Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Research Articles

Predicting Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse Lek Occurrence in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Muchas poblaciones norteamericanas de urogallos han disminuido en toda su área de distribución, la comprensión y evaluación de sus trayectorias poblacionales puede ayudar a gestionar mejor estas especies emblemáticas. El urogallo de cola afilada de Columbia (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) es una subespecie de urogallo de cola afilada que ha disminuido en toda su área de distribución en el oeste intermontano durante el último siglo. La conservación de esta especie se centra principalmente en el hábitat alrededor de los leks. Por lo tanto, conocer la localización de los leks del urogallo de cola afilada de columbia es clave para su conservación. Utilizamos un marco de selección de recursos para predecir la presencia de leks en un área con múltiples leks conocidos en el condado de Carbon, Wyoming. Usamos este modelo para predecir la presencia de leks en un área con únicamente un lek conocido en el Parque Nacional Grand Teton. Nuestro modelo de predicción de la ubicación de lo leks en el condado de Carbon fue un fuerte predictor de la ocurrencia de leks en esa zona (rs = 0.97) y cuando este modelo se proyectó en el Parque Nacional Grand Teton, el único lek conocido en el Parque estaba situado en una zona de muy alta probabilidad de ocurrencia de leks (>90% de probabilidad de ocurrencia de leks). De igual forma, utilizamos esta superficie de predicción para localizar un lek desconocido y otras siete zonas utilizadas por el urogallo de cola afilada de Columbia, en el Parque Nacional Grand Teton. Dichas zonas también fueron detectadas mediante la presencia de excrementos fecales, plumas o aves. Nuestros métodos demostraron que un marco de selección de recursos de un área puede utilizarse para predecir la presencia de leks y otros lugares en un área distinta, cuando estas áreas tienen composiciones de vegetación similares.

Survival of translocated Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse: recognizing trends in post-release mortality to improve reintroductions

Survival of translocated Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse: recognizing trends in post-release mortality to improve reintroductions

Offspring of translocated individuals drive the successful reintroduction of Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse in Nevada, USA

Abstract Translocations of North American prairie-grouse (genus Tympanuchus) present a conservation paradox wherein they are performed to augment, restore, or reintroduce populations, but translocated individuals exhibit a diminished ability to contribute to population restoration. For reintroduced populations without immigration, persistence can only be achieved through reproductive contributions by translocated individuals and their progeny. Due to the disruptive nature of translocation (e.g., physiological chronic stress), progeny produced at restoration sites may outperform founder populations in terms of demographics, but this hypothesis has yet to be tested. We reintroduced Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse (T. phasianellus columbianus; CSTG) to north central Nevada from 2013 to 2017 and used integrated population models (IPMs) to evaluate the process of population establishment and estimate latent contributions of progeny hatched at the restoration site to population rate of change (λ^). Specifically, we used annual lek (i.e. communal breeding arenas) counts and demographic data from translocated individuals to build two separate IPMs to estimate λ^. While keeping demographic contributions by translocated individuals identical between models, one IPM assumed local progeny performance was demographically similar to translocated individuals (i.e. the baseline-IPM), and the second assumed that local progeny performed demographically similar to non-translocated CSTG (i.e. the informative-IPM). The baseline-IPM predicted strong population declines following the conclusion of translocations and extirpation by 2020, and it failed to predict observed lek counts. Conversely, the informative-IPM predicted population growth rates (λ^ = 1.17, 95% credible interval [CI]: 0.74–1.50) that were more similar to field observations. Offspring of translocated individuals likely perform at similar levels to non-translocated populations, and by not accounting for demographic differences between translocated individuals and non-translocated progeny hatched at the restoration site, managers could underestimate population performance and persistence. Thus, translocation practices that maximize the number of offspring immediately recruited into restoration sites are likely to be the most successful.

Semen collection, semen analysis and artificial insemination in Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) as part of a species conservation project

Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus; hereafter CSTG) have experienced substantial decreases in population numbers and geographic range during the early 20th century, primarily due to habitat loss. The conservation aim of this project was to re-establish a self-sustaining population of CSTG within an unoccupied portion of their historic range in northeastern Nevada via reintroduction from source populations in Idaho, USA. Female nest initiation rates post-translocation due to low fertilization rates are believed to be one limiting factor in the establishment of some translocated CSTG populations. However, studies on semen collection and artificial insemination in this species are absent. Assisted reproduction was evaluated as an additional tool in this species conservation project in order to gain knowledge on the reproductive status of yearling and adult male CSTG, establish orientation values for semen parameters and evaluate artificial insemination procedures on female CSTG. In two consecutive breeding seasons, semen collection was attempted 51 times in 47 males using the established massage method, and a novel electro-stimulation technique. Semen collection was successful in all attempts, even in yearling grouse, which represents a novel confirmation that yearling male CSTG can produce live spermatozoa in their first breeding season. Volume, color, consistency, contamination, pH of semen, and the motility, concentration, viability and morphology of spermatozoa were analyzed. Extracted semen volume ranged between 6 and 74 μl and the mean pH was 6.9 ± 0.5 (x¯ ± SD). Morphology analysis revealed that on average, 42.8% of sperm was morphologically normal, but 34.8% had malformed tails. Additionally, artificial insemination was practiced in 17 females (sham-insemination group; insemination lacking spermatozoa) and performed in 17 females. Intravenous catheters G20 1.0 mm × 32 mm enabled safe intravaginal insemination under visual control.Significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in semen parameters between adult and yearling birds were detected. It is well established that adult males receive a majority of copulations during lekking, but our novel findings also indicate that they produce significantly more spermatozoa which is of higher quality than yearling males. This finding offers insights into male reproductive biology in a lekking grouse species.

Post-release breeding of translocated sharp-tailed grouse and an absence of artificial insemination effects

Context Translocation has become a widely used method to restore wildlife populations following extirpation. For some species, such as lekking grouse, which breed at traditional mating grounds, reproduction is linked to culturally established geographic locations. Cultural centres are lost upon extirpation, making restoration into otherwise rehabilitated habitats especially challenging. The process by which species with culturally dependent reproduction sometimes become re-established is poorly understood and merits investigation to improve conservation strategies. Historically, population restoration of North American lekking grouse (Tympanuchus spp. and Centrocercus spp.) via translocation has yielded poor results, in part because translocation sites lack leks, culturally determined breeding locations for which breeding adults form a high degree of philopatry. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus; CSTG) occurs in <10% of its historic range, but the existence of rehabilitated historic habitat provides for the potential of population restoration via translocation. Aims We reintroduced CSTG to vacant habitat in north-central Nevada, USA, from 2013 to 2017, with concordant goals of promoting females to nest and males to lek. We tested the utility of performing artificial insemination (AI) on females before translocation and we conducted paternity analyses to understand male reproduction. Methods We monitored females for the effects of AI on nest initiation, nest survival and egg fertility. We used post-hatch extra-embryonic membranes and other tissues to evaluate paternity of chicks produced at the restoration site. Key results Artificial insemination had no effect on female survival or nest initiation, and did not fertilise any eggs within nine sampled clutches (n=102 eggs). Most paternity was attributable to male residents that had survived for ≥1 year at the restoration site before the arrival of translocated females. Conclusions Artificial insemination neither aided nor harmed female reproduction. A small number of translocated, resident adult males sired reproduction following female release. Implications The presence of resident males at restoration sites may be more likely to result in post-translocation reproduction than is pre-translocation AI. Restoring CSTG to vacant habitat should focus on translocating females into suitable nesting habitat while simultaneously ensuring that reproductively capable males are available within or adjacent to the nesting habitat.

Testing systems of avian perch deterrents on electric power distribution poles in sage-brush habitat

In Lincoln County, Washington, USA, greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) are managed as re- introduced and augmented populations, respectively. Predation by raptors and corvids is a concern, particularly where utility poles may provide hunting perches near leks (i.e., breeding areas). Perch deterrents may offer a mitigating strategy if deterrents reduce the frequency or duration of perching. To investigate the effects of various perch deterrents, we deployed deterrents on 5 power poles re- tained for use in this study when 33 poles were removed from occupied grouse habitat. We rotated deterrents among poles every 15 to 28 days ( = 19.4 days) from November 17, 2011, through November 20, 2012, so that all deterrents occurred multiple times on all poles. We compared perch frequency and duration on 4 pole caps, 3 insulator deterrents, an untreated control cross arm, and 5 cross-arm-length deterrents: Pupi™ cross arms mounted at a 22° angle from horizontal; Birdzoff™ deterrents; an experimental shroud; Power Line Sentry X™ deterrents; and Zena Designs™ mini- spike deterrents. We collected 862 independent records of perching events. Raptors and corvids perched most often (χ 2 = 146.0, P < 0.0001) on untreated cross arms ( = 0.60 perches/day), and insulator deterrents ( = 0.47 perches/day), and perched least often on pole caps with spikes ( = 0.11 perches/day) and Zena Designs mini-spikes ( = 0.10 perches/day). Perching events were shorter on pole caps with spikes and Zena Designs mini-spikes compared to all other treatments (F 8,853 = 23.53, P < 0.0001). Prey captures also were significantly less likely from treated cross arms than from the control cross arm (χ 2 = 86.5, df = 4, P < 0.0001). Birds attempting to perch on deter- rents often flapped their wings broadly where energized conductors would have existed if the poles had not been decommissioned. On energized poles, electrocution would have been possible in this situation. When perch deterrents are used, insulation or isolation of energized equipment also must be installed to minimize electrocution risk.

Double-brooding observed in a Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanachus phasianellus columbianus) in Idaho

ABSTRACT Double brooding is rare in Galliformes and has only been reported twice in grouse species (subfamily Tetraoninae). To our knowledge, a grouse species producing a second brood within a single breeding season that survived >12 days has not been documented in the published literature. We report the case of a Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanachus phasianellus columbianus) in eastern Idaho (43° 34′ 28.3434” N, 111° 36′ 47.988” W) that successfully re-nested after initial brood loss and had two chicks survive to 42 days post-hatch during the 2015 breeding season. Early brood loss, in conjunction with favorable environmental conditions that contributed to early nest initiation and increased food availability, may have contributed to this female's ability to produce a successful second brood.

Identification of Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse Lek Sites in South Central Wyoming

The Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus; hereafter CSTG) occupies approximately 10% of its historic range and is a species of conservation concern in 7 U.S. states and British Columbia. Because little is known about the status of CSTG in Wyoming, we sought to model the relative probability of lek site occurrence within the known distribution of CSTG in the state to identify areas that contained previously undocumented lek sites. The proximity of nesting and brood-rearing habitats to leks advocates their use as a focus of conservation for prairie grouse, including CSTG. We modeled a resource selection function (RSF) to identify areas that were predicted to have a high probability of lek occurrence. In areas identified by the RSF, we searched for leks by conducting ground surveys and surveys from a fixed-wing airplane using aerial infrared (AIR) technology. We identified 6 previously undocumented CSTG leks through ground searches and 4 previously undocumented Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) leks through AIR searches. Newly identified leks represented a 22% increase in the number of known CSTG leks in south central Wyoming. Our method not only improved knowledge of CSTG status in Wyoming, but may also improve identification of unknown lek sites and conservation of lekking habitat and additional reproductive habitats for prairie grouse species in other western states and provinces.

Survival of translocated sharp-tailed grouse: temporal threshold and age effects

Context The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is a subspecies of conservation concern in the western United States, currently occupying ≤10% of its historic range. Land and management agencies are employing translocation techniques to restore Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (CSTG) populations. However, establishing self-sustaining populations by translocating grouse often is unsuccessful, owing, in part, to low survivorship of translocated grouse following release. Aims We measured and modelled patterns of CSTG mortality for 150 days following translocation into historic range, to better understand patterns and causes of success or failure in conservation efforts to re-establish grouse populations. Methods We conducted two independent multi-year translocations and evaluated individual and temporal factors associated with CSTG survival up to 150 days following their release. Both translocations were reintroduction attempts in Nevada, USA, to establish viable populations of CSTG into their historic range. Key results We observed a clear temporal threshold in survival probability, with CSTG mortality substantially higher during the first 50 days following release than during the subsequent 100 days. Additionally, translocated yearling grouse exhibited higher overall survival (0.669 ± 0.062) than did adults (0.420 ± 0.052) across the 150-day period and higher survival than adults both before and after the 50-day temporal threshold. Conclusions Translocated CSTG are especially vulnerable to mortality for 50 days following release, whereas translocated yearling grouse are more resistant to mortality than are adult grouse. On the basis of the likelihood of survival, yearling CSTG are better candidates for population restoration through translocation than are adult grouse. Implications Management actions that ameliorate mortality factors for 50 days following translocation and translocations that employ yearling grouse will increase the likelihood of population establishment.

Evaluating the Potential of Aerial Infrared as a Lek Count Method for Prairie Grouse

Abstract Wildlife biologists use counts of birds attending traditional breeding grounds (i.e., leks) to develop indices of population trends in several grouse species. Standardized lek counts for sage-grouse Centrocercus spp. provide information about population trends by allowing comparison of counts across their range. In contrast, biologists lack a standard lek-count method for prairie grouse Tympanuchus spp.. The lack of a standard lek-count method limits our ability to make rigorous spatial and temporal comparisons or to estimate population trends. Recent use of cooled infrared cameras in aerial surveys and their increased affordability make this technology attractive for monitoring prairie grouse populations. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of aerial infrared (AIR) technology for estimating abundance of prairie grouse by comparing AIR lek counts with ground-based lek counts of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse T. phasianellus columbianus in Idaho. We used both methods simultaneously to count sharp-tailed grouse at 25 leks to compare method consistency. We also used both methods to count sharp-tailed grouse at 88 other leks to quantify and compare the resources required for both methods. The average count obtained with the AIR method (12.3 grouse ± 1.5 SE) and the ground-based method (12.9 grouse ± 1.8 SE) was similar, and we were unable to detect a statistical difference between methods when conducting a negative binomial regression (z = 0.165, P = 0.87). Aerial infrared was twice the cost of the ground-based method, but AIR surveyed more leks in less time (88 leks during 4 d) compared with the ground-based method (88 leks during 29 d). Aerial infrared improves population monitoring by counting leks inaccessible by ground. The time efficiency of AIR and the ability to obtain counts consistent with ground-based methods suggests that AIR may be an effective and efficient lek-count method.

Using Sharp-Tailed Grouse Movement Patterns to Guide Release-Site Selection

Abstract Prairie grouse populations are difficult to reestablish after extirpation. Following translocation, distances individuals move from the release site appear to affect restoration success. Previous authors have suggested assessing lek, nest–brood, and winter habitat when selecting release sites. We examined movement of 131 (66 M and 65 F) radiomarked Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) translocated during 1999–2002 as part of management effort to restore populations to historical ranges in northeastern Nevada, USA, an area where sharp-tailed grouse have not been observed in the wild since the 1950s. We released grouse at 2 sites. We chose the initial site based on its physiographic and vegetation similarities to capture sites in Idaho, USA, particularly shrub–steppe at lower elevations and mountain shrub at higher elevations, and used it during 1999 and 2000 (34 M, 18 F in 1999; 42 M, 26 F in 2000). Females released at this site moved greater distances than males th...

Effect of capture date on nest-attempt rate of translocated sharp-tailed grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus

Attempts to establish functioning populations of prairie grouse by translocation often are unsuccessful due to low reproduction following release. We examined the relationship between capture date and nest attempts of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus during an effort to restore them by translocation to their historic range in northeastern Nevada, USA, during 1999–2000. After observing that females captured relatively early in the trapping period did not attempt to nest, we hypothesized that the likelihood of female insemination is positively correlated to capture date. If females captured at source leks later in the breeding season are more likely to be inseminated, then they may be more likely to nest following release than females that are not inseminated prior to capture. We found that female grouse that were captured from source leks at later dates during the lek-visitation period were more likely to nest following translocation than were females captured during the initial days of female visitation to leks (LogXact Test: P = 0.001). Of 40 radio-marked female grouse, 19 (48%) were observed nesting and nest success was 44%. During 2001, we tested the effect of capture date on the presence of spermatozoa in live female grouse captured from leks. Females trapped later in the lek-visitation period were more likely inseminated than females captured early in the lek-visitation period (LogXact Test: P = 0.036). We recommend that wildlife managers consider capturing females from source leks several days following the onset of the lek-visitation period to increase the frequency of female nest attempts and increase the probability of establishing a new population during reintroductions.

DRC-1339 Egg Baits: Preliminary Evaluation of Their Effectiveness in Removing Ravens

I measured the preliminary effects of chicken egg baits treated with DRC-1339 on removing common ravens for the purpose of reducing raven depredation of prairie grouse nests in northeastern Nevada. Greater sage grouse and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse are game species that are declining in distribution and abundance throughout their historic range. Reduced nest success due to egg depredation by ravens is thought to be an important cause of nest failure. Ravens are subsidized nest predators that have substantially increased in abundance throughout their range within the past 25 years. During 2002-2004, I removed ravens from a treatment site using chicken egg baits treated with DRC-1339 to protect sage grouse and a nascent population of reintroduced Columbian sharp-tailed grouse in northeastern Nevada. I performed raven surveys at the treatment site and 2 control sites, located 22 and 53 km northwest of the treatment site, to measure the effects of using DRC-1339. Preliminary analyses indicate chicken egg baits treated with DRC-1339 significantly reduced raven densities at the treatment site, and change in densities over time was different at the treatment site than the control sites (F = 10.212,59, P &lt; 0.001). Also, anthropogenic resource subsidies (i.e., power-lines, roads, agricultural fields, and public landfills) appeared to influence raven abundance. If lethal removal of ravens is implemented as a short-term management action to protect areas from ecological or economical damage, the technique described here is valuable to managers.

Changes in the Distribution and Abundance of Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse in Washington

Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) were historically found in shrub steppe, meadow steppe, steppe, and deciduous shrub communities throughout much of eastern Washington. The current range, consisting of 8 relatively small, isolated, populations, is less than 3% of historic range. Information collected since 1954 indicates 58% of 107 known lek complexes are currently vacant. Many of the vacant lek complexes (53%) are in areas where sharp-tailed grouse have been extirpated since 1954. Based on annual changes in number of birds counted on lek complexes, the number of sharp-tailed grouse in Washington declined by about 92% since 1954 to 858 birds in 1998. Historic and recent declines of sharp-tailed grouse appear linked to dramatic declines in quantity and quality of native habitat.

Guidelines for management of Columbian sharptailed grouse habitats : K. M. Giesen & J. W. Connelly, Wildlife Society Bulletin, 21(3), 1993, pp 325–333

Guidelines for management of Columbian sharptailed grouse habitats : K. M. Giesen & J. W. Connelly, Wildlife Society Bulletin, 21(3), 1993, pp 325–333

Brood Habitats of Sympatric Sage Grouse and Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse in Wyoming

Habitats used by sympatric sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) were compared. Sage grouse broods occurred most often (68%) in sagebrush (Artemisia spp.)-grass and sagebrush-bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) habitats, whereas sharp-tailed grouse broods occurred most often (73%) in mountain shrub and sagebrush-snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus) habitats. Mountain shrub and sagebrush-snowberry habitats were used by sharptailed grouse more (P < 0.05) than expected based on their availability. Broods of both species used areas within each habitat with less shrub cover than average for that habitat. Sharp-tailed grouse broods were associated with mountain snowberry, oniongrass (Melica spp.), and sulphur buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum). Sites used by sage grouse contained needle-and-thread (Stipa comata) and desert alyssum (Alyssum desertorum). J. WILDL. MANAGE. 54(1):84-88 Distribution of sage grouse and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse historically overlapped in 8 western states (Aldrich 1963). The geographic range of both species has been reduced, and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse currently occupy <10% of their former range (Miller and Graul 1980). Presently, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse occur only in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Montana, Washington, and British Columbia (Miller and Graul 1980). Although habitat use patterns have been documented for sage grouse (Dalke et al. 1963, Klebenow 1969, Rothenmaier 1979) and sharp-tailed grouse (Rogers 1969, Oedekoven 1985, Marks and Marks 1987) independently, habitat use has not been investigated for the 2 species when they occur sympatrically. Both species occupy shrub-steppe communities (Dalke et al. 1963, Marks and Marks 1987) dominated by sagebrush and other shrubs including rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp.), antelope bitterbrush, and common chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). The objectives of our study were to document vegetation types used by sage and sharp-tailed grouse broods and to examine whether sites used by the 2 species differed structurally or vegetatively. Funding was provided by the Rawlins District of the Bureau of Land Management. We gratefully acknowledge L. J. Saslaw and J. R. Farrell of the Bureau of Land Management and D. L. Moody of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for assistance in locating grouse leks. S. P. Gallagher and A. L. Vail-Klott assisted with vegetation sampling and locating grouse broods. We thank W. R. Eddleman for comments on early drafts of the manuscript. This study was conducted under the auspices of the Wyoming Cooperative Fishery and Wildlife Research Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Wyoming, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Wildlife Management Institute cooperating.

Winter Habitat Use by Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse in Western Idaho

Winter Habitat Use by Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse in Western Idaho

Influence of Radio Collars on Survival of Sharp-Tailed Grouse

We assessed effects of radio collars on survival of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) in western Idaho during 1983-86. Thirty-eight grouse were colorbanded and equipped with radio collars, and 9 were colorbanded only. Four nonradioed grouse were the only marked birds resighted 1 year following capture. Radio collars did not restrict flight but altered the appearance, sound in flight, and perhaps the behavior of grouse. Avian predators caused most of the mortality and probably preyed on radio-collared birds selectively. Timing of mortality coincided with spring and autumn dancing periods, presence of northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) in the study area, and seasonal lows in vegetative cover. Despite poor survival of radio-collared grouse, we detected no decline in the population. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 51(2):468-471 The effect of harness-mounted (backpack) radio packages on the behavior and survival of gallinaceous birds has received much recent attention (Herzog 1979, Warner and Etter 1983, Hines and Zwickel 1985). Some authors have reported that radio harnesses have little effect on galliforms, whereas others have documented reduced survival of radio-equipped individuals (see Hines and Zwickel [1985]). Amstrup (1980) designed a poncho-mounted radio collar that eliminated some of the drawbacks of radio harnesses (e.g., restricted mobility) and used it successfully on sharp-tailed grouse. Subsequently, Small and Rusch (1985) found that survival of radio-collared ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) was higher than that of those with radio harnesses. Although Amstrup's radio collar appeared to be an improvement over backpacks, no study has compared survival of radio-collared vs. nonradioed grouse. As part of a study of habitat requirements of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, we captured and radio-collared adults in early spring and autumn 1983-85 (see Marks [1986]). A smaller sample of birds was colorbanded and released without radios. Here, we discuss effects of radio collars on survival and factors influencing the seasonal timing of mortality of sharp-tailed grouse in western Idaho. Primary funding was provided by the Boise Dist. Bur. Land Manage., with additional support from the Idaho Dep. Fish and Game and the Dep. Biol., Montana State Univ. A. R. Sands, S. N. Mattise, R. L. Eng, R. E. Autenrieth, and L. J. Nelson deserve thanks for their contributions to the study. The comments of F. C. Zwickel, R. J. Small, and J. W. Connelly improved an earlier version of the paper. STUDY AREA AND METHODS The 20-km2 study area is located in western Idaho about 23 km north of Weiser, Washington County. The vegetation is shrub-steppe dominated by big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), low sagebrush (A. arbuscula), and bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata). Bitter cherry (Prunus emarginata), common chokecherry (P. virginiana), Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), and snowbrush ceanothus (Ceanothus velutinus) occur in patches on hillsides. Douglas hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) is the most common riparian shrub. Sharp-tailed grouse have not been hunted in the study area since 1974. From 1983 to 1985, we captured 46 sharptailed grouse (36 males and 10 females) on dancing grounds using funnel traps, mist nets, and drop nets. Grouse were weighed with a Pesola spring balance, and 38 were equipped with solar-powered radio transmitters attached to herculite ponchos (Amstrup 1980). These packages weighed 13.5-14.5 g, or about 1.72.5% of the body weight of grouse at the time of capture. All captured grouse, including 9 without radios, were marked with unique combinations of 4 colored leg bands. A nonradioed grouse captured in 1983 was recaptured and radiocollared in 1984. We recovered both radio-collared and nonradioed grouse and determined cause of death from field sign (Dumke and Pils 1973). Avian predators normally removed the head, plucked

Spring, Summer, and Fall Foods of the Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse in Eastern Washington

Journal Article Spring, Summer, and Fall Foods of the Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse in Eastern Washington Get access Robert E. Jones Robert E. Jones Department of Zoology, Warkington State University, Pullman. (Present address: Department of Entomology and Applied Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware.) Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Condor, Volume 68, Issue 6, 1 November 1966, Pages 536–540, https://doi.org/10.2307/1366262 Published: 01 November 1966

Relation of Cultivation to the Disappearance of the Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse from Southeastern Washington

Relation of Cultivation to the Disappearance of the Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse from Southeastern Washington