Spacing Behaviour of Red Grouse at Low Density on Irish Bog

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Abstract
Cocks of red grouse L. l. scoticus Lath. in Ireland at low density showed spacing behavior only briefly at dawn and dusk, in light too poor for observers to see them. Density was correlated with this period''s duration, and with the frequency of calls, sexual chases and boundary encounters. Mated cocks called more than unmated cocks. On a fertilized area where density increased, crowing ranges were smaller, spacing behavior lasted longer, and cocks and hens called more. Cocks did most calling on ground with much heather Calluna vulgaris L. (Hull), the main food. On Aug. dawns, some young cocks defended temporary crowing ranges, rejoining the broods before daylight. The number of crowing ranges changed between Aug. and spring, along with changes in density.

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