Aspen Bibliography

Roosting sites and habits of Merriam's turkeys in Colorado

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Wildlife Management

Volume

32

Issue

4

First Page

859

Last Page

866

Publication Date

1968

Abstract

Characteristics were measured of 210 trees used for roosting by Merriam's turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) within nine winter and ten summer roosting sites in south-central Colorado. Roosting behavior was observed at one winter site. Tall, overmature ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) were preferred for winter roosting sites. Old-growth Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga taxifolia), white fir (Abies concolor), and narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) were also used on winter sites. Summer sites, while similar to the winter sites, were usually at higher elevations, smaller in area, and contained fewer roosting trees. Overmature ponderosa pine were most often used on the summer sites; also used were old-growth Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanni), narrowleaf cottonwood, and white fir. Of a sample of 96 ponderosa pine used as roosting trees, the average age was 163 years. One hundred twenty ponderosa pine winter roosts averaged 21.5 inches dbh and 70 ft in height. Of 52 ponderosa pine summer roosts, the average size was 22.5 inches dbh and 65 ft in height. Trees selected for roosts were usually the tallest and largest on the sites. At one winter roosting site, a wide variance in evening roosting times appeared to result from varying weather. Birds often began to roost before sunset when the sky was overcast and rain or snow fell. They often began to roost much later than sunset when high winds combined with cold temperatures. Regardless of weather, turkeys left this roosting site in the mornings before sunrise.

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