Centrocercus urophasianus
At dawn on early spring days, hundreds of Sage Grouse collect at breeding leks. Males enter the prairie arena, inflate their chests, spread their pointed tail feathers and strut to intimidate their peers and to attract females. The primary purpose of the dancing is to form pair bonding. Although leks are generally found in prime Sage Grouse habitat, males are not competing for territory. The most experienced and fittest males are always found at the center of the lek; immature males are inexperienced, poor strutters, and they are restricted to the periphery. The females are very selective, and one impressive male may mate with up to 75 percent of the nearby females. |
I.D.: Male: large size; white breast; black bib and belly; long, pointed tail; mottled brown back; yellow comb. Female: mottled brown plumage; black belly. Size: Male: L 27-34 in. (69-86 cm). Female: L 18-24 in. (46-61 cm). Range: locally common in north central Colorado and the Wyoming Rockies. Habitat: sagebrush flats in the plains, foothills or intermountain valleys. Nesting: typically on the Great Plains; on the ground, usually under a sagebrush; in a shallow depression sparsely lined with leaves and grass; female incubates 6-9 eggs for up to 27 days. Feeding: mostly sagebrush leaves; flowers, buds and terrestrial insects during summer. Voice: generally silent. Male: on breeding grounds, gurgles or makes a hollow plop-plop sound as air is released from the air sacs. Female: on breeding grounds, quak-quak. Similar Species: Ring-necked Pheasant: female lacks the black belly and has unfeathered legs. Blue Grouse: fan-shaped tail; lacks the black belly; generally more blue-gray than a female Sage Grouse. |
