Greater Sage-Grouse

Centrocercus urophasianus

Range & Recent Observations

Last Spotted Near You

About the Greater Sage-Grouse

The greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), also known as the sagehen, is the largest grouse in North America. Its range is sagebrush country in the western United States and southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. It was known as simply the sage grouse until the Gunnison sage-grouse was recognized as a separate species in 2000. The Mono Basin population of sage grouse may also be distinct. The greater sage-grouse is a permanent resident in its breeding grounds but may move short distances to lower elevations during winter. It makes use of a complex lek system in mating and nests on the ground under sagebrush or grass patches. It forages on the ground, mainly eating sagebrush but also other plants and insects.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name: Centrocercus urophasianus
Family: Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies
Order: Galliformes

Similar species

Other members of the pheasants, grouse, and allies family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

Know when the Greater Sage-Grouse turns up near you

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