Observations of the formation of a sage grouse lek

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Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) commonly use disturbed areas as breeding arenas; however, few data are available on the establishment of leks by Sage Grouse. During a study of Sage Grouse use of a prescribed burn site, observations of three wing-tagged male and three radio-collared female grouse on a recently burned area provided some insight into the establishment of an arena. The appearance of displaying grouse on recently disturbed sites suggests that natural openings suitable for arenas are limited on some areas of the INEL. Sagebrush-dominated vegetation types cover most of the western INEL but openings occur in playas, shallow basins, and disturbed areas. Of nine arenas within 12 km of the burn site, four occur in playas or basins and five are on burned areas. Eng et al. stressed the importance of juxtaposition of arenas with winter, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat. In areas such as the western INEL where sagebrush cover is continuous over large areas and openings are widely spaced, suitable nesting and early brood-rearing habitat may be underused due to isolation from arenas; however, this needs to be demonstrated.

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Reference Code: A85GAT01IDUS

Full Citation: Gates, R. J. 1985. Observations of the formation of a sage grouse lek. Wilson Bulletin 97(2): 219-221.

Location: ANIMAL EF: BIRDS