TERRITORIAL AND COURTSHIP BEHAVIOR OF CHI NESE GROUSE (BONASA-SEWERZOWI)

Field observations, sound and video recordings of the rare endemic Chi nese Grouse were carried out during May 2 and 10, 1997, the optimal ti me to study display, in the Lianhuashan reserve (Gansu province) at al titudes between 2800 and 3200 m a.s.l. We found the density in spring extraordinarily high: 15 occupied territories/km(2) in the best studie d plot. 18 colour-banded and radio-tagged birds were recorded. We were able to record on tape most of the vocal and instrumental sounds prod uced by the displaying grouse. Chinese grouse males perform a wing-bea t display. The main elements of the territorial activity were variable flutter-jumps on the ground up to 1 m high and 2-4 m wide, sometimes also from a tree to the ground and vice-versa, producing instrumental sounds. An evident peak of flutter jumping activity was observed just after the birds left the roost tree in the morning (5.30 h local time) up to 8 o'clock. Noisy territorial flights in the crowns of trees wer e rarely observed. The low frequency sounds produced by the wings of t he jumping cocks produced a typical impressive morning concert, especi ally, if 3-4 conflicting males came close together. First copulation w as recorded on May 9. In the mating time, flutter jumping activity aba ted considerably.