Greater Sage-Grouse

Centrocercus urophasianus ORDER: GALLIFORMES FAMILY: PHASIANIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Near Threatened

A bird of the open sagebrush plains, the Greater Sage-Grouse is the largest grouse species in North America.

For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Gamebirds

Large chicken-like bird. Grayish in color. Belly black. Long tail, with spiky tail feathers.

Immature similar to adult of same sex.

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Very similar to Gunnison Sage-Grouse, which is smaller, has a paler tail, and more prominent head plumes. Ranges do not overlap.
Wild Turkey is larger, has rounded tail feathers, and lacks a black belly.
Both Dusky Grouse and Sooty Grouse are distinguished from female Greater Sage-Grouse by slightly smaller size, rounded (not pointed) tail, and plainer underparts lacking blackish belly patch.
Sharp-tailed Grouse is distinguished from female Greater Sage-Grouse by smaller size, short tail, white undertail coverts, and plainer underparts lacking blackish belly.