CHARACTERISTIC OF THE FEMALE 



289 



on the nest constantly after observations began at 9:30 a. m. The second day she left at 1:47 

 p. m. for 22 minutes, which was the only absence that day. The next day. however, she was 

 away from 9:50 to 11:50 in the forenoon, as well as for two approximately half-hour intervals 

 between 5:00 and 8:00 in the evening. 



While on the nest, both of these birds spent most of their time in utter immobility. Occasion- 

 ally they would change their positions or adjust the eggs. Once one bird picked at objects 

 about the nest, presumably insects, but without moving her body. 



When leaving the nest, both birds most often walked a step or two and then flew, often some- 

 what noisily. In returning, the birds invariably walked, although they may have flown to 

 within 15 to 20 yards. A bird, observed by Smyth''^ flew to a nearby tree from which she 

 inspected the vicinity before alighting and walking to her nest. 



Another characteristic of incubating grouse is the formation of much enlarged droppings 

 or "dockers". These are sometimes found in the vicinity of nests in the direction the female 

 habitually travels in leaving. 



Nesting Tolerance 



Customarily a tolerant species, there .seems to be little conflict between nesting grouse and 

 other nesting birds, in New York at least. The remaining gallinaceous species to be found 

 have occupied, in general, different habitats or are so rare that they seldom nest nearby. No 

 evidence of competition between grouse and the manv small, woodland birds has been noted. 



In localities where woodlot and farm environments overlap, however, the pheasant frequently 

 lays eggs in nests of the grouse. But. despite such parasitism, the latter usually proceeds to 

 incubate, often with the result thai the jiheasant eggs hatch first, thereby sealing the doom of 

 her own clutch. 



.4^fi U. Smith 



GROUSE NEST CONTAINING SIX PHEASANT EGGS 



