Canachites canadensis
Range
They are found in Alaska and through Canada south into the very northern parts of the U.S.
Habitat
They live in conifer forests.
Body Traits
They are large birds, with dark, gray-brown dapples above. They are lighter below. They have a fan-shaped tail with dark bars across it. They have a black throat and a bright red eyebrow.
Habits
The males make a “drumming” sound in the spring to attract a mate. They spend most of their time on the ground but will burst into flight when they are alarmed.
Diet
They eat tree buds, and some leaves, nuts and fruit and insects.
Reproduction
They nest in a low spot on the ground, lined with pine needles under the branches of a tree for cover. The female lays 4-6 green-brown eggs that blend in with the dead leaves.
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vetebrata
Class: Aves
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae/Subfamily: Tetraoninae
Genus: Canachites
Species: C. canadensis