Sharp-tailed Grouse

38-51 cm (15-20") Fairly common. Central North America north to Alaska. Prairies and brushlands, clearings in boreal forests.

Dark mottled brown above. Similar to Prairie Chickens but underside is spotted and scaled, not barred. Tail is pointed and mostly white; in flight shows white tail edges. Males gather in spring to display and attract females; strut about with tails fanned and inflate purple neck sacs.

Song: clucks and cackles.

Videos

Images

Credit: Gerry

Credit: Pat Gaines

Credit: Pat Gaines

Credit: Bryant

Distribution Maps

Sharp-tailed Grouse winter distribution map

Sharp-tailed Grouse distribution map