Dendragapus obscurus
In dense, montana forests, the owl-like hooting of the male Blue Grouse is one of the earliest signs of spring. His deep courting notes carry across the valleys while patches of snow still remain. The male's voice is so deep that the human ear can only hear a fraction of the sounds. The low frequencies travel well through forests, however, and they can carry hundreds of yards. Hormonal changes cause these birds to make seasonal migrations, but rather than moving north-south, Blue Grouse simply move up and down mountain slopes. Dendragapus is Greek for 'tree-loving,' but these birds are not strictly arboreal. |
I.D.: General: white undertail covers; feathered legs. Male: gray-blue body; orange-yellow combs above the eyes; purple throat patches surrounded by white feathers. Female: mottled brownish gray overall. Northern Rockies: unbanded tail. Southern Rockies: gray band at the tail tip. Size: Male: L 17-19 in. (43-48 cm). Female: L 18-22 in. (46-56 cm). Range: common to uncommon resident throughout the Rockies. Habitat: Winter: open coniferous forests in the montane. Summer: open coniferous forest; shrub meadows, avalanche slopes and shrubby ridges in the montane and the subalpine. Nesting: on the ground, often near a fallen log or under a shrub; in a shallow depression lined with dead vegetation, such as leaves, twigs and needles; female incubates 7-10 buff-colored eggs for 25-28 days. Feeding: leaves, berries, seeds and flowers; conifer needles and buds in winter; young birds eat grasshoppers and beetles. Voice: deep, low hoots. Similar Species: Spruce Grouse: much smaller; banded tail. Ruffed Grouse: much smaller; small crest; black shoulder patch; banded tail. |
