RELATIONSHIP OF BODY-SIZE OF MALE SHARP-TAILED GROUSE TO LOCATION OF INDIVIDUAL TERRITORIES ON LEKS

We examined size differences in four morphometric characters of 52 mal e Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) occupying central and peripheral territories on six leks near Fort Albany in northeastern O ntario. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that central males , which were all adults, were significantly larger than peripheral ind ividuals, some of which were juveniles. Central males were disproporti onately heavier for their body size than peripheral males. Differences in body condition may permit central males to attend the lek for long er periods of time and display more than their peripheral neighbors. B ody size as well as body condition may be important in male-male inter actions involving territory acquisition and maintenance on the lek.