| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 1963 |
| Authors: | Smith, ND, Buss, IO |
| Journal: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
| Volume: | 27 |
| Issue: | 4 |
| Date Published: | 1963 |
| ISBN Number: | 0022541X |
| Keywords: | Dendragapus, Dendragapus obscurus, Phasianidae |
| Abstract: | The primary purpose of this study was to obtain data on the molt pattern and growth rate of captive known-age young blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) upon which to base a system of age determination. Secondarily, observations were made on the molt pattern of adult and subadult blue grouse raised in captivity. The average weight (measured at weekly intervals) of the young birds in 1960 was conspicuously different from the average weight obtained in 1961. This variation in weight was attributed to a difference in diet during the first 4 weeks of life. The average weight of young wild blue grouse closely approximated the average weight of the 1960 captive juveniles at a corresponding age, whereas the wild birds were heavier than the 1961 captive birds at a corresponding age. The growth rates of post-juvenal primaries and rectrices, rather than sequence of feather loss, provided the principal means for placing young blue grouse in weekly categories from the third to the eleventh week. The loss of the primary and secondary remiges in subadult male blue grouse (about a year of age) commenced earlier than did the loss in adult males, remaining in advance of the adults until October. |
| URL: | http://www.jstor.org/stable/3798467 |
| Short Title: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
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