242 Wonders of the Bird World 



during the nesting season, and he has no idea where they 

 retire to, but so far he has never succeeded in shooting a 

 male in the full summer season. 



The Black Grouse {Lyrurus tetrix) resembles the Caper- 

 cailie in many of its habits, and, like that species, is 

 polygamous, the old males fighting for the possession of 



Male Blackcock dancing. 



the females. It seems, however, that the Black Grouse 

 has meeting-places and playing-grounds, where the cock- 

 birds dance, and where, if a rival ventures to intrude, a 

 furious fight takes place. The antics indulged in by the 

 male when he is " showing off" are said to be most extra- 

 ordinary. Not only does he strut round and round with 

 outspread tail, but he springs into the air and executes a 

 most entertaining pas sail. Like the Capercailie, as soon 



