Sooty Grouse
NameSooty Grouse
Common NameSooty Grouse
Scientific NameDendragapus fuliginosus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)59
Length (cm)46.5
Weight (g)1100
Plumage DetailsMales are dark, sooty gray-brown overall with a broad gray band at the end of the tail. During display, they inflate bright yellow-orange gular sacs surrounded by white feathers on the sides of the neck, and erect red fleshy combs above their eyes.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a distinctive series of deep, resonant hooting calls, typically a five-note 'whoot-whoot-whoot-whoot-whoot' that carries long distances.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in western North America, from southeastern Alaska and Yukon south through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California, extending into parts of Idaho and Montana.
Identifying FeaturesDark sooty plumage, Bright yellow-orange gular sacs (males in display), Red combs above eyes (males in display), Fanned tail during display, Deep hooting call
Description
The Sooty Grouse is a large, dark-plumaged grouse found in western North America. Males are known for their elaborate courtship display, featuring inflated yellow-orange gular sacs and prominent red combs above their eyes, accompanied by deep hooting calls.
