| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 1982 |
| Authors: | Hale, PE, A. Johnson, S, J. Landers, L |
| Journal: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
| Volume: | 46 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Date Published: | 1982 |
| ISBN Number: | 0022541X |
| Keywords: | Bonasa, Bonasa umbellus, Phasianidae, Philomachus, Philomachus pugnax, Scolopacidae |
| Abstract: | Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) drumming sites (N = 14) on a 730-ha area were compared with an equal number of grossly similar, but unused, sites nearby. Drumming sites occurred over the entire range of overstory types, slope aspects, and elevations (622-1,230 m). Overstory characteristics of both used and unused sites appeared quite similar, but discriminant analysis with 14 interacting variables indicated that all vegetation layers contributed to a site's suitability for drumming. Drumming sites were associated with a relatively dense understory; heath shrubs (Ericaceae) had the greatest importance values and were more dense at these sites (P < 0.05), whereas tree regeneration dominated the understory at unused sites. Structure of the understory was most critical. Visibility profiles revealed that shrub thickets provided greater concealment at 0.5-4 m above ground level, with more open conditions below 0.5 m. In northern Georgia, ericaceous shrub thickets are important in drumming-site selection. Forest managers should maintain this component as well-dispersed units in grouse habitat. |
| URL: | http://www.jstor.org/stable/3808414 |
| Short Title: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
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