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Gunnison Sage-Grouse

Centrocercus minimus ORDER: GALLIFORMES FAMILY: PHASIANIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered

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.

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

Appearance

Gamebirds
Gamebirds

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.

Range Map Help

Gunnison Sage-Grouse Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

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.