Effects of Lek Age on Age Structure and Attendance of Lesser Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus)

Abstract

Abstract We used data from lesser prairie-chickens captured on leks to test the hypothesis that age structure of attending birds is reflected in lek age (i.e., years of continuous attendance). As leks become older the age structure of attending birds becomes dominated by adults. Average lek size (number of attending males) was not affected by lek age. Establishment of satellite leks (leks ≤ 2 y of consecutive use) during spring was approximately 1 mo later than other leks and corresponded to a decrease in the number of males attending other leks. Interpretation of data collected from birds attending lesser prairie-chicken leks should include consideration of the lek age.