fool hen

American  

noun

1. any of various grouse, as the spruce grouse, that can be killed easily because of their relative tameness.

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Etymology

Origin of fool hen

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fool hen

While we were unloading the horses, a "fool hen" came and lit in a tree near us.

From Cruisings in the Cascades A Narrative of Travel, Exploration, Amateur Photography, Hunting, and Fishing by George O. Shields

I guess that's why it's called the fool hen, though its proper name is the willow grouse.

From The Boy Ranchers of Puget Sound by Harold Bindloss

He followed the hunting, living chiefly on rabbits and that simple-minded species of partridge known as the "fool hen."

From Baree, Son of Kazan by James Oliver Curwood

It is naturally a confiding bird where it has not been hunted much, and for this reason has been given the name, "fool hen," in many localities.

From Game Birds and Game Fishes of the Pacific Coast by Harry Thom Payne

"That fool hen isn't fully convinced she wants a family," he said.

From Lydia of the Pines by Honoré Morrow