The Ruffed Grouse, or Partridge
This work is a nature essay that explores the habits and habitats of the Ruffed Grouse. It describes the bird's unique characteristics, its mating rituals, and its behavior in different seasons. The author also discusses the grouse's relationship with its environment, including its dependence on specific types of vegetation and its vulnerability to human activities such as hunting and logging.
By John Burroughs · First published 1886 · Genre: Nature Writing, Wildlife Observation, Descriptive Prose · 892 words
First lines
Whir! whir! whir! and a brood of half-grown partridges start up like an explosion, a few paces from me, and, scattering, disappear into the bushes on all sides. Let me sit down here behind the screen of ferns and briers, and hear this wild hen of the woods call together her brood. At what an early age the partridge flies! Nature seems to concentrate her energies on the wing, making the safety of the bird a point to be looked after first; and while the body is covered with down, and no signs of feathers are visible there, the wing-quills sprout and unfold, and in an incredibly short time the young make fair headway in flying.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ruffed Grouse, or Partridge is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Burroughs, dated 1886 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: John Burroughs
- Date: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Wildlife Observation, Descriptive Prose, Essays, Environmental Literature
- Length: 892 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on the detailed observation of the ruffed grouse and its habitat, emphasizing the beauty and intricacies of nature.
- Wildlife Observation — The text provides insights into the behavior and characteristics of the ruffed grouse, showcasing the author's keen interest in wildlife.
- Descriptive Prose — The writing style is rich in descriptive language, painting vivid images of the bird and its environment.
- Essays — The work presents a reflective and contemplative exploration of the subject, typical of essay formats.
Tags
Nature Writing · Wildlife Observation · Ornithology · Bird Watching · Hunting · Fishing · Rural Life · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Conservationism · Environmentalism · Field Notes