A large grouse iconic to western sagebrush country. Males perform spectacular spring displays on traditional "leks" — inflating air sacs and producing booming pops audible across miles. Habitat loss has reduced populations 80% since 1965.

Also called: Sage Grouse

Native status: Native; declining

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 65–90 cm (26–35 in); wingspan 90–120 cm
Weight1.5–4.5 kg (3.3–10 lb)
LifespanWild 1–2 years; captive 12
OrderGalliformes
FamilyPhasianidae

§ Encyclopedia

The greater sage-grouse, also known as the sagehen, is the largest grouse in North America. Its range is sagebrush country in the western United States and southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. It was known as simply the sage grouse until the Gunnison sage-grouse was recognized as a separate species in 2000. The Mono Basin population of sage grouse may also be distinct.

Source: Wikipedia — Greater sage-grouse Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive grouse with distinctive air sacs and dramatic male displays.

Similar species. Other prairie grouse species. Greater Prairie-Chicken (less dramatic display).

Voice. Deep booming pops during lek displays.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Seeds, leaves, berries, insects.

Behavior. Forms large flocks in winter. Males display elaborate inflated air sacs at lek sites.

§ Range

Western sagebrush steppe (11 states)

§ Habitat

Sagebrush-dominated steppe

§ Threats

Loss of sagebrush to oil/gas, energy development, invasive cheatgrass and resulting wildfires, livestock impacts.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the greater sage-grouse is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Support sagebrush conservation. Oppose unmitigated energy development. Donate to Western Watersheds Project.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • USFWS
  • IUCN Red List 2016