Greater Sage Grouse

Centrocercus urophasianus

Length: 22 to 28 inches	Wingspan: 28 to 38 inches	Seasonality: All Seasons
ID Keys: White breast ruff (male), black belly, mottled brownish-gray overall.

The largest of the North American Grouse, the Greater Sage Grouse and the very similar Gunnison Sage Grouse were just recently split into two separate species, when it was discovered that Gunnison Sage Grouse (not found in South Dakota) were genetically distinct and had different breeding displays and calls.  Greater Sage Grouse have spectacular spring mating displays on their leks (traditional breeding grounds), with male birds struting and rapidly inflating and deflating the large air sacs in their breast (see photo to the right).   Sage Grouse are heavily dependent on sagebrush habitat, and quickly disappear from areas where this habitat is converted to agricultural fields or grasslands for grazing.

Habitat: Only found in habitats with sagebrush in the vicinity, including open plains, mountain valleys, mountainsides, and high mesas.

Diet: Relies very heavily on leaves and fresh shoots of sagebrush, especially during the fall and winter.  Will eat other leaves, flowers, buds, and fresh shoots in other seasons, and also consumes some insects during summer months.

Nesting: May and June

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Courting males make loud popping sounds from inflated air sacs.  When flushed, makes a cuk-cuk-cuk call.

Migration: Generally a permanent resident throughout its range, although birds at higher elevations will move to lower elevations in the winter.

Similar Species: Gunnison Sage Grouse, not found in South Dakota.

Conservation Status: Has disappeared from much of its former range.  Destruction of sagebrush habitat in much of the west has taken a heavy toll on this species and others that depend on these unique habitats.  Declines in population and range are continuing.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Greater Sage Grouse

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Greater Sage Grouse"

3) eNature.com: Greater Sage Grouse

Photo Information: April 12th, 2003 -- Western South Dakota -- Doug Backlund

 

South Dakota Status: Uncommon permanent resident in select locations in the extreme western part of the state.

 

Additional Greater Sage Grouse Photos (coming soon!)