An investigation of sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) in northeastern Prince Edward Island

This study investigated aspects of the ecology of the sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus), an exotic gallinaceous bird, on a landscape spatial scale. The study evaluated limiting factors of three requirements for population integrity and survival: the availability of lek sites, landscape level suitability including nesting/brood cover, and winter food supply. The study took place in northeastern Prince Edward Island (PEI). The overall objective of this project was to determine if there is a self sustaining population of sharp-tailed grouse on the Island.

The study methods included two principle elements: a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis of habitat requirements, and field surveys during the courtship season and critical winter period. The GIS analysis identified sharp-tailed grouse habitat based on published habitat metrics. The field program consisted of 1) lek identification using courtship vocalizations and visual observations to locate leks; 2) lek surveys to determine the number of territorial males per lek and to estimate population size, and 3) track, scat and visual observations to determine winter habitat use.

During the study four leks were found. The number of displaying male sharp-tailed grouse observed ranged from 3 to 27. Three of the four leks were associated with commercial blueberry growing areas. The GIS analysis showed that there were many potential lek sites in northeastern PEI but areas capable of supporting sharp-tailed grouse were limited by of the amount of forest. Winter habitat is not likely limiting grouse populations. Based on the observations of this study, the sharp-tailed grouse population is unlikely to be self-sustaining over a long period.