Nest Site Characteristics and Nest Success of Spruce Grouse

Abstract

Spruce grouse (Canachites canadensis) incubate eggs for about 23 days during which the hen spends over 90% of the time on the nest. Females might try to select a sheltered nest for protection from inclement weather and predation. Three measurements were studied that seemed particularly relevant to nest success (completion of incubation) of Franklin''s spruce grouse (C. c. franklinii): concealment of nests, distance to a game trail and presence of clocker droppings. Results on effects of using dogs to locate nests are also given. Nest sites of spruce grouse did not offer much protection from inclement weather but concealment of nesting females did vary. Nest success was associated directly with the estimates of concealment.