COVER REQUIREMENTS OE THE GROUSE 163 



for there is considerable variation in type use depending on whether the ground is dry, wet 

 or snow-covered (table 163)*. For instance, we have already noted that conifers are most at- 

 tractive in winter. This is particularly apparent when snow covers the ground, for 40 per 

 lent of all adults sought this type (Hi when the snow was moderately deep. Conversely, the 

 more open types in which no. or but few, conifers are present are less used at this time. 



An interesting sidelight is the tendency for some birds to abandon conifers for relatively 

 open, mature hardwoods (F) when deep snow encourages snow roosting. 



Cover use trends are less predictable when the ground is dry, damp or wet. Overgrown 

 lands deficient in conifers (C) and the older slashings f J) seem to be most attractive during 

 dry or damp periods, with the birds showing increased interest in coniferous stands as the 

 ground becomes wet. Second-growth hardwoods lE) and mixed hardwood and coni- 

 ferous cover, irrespective of age (D, EH and FH) are. however, frequented to about the 

 same degree, irrespective of these conditions, thus raising the question as to Imu much these 

 differences really matter. 



Preference of Adult Crouse for Ground Over Trees 



Like other gallinaceous species, the grouse spends most of its time on the ground at all 

 seasons of the year, as shown in table 161'^. \c\frtlic]ess it often resorts to trees, especially 

 conifers, for roosting, or when disturbed by a predator or some other inlruilcr. Budding in 



i.irfitnrr Bump 



WHILE PREFERRING THE C-R3UND. GROUSE TAKE READILY 

 TO TREES WHEN NECESSARY 



trees is connnuii during the colder months. Tree roosting has been most frequent during the 

 winter and spring, with only an occasional bird to be found therein during the other seasons. 

 Strong winds further discourage this practice. 



* Sec App<"ni1ix. p. 83-1. 

 " See Appendix, p. 8.'?6. 



