The habitat requirements and movements of sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) broods were studied with the aid of radio-telemetry in central Montana during the summers of 1968 and 1969. Five hundred and eighty locations were obtained on 18 radio-marked sage grouse. The vegetation at brood sites was analyzed periodically throughout both summers. Visual estimates of sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) density were obtained for all locations of radio-equipped broods. Throughout both summers sagebrush in scattered (1-10 percent) and common (10-25 percent) densities received the greatest utilization by broods. Sagebrush heights of 6 to 18 inches were the most prevalent heights at brood sites. For the 2 years combined, sagebrush canopy coverage averaged 14 percent for June, 12 percent for July, 10 percent for August and 21 percent for September. Broods utilized sagebrush-grassland benches early in the summer (June and July) and shifted to greasewood (Sarcobatus vernriculatus) bottoms and/or alfalfa (Medicago sativa) fields as the forbs on the higher elevations became desiccated. They remained in these bottom types until late August and early September at which time they shifted back into sagebrush types. Sizes of areas used by broods averaged 213 acres for sagebrush types in early summer (June and July), 144 acres for alfalfa fields, 91 acres for greasewood bottoms and 128 acres for sagebrush types in late summer (August and September). Brood ranges can be quite small, occurring within one vegetational type or quite extensive covering movements through Several vegetational types. In this area it appeared that the availability of food was the factor which determined the vegetational types utilized by broods during different periods of the summer.In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the require ments for an advanced degree at Montana State University, I agree that the Library shall make it freely available for inspection. I further agree that permission for extensive copying of this thesis for scholarly purposes may be granted by my major professor, or, in his absence, by the Director of Libraries. It is understood that any copying or publi cation of this thesis for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. ■ ; Signature Date ' X^I O SUMMER MOVEMENTS AND HABITAT. USE BY SAGE GROUSE BROODS IN CENTRAL MONTANA by/yfy RICHARD ORVILLE WALLESTAD A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty in partial fulfilTment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in FiSh and Wildlife Management
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