Microhabitat selection by nesting and brood-rearing northern bobwhite in Kansas

Productivity may be the most important factor associated with changes in no rthern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) population size, so habitat influence s on reproductive success and behavior must be well understood. To examine these influences, we measured microhabitat (ground cover, height, visual ob struction of vegetation) selection by nesting and brood-rearing bobwhite in Kansas during 1991-94, and discerned which habitat components were associa ted with clutch success. Nest sites had taller vegetation, greater visual o bstruction, and more litter cover than random sites within habitat patches in which nests were located. Habitat patches that contained successful nest s had less relative shrub cover and taller vegetation than those that conta ined depredated nests. Successful nest sites also had less relative litter cover that depredated nest sites. Brood-rearing adults selected sites with more bare ground, taller vegetation, and greater visual obstruction during the day. Broods night-roosted at sites with more litter and taller vegetati on than at diurnal sites. Nesting and brood-rearing bobwhite select microha bitats that vary widely in vegetative ground cover, height, and structure; thus, managers should provide this variability when manipulating vegetation .