EGGS 



71 



To prove that he is physiologically ready, however, in several such cases the birds, under 

 manual stimulations, have ejected sperm. Females not previously bred, artificially insem- 

 inated with this, have in turn produced fertile eggs. Also, given the right conditions, males 

 have been successfully mated with three difFerent females in the course of one day. Perhaps 

 then changes in external stimuli, rather than a recurring sex rhythm, cause a male grouse to 

 be ready to mate at irregular intervals throughout the breeding period and to refuse coition 

 in the meantime. 



EGGS 



The ruffed grouse most frequently lays from nine to 14 eggs, although both larger and 

 smaller numbers are not uncommon*, the latter usually indicating a renesting bird. 



The eggs are ovate in form. In color, they vary from milky white to cinnamon buff, usually 

 plain but often spotted with reddish or drab. The shell is smooth with a slight gloss. As 

 incubation progresses, they often become considerably stained with dirty, brownish blotches. 



A (,H()LF or TYPICAL GKOLSE EGGS 



* See Chapler VIU, p. 360. 



