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Gunnison Sage-Grouse

Centrocercus minimus ORDER: GALLIFORMES FAMILY: PHASIANIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered

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Gunnison Sage-Grouse Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Restricted to Colorado, the Gunnison Sage-Grouse was only recently realized to be a species separate from the Greater Sage-Grouse. The two species differ in size, display ornaments, and in breeding displays.

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Appearance

Gamebirds
Gamebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

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

Immature Description

Immature similar to adult of same sex.

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Field MarksHelp

  • Male
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    Gunnison Sage-Grouse

    Male
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Gunnison County, Colorado, April 2000

Similar Species

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