BRITISH BIRDS 



head upwards and backwards, uttering a variety of extraordinary noises or squalls, 

 more like two cats fighting at a distance than anything else. During the perform- 

 ance of the culmination of his display the bird seems to be thrown into a kind of 

 ecstasy of excitement, and to be quite oblivious to all sounds or movements in its 

 immediate neighbourhood." 



The Capercaillie is polygamous, and fierce battles often take place between rival 

 males ; according to the authority just quoted, these fights are sometimes carried to 

 such a length as to cause the death of one of the combatants. 



68 



