362 University of Colifornia PuhUcations in Zoojof/n. [Vol. 



Centrocercus urophasianus (Bonaparte) 

 Sage Hen 



Distribution. — Observed commonly the last of June and there- 

 after in the mountains above 6000 feet. Most numerous on the 

 broad flats of Leonard Creek. They were characteristic of 

 Transition zone. 



Habits. — In general habits sage hens much resemble the Cali- 

 fornia quail. They allow of one's near approach before giving 

 the slightest warning of their presence, making up for this a 

 little later, however, through a series of explosive sounds made 

 by the sudden rapid beating of many wings as the birds rise in 

 flight. Occasionally individuals (these were frequently observed 

 to be young birds) do not fly up with the others, but wait until 

 a little later, giving the hunter a second series of momentary 

 surprises. Often, too, the sage hens that flush last take a dif- 

 ferent direction from that followed by the main flock. 



The manner of flight is characteristic. First there is the 

 stentorian "whirr," and the birds fly away with wings rapidly 

 beating and the body swaying from side to side. At intervals 

 this is alternated with a sailing movement, performed by holding 

 the wings extended and motionless. The latter seems to be the 

 favorite manner of alighting, for they always sail just previous 

 to coming to rest. 



Usually the birds void some fecal matter shortly after leaving 

 the ground, and as they fly utter a chuckling or clucking fowl- 

 like note. 



One individual was flushed and flew a short distance up a 

 hillside, alighting on the bare ground. The observer, upon look- 

 ing away for a moment and then attempting to make out the 

 resting bird, w^as absolutely unable to do so. Later the sage hen 

 was again frightened from the place where it had perched. 

 There is little doubt that the colors exhibited by Centrocercus 

 are effectively protective. 



The crops and gizzards of three birds contained sagebrush 

 leaves, insects, grass seeds, and grass stems. 



One flock was observed on the ground near a stream. The 

 sage hens were sitting close together and dusting their feathers 



