SAGE GROUSE 
309. Centrocercus urophasianus. 29 in. 
The female of this large and very interesting grouse, 
differs from the male only in its smaller size and paler, 
duller plumage. They are found in abundance on the 
dry sagebrush-covered plains about the Rocky Mts. and 
to the westward. In summer they feed largely upon 
insects and buds of various plants, but in fall and 
winter, their food is almost entirely the leaves of the 
sagebrush; at this season, in consequence, their flesh 
is unfit to eat, so they are not hunted for market, and 
are able to pursue a life of quiet as far as man is 
concerned. In spring, they inculge in amusing play, 
as do all the grouse; they have a few wiry hairs on 
either side of the neck, covering the naked saes that 
correspond to those of the Prairie Hen; they strut 
about with these sacs inflated, and their spread tail, 
erect, making peculiar buzzing sounds. 
Nest.—KEggs laid on the ground under sagebrush; 
greenish-buff, spotted rather sparingly with brown. 
Range.—Sagebrush covered plains from New Mexico 
to Southern British Columbia and Assiniboia 
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