NESTING ECOLOGY OF MERRIAM TURKEYS IN THE BLACK-HILLS, SOUTH-DAKOTA

Merriam's wild turkeys (Meleagris gallapavo merriami) were introduced to the Black Hills approximately 40 years ago, and recent population e stimates show a large and stable population. Until now, few studies ha ve evaluated nesting ecology of Merriam's turkeys, and none occurred i n predominantly pure ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests. Thus, w e studied nesting and nest habitat factors that influence population p roductivity using a hierarchical approach in the Black Hills, South Da kota. In contrast to other studies, yearling Merriam's turkey hens sho wed a high propensity to nest. Nest survival for adult hens did not di ffer (P = 0.18) from yearlings, but adult hen success was higher (P = 0.03). April-June precipitation was positively related (R2 = 0.93, P < 0.01) to the number of nest attempts. Primary nest predators were mam mals and American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos; hereafter referred to as crows). Among macrohabitats (third-order habitats), there were no ( P = 0.45) patterns of nest site selection. Among microhabitats (fourth -order habitats), hens selected small sites (<5 m across) with obstruc ted view of the nest and vegetation averaging 2.3 dm tall. Few microha bitat differences occurred between successful and unsuccessful nests, and those that did were related to higher (P = 0.02) survival of third nest attempts. Our data indicate that availability of nest habitat wa s not limiting turkey populations in this area.