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

Cameron L. Aldridge·S.J. Oyler-McCance·R.M. Brigham
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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.

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Cameron L. Aldridge, S.J. Oyler-McCance, R.M. Brigham. 2001. Occurrence of Greater Sage-Grouse X Sharp-tailed Grouse hybrids in Alberta. https://doi.org/10.1650/0010-5422(2001)103%5B0657%3Aoogsgs%5D2.0.co%3B2

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