The greater sage-grouse, centrocerus urophasianus, is the largest of all grouses in North America. They measure 22 to 29.5 inches (56 to 75 centimeters) long and weigh 3 to 6.3 pounds (1.4 to 2.9 kilograms). Males are easily distinguishable from females as they have a dark gray head, black throat and yellow lores (the space between the eyes and upper base of the bill). Males also have a brown upper-chest as well as a large white ruff that they can inflate. Their wings are brown with some white barring while the tail is long and tapered with barring. Females are shorter, are mottled brown and gray with less white than males, and do not have inflatable sacs. They have gray and white throats.
The greater sage-grouse can be found in the United States as well as parts of Canada. They prefer to live in medium-density sagebrush mixed with a variety of other plants and are often seen in areas with low, rolling hills adjacent to valleys. The greater sage grouse moves around on the ground most of the time, but is also a strong flyer for short distances. They communicate through a series of calls, including soft chuckling notes.
Unlike other grouses, the greater sage-grouse does not eat many hard seeds. They will forage for food on the ground throughout the year, although their diet changes from season to season. During the winter, they will mostly eat sagebrush leaves while insects will become part of their diet during the summer. At other times of the year, a greater sage-grouse will consume flowers and buds from a wide variety of plant species. Whenever they find themselves in danger, these birds will either hide or fly to escape as they are not very good runners.
Males will gather on a common breeding ground (called a lek) during the spring, where they will attempt to attract females to mate with. Traditional lekking grounds can be used for years. They will inflate their air sacs and display their plumage to entice the females. Despite the fact that there may be many males displaying at a lek, only 1 or 2 of them will be picked by the majority of the females. After mating takes place, the male will return to the lek while the female builds a nest to lay her eggs. The female will lay 6 to 13 eggs over a 9 day period and incubate them for around 37 days. The newborns are able to fly at around 1 week of age, but will remain with their mother until fall.
The greater sage-grouse is a “near threatened” species. Their populations are declining and they have disappeared from a number states and provinces where they were once known to live. Hopefully, the greater sage-grouse can overcome its obstacles and avoid getting any closer to extinction. After all, such a unique bird species deserves to live and prosper far into the future.
Works Cited
“Greater Sage-Grouse” 28 November 2011
“Greater Sage-Grouse” 28 November 2011
“Greater Sage-Grouse” 28 November 2011
“Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocerus Urophasianus)” 28 November 2011
“Greater Sage-Grouse” 28 November 2011