attagas, attagen

[In Gr. ἀτταγᾶς ( attagas ), a long-billed bird, fond of the water, and esteemed a great delicacy. The Godwit (?). ( Liddell & Scott.) Also ἀτταγήν ( attagen ); Lat. attagena hazel-hen or heath-cock ( Tetrao bonasia, Linn., or T. alchata, Linn.), found in Spain, the south of France, . (Dr. Wm. Smith.).] Ornith.: A name applied by early writers to different birds, chiefly gallinaceous, though it was employed for one of the frigate-birds. It has also been for a genus of grouse, and for the sand-grouse (q.v.). As a popular name it is obsolescent, but when used it is a synonym of francolin (q.v.).