356 THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES 



that the " Cock of the Woods " has increased, it has even 

 extended its habitat to woods of deciduous trees, and appar- 

 ently the hens regulate the extension of range, wandering to 

 new woods, where, not infrequently, an amorous Black Cock 

 selects one for its harem, and interesting hybrids result. Both 

 Capercaillie and Black Grouse are polygamous. The Caper- 

 caillie has the strong, swift, but not long sustained flight of the 

 grouse family ; a series of rapid wing movements with intervals 

 when the bird glides with the wings steady, the primaries curved 

 downward. It perches freely, and feeds in the branches on 

 young leaves, buds, shoots, and pine needles, and does not 

 refuse caterpillars or other insects which it finds ; fruits and 

 berries of all kinds are taken in their season. Seebohm thought 

 that the hen fed more on the ground, or at any rate less on pine 

 needles, since its flesh has less flavour of turpentine. All grouse 

 flght in the spring, and in addition have some extravagant display 

 performances ; that of the victorious cock Capercaillie is a 

 variety entertainment for the benefit of the admiring hens. 

 Perched on a branch or rock, he spreads his ruff and tail and 

 droops his wings, and dancing in excitement produces strange 

 sounds in his "spel" or serenade. Various observers have 

 heard notes which reminded them of the squalls of fighting 

 cats, of the drawing of corks, and the sound of grinding knives. 

 The hens gather to listen to the song, answering with excited 

 croaks. Apparently this performance, which I have never had 

 a chance of witnessing, is triumphal after defeat of rival cocks, 

 and there is approval rather than competition for favours 

 amongst the hens. 



The nest is a hollow lined with pine needles and moss, in 

 which six to eight eggs (Plate 153"), yellowish in ground and 

 speckled with red — rather like those of the domestic Turkey — 

 are laid late in April or in May. The young have buff down, 

 are mottled and striped, especially on the head, with black, and 

 have a bare red patch behind the eye. 



