Sage Grouse
NameSage Grouse
Common NameGreater Sage-Grouse
Scientific NameCentrocercus urophasianus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)67
Length (cm)62
Weight (g)2000
Plumage DetailsMales have a mottled gray-brown body, a black belly, and a striking white chest with a ruff of white feathers. During courtship, they reveal two large, bare, yellowish-green air sacs on their chest and erect spiky tail feathers. Females are smaller and more cryptically mottled brown.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a distinctive series of popping and booming sounds during their courtship display, created by the inflation and deflation of their air sacs. These sounds are part of a complex ritual to attract mates.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatssagebrush steppe, grassland
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in the sagebrush ecosystems of western North America, primarily across the intermountain West of the United States and southern Canada.
Identifying Featureslarge size, male courtship display with inflated yellow air sacs, spiky fanned tail feathers, white chest and black belly on males, reliance on sagebrush habitat
Description
The Greater Sage-Grouse is a large ground-dwelling bird native to western North America, known for the elaborate courtship display of the males. During this display, males inflate large yellow air sacs on their chest, fan their spiky tail feathers, and strut to attract females.
