Sharp-tailed Grouse

Overview

The Sharp-tailed Grouse is a prairie and brushland gamebird found across the northern Great Plains, parts of the Rocky Mountain foothills, and boreal transition zones of Canada and Alaska. It is named for its short, wedge-shaped tail with elongated central feathers that come to a point. Males gather at communal display grounds called leks, where they perform an elaborate stamping and cooing courtship dance.

• Family: Phasianidae (grouse)
• Diet: seeds, buds, berries, and invertebrates
• Range: northern Great Plains, parts of the Rockies, and boreal Canada and Alaska

Feather Identification

• Body feathers: mottled brown, buff, and white, with V-shaped chevron markings on the breast and flanks distinct from barred patterns seen in other prairie grouse.
• Tail: short, wedge-shaped tail with a pointed profile; central feathers are longer than outer feathers, and the underside of the tail is largely white.
• Neck: males have inflatable purple-violet neck sacs and yellow eye combs used during lek display.
• Wing: in flight, white markings on the wing and outer tail feathers are visible, useful for identification.
• Vs. similar species: the pointed tail and chevron-marked underparts distinguish it from the Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens, which show barred underparts and a rounded, dark tail.

Plumage Notes

Both sexes show similar mottled plumage, though males have slightly more developed neck sacs and eye combs, most visible during lek displays in spring. Females are marginally duller and lack the inflatable neck sacs. Juveniles resemble adults but with softer patterning until their first full molt.

Habitat & Range

Sharp-tailed Grouse inhabit native prairie, brushland, open woodland, and boreal forest transition zones across the northern Great Plains of the United States and Canada, extending into parts of Alaska. They are generally non-migratory, though flocks may shift locally in response to food and cover availability.

Behavior

Sharp-tailed Grouse forage on the ground for seeds, buds, berries, and invertebrates, gathering in flocks outside the breeding season. Males perform an elaborate communal courtship display on traditional lek grounds, involving rapid foot-stamping, tail rattling, and cooing calls while inflating purple neck sacs. Nests are ground scrapes concealed in grass or shrub cover.