Sharp-tailed Grouse
NameSharp-tailed Grouse
Common NameSharp-tailed Grouse
Scientific NameTympanuchus phasianellus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)60
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)775
Plumage DetailsHeavily mottled brown, black, and white plumage covers the back and wings, providing excellent camouflage. The belly is predominantly white with some barring. The tail is short and pointed, featuring white outer tail feathers. Males display a prominent yellow-orange comb above the eye and inflatable purplish-red air sacs on the sides of the neck during courtship.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a series of cooing calls, clucking, and foot-stomping sounds during their elaborate lek displays. Females typically give clucking or cackling calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across central and western North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the northern Great Plains of the United States.
Identifying FeaturesPointed tail with white outer feathers, Mottled brown and white plumage, Yellow comb above eye (males), Purple neck air sacs (males, during display), Lekking behavior
Description
A medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird known for its elaborate courtship displays on leks. It has a mottled brown and white plumage, a short, pointed tail, and males exhibit distinctive yellow combs and purple neck sacs during breeding season.
