Selective Use of Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Towns by Mountain Plovers

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Abstract
Habitat use by Mountain Plovers (Charadrius montanus) was studied in north-central Montana during 1978 and 1979. Mountain Plovers were found to selectively inhabit black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) towns. Horizontal visibility and bare ground were significantly greater inside prairie dog towns used by plovers than adjacent areas. Total plant cover and grass cover were significantly lower inside prairie dog towns than on adjacent areas. Most towns on the study area were associated with an area that was intensively grazed by cattle. Plovers used only the active towns larger than 3 ha located on level upland sites (n = 16 out of 35).

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