Vegetation Type Preferences Of Attwater's Prairie Chicken In Coastal Prairie

Between February 1975 and June 1977 a total of 5,302 observations of Attwater's prairie chicken (Tympanuchus wpido attwateri) activities was made. These observations included 3,698 sightings at booming grounds and 1,604 other sightings (nests, broods, roost forms and individual birds). These data were analyzed according to vegetation type usage. The birds extensively utilized four of eight major vegetation types plus artificially' maintained areas. Of the major vegetation types, the clumped midgrass received the greatest use (88%). Their preference for a vegetation type was apparently determined by the amount of visual obstruction and height of vegetation. Juxtaposition of utilized vegetation types and soil moisture also influenced chicken use of areas.

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