Ruffed Grouse 



Alan C. Nelson 



SAGE GROUSE (Centrocercus urophasianus) 



The sage grouse is an excellent example of habitat specialization, for it 

 spends the entire year in a sagebrush environment, and the sagebrush pro- 

 vides the species with food, protection, and nesting cover. The sage grouse 

 is the largest American grouse weighing up to 8 pounds. Sage grouse cocks 

 have elaborate courtships rituals. Early in the morning, dominant males 

 gather on display grounds where they spread their tails, droop their wings 

 and inflate their yellow throat sacs. When the air is expelled from these 

 sacs they produce a weak vocal sound. Males occupy territories relative 

 to their dominance in the group. The ritualistic courtship serves not only 

 to attract females, but also to reduce injurious fighting. Primarily a brow- 

 ser, the sage grouse feeds on leaves, buds, berries, and small quantities 

 of seeds. Sage leaves are a favorite food which comprise nearly 100 percent 

 of the bird's winter diet. Sage grouse are common in sagebrush flats of the 

 Jackson Hole area. 



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Harry Engels 



