CHARACTERISTIC OF THE FEMALE 285 



rectioii were also recorded. On the other hand, in 1938, it was several days earlier, resulting 

 in a total difference between 1938 and 1939 of over a week. Although the physiological devel- 

 opment of the bird at this season is fundamentally activated by the progressive, dailv increase 

 in the amount of light, which is constant each year, the onset of nesting seems to be influenced, 

 also, by annual variations in weather conditions and. possibly, the availability of certain foods. 



But while the majority of females in a locality commence egg laying within a few days of 

 each other, a normal span of roughly two weeks between early and late individuals has been 

 noted. In the advanced season of 1938, a number of clutches were recorded which must have 

 been begun before April 15. Several similar nests were found in 1941 and 1942. Conversely, 

 in 1932, many hens, even down state, did not start their first clutch until after May 1. In this 

 connection, there seems to be some tendency for birds, destined to produce large clutches, to 

 start laying ahead of the average. 



Beyond this, greater individual variations often occur. The earliest date* recorded by the 

 Investigation and, curiously enough, in the Adirondacks of northern Warren County (N.Y.), 

 was April 7. Since this nest was broken-up before being completed, the number of eggs which 

 would have been laid remains a question. Next to this is a record* of A])ril 8. fnim Dutchess 

 County (N.Y.), for a clutch of 13 eggs. 



In general, outside the higher Adirondacks, clutches begun after May 1 usualK represent 

 renests. 



Outside New York, the nesting season ajjpcars to be somewhat earlier as one goes south. 

 Thus, several reports from southern Petnisylvania indicate the usual hatching date to be about 

 a week earlier than the June 1 average encountered by the hnestigation. In interior Alaska, 

 however, Dice'" found a brood on June 8. And Preble"" found females with voung on June 

 15 at Smith Landing on the Mackenzie River. 



Structurk ok TiiK Nkst 



The ruffed grouse is a ground-nesting bird. The nest is a \er\ crude and unpretentious affair. 

 It can hardly be called a structure, as it is merely a cup-shaped depression formed by the 

 female to fit her body among the leaxes of the forest floor. There is no evidence that any of 

 the components are ever transported to the nest site from a distance. It is lined and the edges 

 built up of materials within reach as she sits in the depression. A few contour feathers are 

 usually found in the nest, but it is not believed that they are placed there deliberately. Because 

 hardwoods are the major component of the shelter utilized for nesting in New York, leaves of 

 this group almost invariably form the nest. A number of instances have been noted, however, 

 where evergreen needles predominated. Its forination is essentially complete before egg laying 

 commences. 



With respect to the actual size of the nest itself, six typical examples on the Connecticut 

 Hill area were measured. The dimensions of these averaged as follows: diameter, 6I/4 inches; 

 depth, 2''^'4 inches; thickness (of the walls). '4 inch. 



The most frequent location for the nest is at the base of a tree or stump while sites under 

 a log, at the edge of a brushpile or at the base of a boulder or rock ledge, are frequent. 

 Characteristically a depression on the forest floor. Smyth"' reports one "that was raised about 

 six inches from the ground, being built in a kind of little pocket formed at the base of a ten 

 inch tree where several small sprouts grew out to one side". Similar situations have been 

 encountered during the present Investigation. Others have been found in or on low decaying 



* Estimated un basis of number of eggs fiiuiid in nest wliile female was still laying. 



