Characteristics of Sharp-tailed Grouse, Tympanuchus phasianellus, Leks in the parklands of Manitoba

Abstract

Characterisitics of Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) leks were studied in southwestern Manitoba from May 1983 through May 1985. Leks were situated an average of 2.2 km apart. Leks averaged 450 m-2 in size, with area per displaying male approximately 50 m-2. Leks were higher in elevation than most surrounding terrain with 500 m. Lek display areas were qtoreq 0.5 m higher than display perimeters. Display areas were flat surfaces sloped ltoreq 1%. Vegetation height was less on display areas than on perimeter areas at all times of the year. Ground cover consisted of grass (70%), forbs (15%), bare ground (15%), and shrubs ( ltoreq 1%). Visibility on display areas increased progressively from summer to fall to spring. Each lek had escape cover within 500 m and trees for perching within 400 m. Key environmental characteristics for Sharp-tailed Grouse leks are elevated sites with wide-viewing horizons and nearby female perching trees. These locations appear to maximize sound transmission for both sexes