W.D. Edge J.A. Crawford C.M. Sveum 1998 <p>To characterize western sage grouse (<i>Centrocercus urophasianus phaios</i> Bonaparte) nesting habitat in sagebrush-steppe habitat in Washington, we initiated a study on the Yakima Training Center to determine nesting habitat characteristics and whether these characteristics differed between successful and depredated nests. Most nests (71%) were in big sagebrush (<i>Artemesia tridentata</i> Nutt.)/bunchgrass communities. Nest habitat was characterized by greater shrub cover, shrub height, vertical cover height, residual cover, and litter than at random locations. Successful 1-m² nest sites within big sagebrush/bunchgrass in 1992 had less shrub cover (51%) and shrub height (64 cm) than depredated nest sites (70% and 90 cm, respectively). Successful 77-m² nest areas in big sagebrush/bunchgrass in 1993 had more tall grass (<span>≥</span> 18 cm) than depredated nest areas. Management that protects the big sagebrush/bunchgrass community is essential for maintaining nesting habitat for sage grouse.</p> application/pdf 10.2307/4003409 en Allen Press Nesting habitat selection by sage grouse in south-central Washington article