146 



COVER CHARACTERISTICS AND SHELTER REQUIREMENTS 



Records were kept on the number of broods found in each type. Tliey have been tabu- 

 lated in tables 142 and 144-146 in the appendix. 



Types of Undergrowlh Chosen by Grouse Broods at Various Ages 



Generally speaking, grouse broods seem to choose their habitat more because of the type 

 of crown cover than of the type of undergrowth. As a rule, undergrowth types are accepted 

 more or less in proportion to their extent and occurrence. Thus, in examining table 142*, 

 one finds that the "small hardwoods" undergrowth type in New York is used more than all 

 others combined, probably because it is the most common type. 



There is, however, an interesting tendency to avoid those undergrowth types which run 

 strongly to conifers when other types are also available. For instance, in such groups as 

 "hardwoods and conifers" and "conifers," fewer broods were contacted than might be ex- 

 pected in proportion to the extent of the cover. 



TUK "small hardwoods" TYPE OF UNDERGKDW 111 IS A COMMON COMPONENT 

 OF NEW YORK WOODLANDS 



The undergrowth types prcdomiiumtK used are made up of "riniall hardwoods." "shrubs and 

 berry bushes" and a "condiiiiation of tvpes." It seems likely, ihcrcforc. that the nuiic com- 

 plex the undergrowth, the more grouse broods will be found thi-rcin. 



The desirability of having a varied arrangement of s|)ccics inaking ii]i llu- uiKJcigniHtli is 

 more apparent as the broods grow older, for llic "comhiiuition"" type then shows a consistent 

 rise in use. During the same period, there is an imliiialinn lo use "small hardwoods" less and 



* See Appentlil, p. 80S. 



