spruce grouse

noun

1. a grouse, Canachites canadensis, of coniferous forests of northern North America, that feeds on evergreen buds and needles.

spruce grouse

noun

1. a game bird, Dendragapus canadensis , occurring in Canadian coniferous forests

Word History and Origins

Origin of spruce grouse¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

They also may have been gag-inducing—the spruce grouse, a chicken-like bird, spends its winters munching almost exclusively on conifer needles.

From Popular-Science

In previous years ptarmigans and spruce grouse had been so plentiful that they were easily killed when needed.

From Project Gutenberg

It was easy enough to roast a spruce grouse on the end of a stick.

From Project Gutenberg

Presently he flushed a covey of spruce grouse, which rose from the ground and settled in a tree.

From Project Gutenberg

There are a fair number of ruffed grouse in the south, and more spruce grouse in the north.

From Project Gutenberg

We came upon two or three broods of spruce grouse in the road, so tame that one could have knocked them over with poles.

From Project Gutenberg