The Natal Dispersal of Ruffed Grouse

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Abstract
We examined the dynamics of Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) natal dispersal in central Wisconsin [USA] (1982-1985). During autumn dispersal juvenile females moved more than twice the net distance (4.82 vs. 2.14 km) at twice the rate (0.53 vs. 0.26 km/day) of juvenile males. The total distance females moved during moved during autumn dispersal was 50% greater than males (9.56 vs. 6.36 km) even though the duration of autumn dispersal was similar for both sexes (17 vs. 21 days). A substantial percentage (29%) of birds exhibited more than one distinct movement; these individuals stopped temporarily for several days or weeks before making additional movements. The most pronounced sexual differences in habitat selection occurred during autumn dispersal when females used deciduous lowlands twice as much as males (22% vs. 10%); males were found in shrub/scrub areas more often than females (17% vs. 7%). Females appear to complete their natal dispersal in autumn as all (6 of 6) eventually nested in their wintering areas. Males may wander extensively in spring, with total movements often exceeding those observed in autumn. Most males (4 of 5%) established spring ranges outside their wintering areas.

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