Porkert, J., Solheim, R. & Flor, A. 1997: Behaviour of hybrid male Tetrao tetrix % × T. urogallus & on black grouse leks. - Wildl. Biol. 3: 169-176.
Crosses between male black grouse Tetrao tetrix and female capercaillie T. urogallus are the most common grouse hybrids. Some male hybrids (F1-generation) may be fertile and produce offspring (F2-generation) with females of capercaillie and, rarely, black grouse. Specimens and descriptions of lek behaviour are also available for probable F3- and F>3-hybrids. Three and two male F1 hybrids were documented to display simultaneously on a black grouse lek in Norway (1993-1997), and solitarily displaying hybrids were documented on black grouse leks in the Czech Republic (1960-64), Sweden (1991-93) and Norway (1992). Mating of hybrid males with female capercaillie was observed in 1992 and 1994. The lekking behaviour of the hybrids and their attitudes towards other tetraonids are described.
Key words: black grouse × capercaillie hybrids, lekking behaviour, Tetrao tetrix, Tetrao urogallus
Jan Porkert, Na Slupi 12, CZ-128 00 Praha 2, Czech Republic
Roar Solheim, Agder Museum of Natural History, PO Box 1018 Lundsiden, N-4602 Kristiansand, Norway
Arne Flor, Bergstien 18, N-4800 Arendal, Norway
Associate Editor: Jon E. Swenson