Characteristics of wild turkey nest sites in a mixed-grass prairie–oak–woodland mosaic in the northern great plains, South Dakota

Authors:
  • KDKeith S. Day
    Keith S. Day
  • LFLester D. Flake
    Lester D. Flake
  • WTW. Lee Tucker
    W. Lee Tucker
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Abstract
Habitat characteristics potentially important to nest site selection were measured at 44 wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) nests in a mixed-grass prairie–oak–woodland mosaic in south-central South Dakota during 1986 and 1987. Characteristics were compared between nest sites within woodland and grassland communities and with those of random sites within these respective communities by means of a median scores test (nonparametric). Almost all nests initiated in April were in woodland communities, whereas nests started after the 1 st week in May were primarily in grassland communities. Hens in woodlands and grasslands selected nest sites with concealing vegetation immediately above the nest and placed their nests in habitats associated with high interspersion. Shrubs were strongly selected for as nesting cover in grassland communities. Hens in grasslands selected sites with high visual obstruction (0–60 cm and 60–180 cm) immediately around the nest site when compared with random sites; nests in grasslands were also associated with higher than expected visual obstruction (0–60 cm) in the 10- to 40-m peripheral area. Nests in grasslands had better concealment from above (1.5 m) and higher visual obstruction readings under 60 cm (at nest site) than did nests in woodlands. We detected no association of nests with water sources in grasslands or woodlands.