| Colin M. Sveum, W. Daniel Edge, and John A. Crawford |
| Authors are biological sciences technician, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Mississippi Science Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisc. 54603; associate professor, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Nash 104, Corvallis, Ore. 97331-3803; and professor, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Nash 104, Corvallis, Ore. 97331-3803. At the time of the research, the senior author was graduate research assistant, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore. |
Abstract |
| To characterize western sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus phaios Bonaparte) nesting habitat in sagebrush-steppe habitat in Washington, we initiated a study on the Yakima Training Center to determine nesting habitat characteristics and whether these characteristics differed between successful and depredated nests. Most nests (71%) were in big sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata Nutt.)/bunchgrass communities. Nest habitat was characterized by greater shrub cover, shrub height, vertical cover height, residual cover, and litter than at random locations. Successful 1-m2 nest sites within big sagebrush/bunchgrass in 1992 had less shrub cover (51%) and shrub height (64 cm) than depredated nest sites (70% and 90 cm, respectively). Successful 77-m2 nest areas in big sagebrush/bunchgrass in 1993 had more tall grass (> 18 cm) than depredated nest areas. Management that protects the big sagebrush/bunchgrass community is essential for maintaining nesting habitat for sage grouse. |
| Key Words: Centrocercus urophasianus, predation, reproduction |