Occurrence of Greater Sage-Grouse X Sharp-tailed Grouse hybrids in Alberta

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Product Type: Journal Article

Year: 2001

Author(s): Aldridge, C.L., S.J. Oyler-McCance, and R.M. Brigham

Pages: 657-660

Suggested Citation: Aldridge, C.L., S.J. Oyler-McCance, and R.M. Brigham. 2001. Occurrence of Greater Sage-Grouse X Sharp-tailed Grouse hybrids in Alberta. The Condor 103(3): 657-660.

Abstract

Two distinct grouse were regularly observed at two Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) leks in both 1999 and 2000 in southeastern Alberta. Physically and behaviorally, the birds exhibited characteristics of both Greater Sage-grouse and Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus), suggesting they were hybrids. DNA analyses of blood and feather samples indicated that both birds were males with Greater Sage-grouse mothers and thus, fathers that were likely Sharp-tailed Grouse.