Greater Sage-Grouse

Centrocercus urophasianusOrder: GALLIFORMESFamily: Turkeys and Grouse (Phasianidae)

Overview

Greater Sage Grouse: Largest North American grouse, has scaled gray-brown upperparts, white breast, black throat, bib, and belly, and yellow combs above eyes. Large, white collar-like patch on breast conceals two yellow air sacs displayed during courtship. Tail feathers are long and pointed.

Range and Habitat

Greater Sage Grouse: Resident from southern Alberta and Saskatchewan south to eastern California, Nevada, Colorado, and South Dakota. Preferred habitats include the open country and sagebrush plains.

Listen:

Voice Text

"kuk-kuk-kuk"

Greater Sage-Grouse

● Song: "kuk-kuk-kuk"

● Foraging & Feeding: Greater Sage Grouse: Eats soft plants, primarily big sagebrush, but also forbs and insects.

● Breeding & nesting: Greater Sage Grouse: Six to nine pale green eggs, lightly spotted with brown, are laid in a well-concealed grass-lined ground depression. Incubation ranges from 25 to 27 days and is carried out by the female.

● Similar species: Greater Sage Grouse: Other grouse within range are smaller, browner, and lack long, pointed tails and black bellies.

Flight Pattern

Rises with rapid wing beats.

Greater Sage-Grouse Male Body Illustration

● Range & Habitat: Greater Sage Grouse: Resident from southern Alberta and Saskatchewan south to eastern California, Nevada, Colorado, and South Dakota. Preferred habitats include the open country and sagebrush plains.

^BreedingPromiscuous

^PopulationDeclining

^MigrationNonmigratory

^Weight112 Ounces

Field Guide to Birds of North America