250 GENERAL HABITS 



SEASONAL PATTERN 



The reactions of grouse, as of other birds, exhibit a definite pattern throujrhout the year in 

 response to the environment and to the physiological changes which take place in the bird. 

 This is particularly true during the reproductive period. Yet male and female, adult and 

 youngster, respond differently to such stimulations. 



It is not within the scope ot this Report to go deeply into an analysis of grouse behavior*, 

 though naturally advantage has been taken of the many opportunities to observe it, both in 

 the wild and in captivity. But, through frequent recurrence of such occasions, many reac- 

 tions have become associated in the minds of the observers with certain stages or phases of 

 the bird's annual existence. A brief resume of these relationships should be of interest to the 

 sportsman who. in his days afield, often encounters many of the reactions involved. Like- 

 wise, both wildlife manager and game breeder will here find correlations, an understanding 

 of which will aid in developing methods and techniques for managing grouse both in the wild 

 and in captivity. 



For the adult male and the female as well, once the limiting requirements of raising her 

 brood are at an end. the fall is a period of recuperation from the excitement of the repro- 

 ductive season and from the physiological strain of the moult. Vigilance in defense of ter- 

 ritory'^, which was constantly in the mind of the male throughout the breeding season, has 

 long since become of minor importance. Similarly, his mate exhibits little intolerance of 

 other adults. Birds of the year, however, that have not vet established any home grounds of 

 their own. may occasionallv intrude and need to be driven out. In general, the season is one 

 of lazy enjovment of life, of feeding wherever the forage is most attractive in pre])aration 

 for the coming winter and of roosting at night wherever darkness overtakes them. 



For the young birds, it is a period of approaching maturity and of change in the physical 

 conditions about them. They appear to l)e restless, nervous and increasingly unsure of their 

 status, for the society of the brood now breaks up and each bird, apparently, must shift for 

 itself. This situation finds ex])ressioii in the fall shuffle or "crazy flight"', as later described. 



After the falling of the leaves, the intensity of these reactions among (he birds of the year 

 seems definitely on the wane. Thereafter, they, together with the older birds, prefer the se- 

 curity that lies in coverts where good shelter is to be found adjacent to an abundance of food. 

 Largelv abandoned are the long trips afield in search of such delicacies as nannyberries and 

 thornapples. As colder weather a|)|)roaches. gregariousness increases and throughout the win- 

 ter several birds often share jjarticularly attractive patches of food and shelter. 



From December to late February, the usual daily trips in search of food are customarily 

 short. The birds, if undisturbed, ajjparently walk as often as they fly from their nightly roosts. 

 Occasionally, groups of two or three travel together. Ofttimes. their wanderings are so cir- 

 cumscribed as not to encompass more than two to half a dozen acres during the davlight 

 hours, though occasional excursions may be made to more distant portions of their territory. 

 At day's end. they commonly return to join with others in occupying one of several favorite 

 roosting spots. If llic weather is severe and conditions suitable, the night may be spent in a 

 snow-roost. 



One caiiiiol set the time when the first break in the winter routine will appear. Davs. warm 

 and sunny for mid-winter, niav bring a recognizable change in the iii'liavior of the male as 

 early as the middle of FcbiiKirv. The first noliceable sign may well be foolpriiits in the 



• Sep Lhaptpr U, p. oi. 



A See dlicutiioo of Territorr, p. 257. 



