We studied selection of roost sites by hens using telemetry data, and found that hens preferred to roost in mature pine and pine-hardwood stands. We compared roost sites to random sites within each hen’s home range, and found that roosts were closer to creeks and in older forest stands than random sites. Hens didn’t appear to increase their movements immediately prior to roosting, suggesting that hens move throughout their ranges in a way that places them near preferred roosts by dark. Our findings suggest that maintaining mature forest stands along riparian areas is important to ensuring availability of roost sites.
Habitat Selection of Wild Turkeys in Burned Longleaf Pine Savannas
We examined habitat selection of hens on sites managed intensively with prescribed
