Open AccessNotes on the natural history and behaviour of the Chinese grouse Bonasa sewerzowi
Author(s) -
Sun YueHua,
Fang Yun
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
wildlife biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.566
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1903-220X
pISSN - 0909-6396
DOI - 10.2981/wlb.1997.032
Subject(s) - seasonal breeder , mating , ecology , mating system , aggression , demography , geography , biology , zoology , psychology , social psychology , sociology
The mating behaviour of Chinese grouse Bonasa sewerzowi at the Lianhuashan Natural Reserve in Southern Gansu Province was studied in 1995. Eleven birds were radio‐marked during the breeding season. Pair formation began in late March. Males held territories of 1.8–3.2 ha (N = 3). The ‘flutter‐jump’ behaviour was believed to be used by males for advertising territories and attracting females. It also could serve as a warning signal. Males competed for females in April and May, but not all males paired with females. Female‐female aggression was not observed. The mating system of Chinese grouse was primarily monogamous, however, the possibility of polyandry or extra‐pair copulations remains. In addition, female choice was believed to be the main factor affecting pair formation.