plantations.