66 THE SPECIES— ITS TAXONOMY, RANGE, BIOLOGY, & ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE 



absence of the female. Apparently they feel the need of making themselves appear conspic- 

 uous and formidable, possibly as an aid in maintaining their dominance complex. In fact, 

 Alien'" has termed this the "intimidation dispia\"'. 



As the season progresses and excitation mounts, a locomotive-like hissing and violent head 

 .shaking are added to the strutting performance with increasing frequency. Occasionally, 

 they may select a high point and drum. These, it would seem, are the first steps in their spring 

 breeding pattern. 



Gardiner Hump 



THE STRUTTING MAI.K SEEMS BOTH TO ATTR.ACT AND TO INTIMIDATE THE FEMALE 



At the height of this first phase, so strong is the physiological stimulus that, in captivity, 

 full display may often be inspired by the presence of man or of many other objects not 

 familiarly associated with the enclosure. In fact, almost any change in the innnediate environ- 

 ment at this time will result in a display. In securing recordings of grouse calls, for instance, 

 the male would frequently respond in this manner to the placement of the microphone in 

 the pen. 



Throughout this phase, the male seems preoccupied with establishing and maintaining his 

 territory, as well as with display. At first he accepts the enforced presence of the female; later 

 he is increasingly stimulated by her. She, in turn, evidences little apparent interest in his 

 reactions except for a desire to keep out of his way. If display becomes too vigorous, she 

 may spend considerable time hiding or on a perch in an attempt to escape his over-zealous 

 attentions. Tliough in the latter part of this phase, the male may be physiologically ready 

 to mate, the majority of the females have not as yet reached this stage. 



