Greater Sage Grouse
Centrocercus urophasianus
Animal description
- largest grouse in the United States
- Adults have mottled gray and brown feathers while males have white chests with a yellow patch over its eye
- Males also have long tail feathers with white tips
Feeding habitats
- Feed on wildflowers, insects and forage crops in spring and summer
- Feed on sage brush later in to year as it becomes the only available food source
Reproduction and rearing young
- Hens lay clutches of 6-10 eggs
- Clutch size is affected by loss of habitat
- Make a large booming sound while puffing feathers to atract mates
Interesting facts
Scientists use motorized hen mounts to learn about sage grouse breeding habits
Environmental affects
The loss of the Sage Grouse should be a warning for other game animals populations because the sage grouse is affected by habitat loss
Cause of endangerment
Endangerment is caused by the dramatic loss of habitat
Evasive procedures
Habitat protection and closing of seasons in certain areas